Wednesday, January 13, 2010

St. Thérèse on falling asleep at prayer

The fact that I often fall asleep during meditation, or while making my thanksgiving, should appall me. Well, I am not appalled; I bear in mind that little children are just as pleasing to their parents asleep as awake; that doctors put patients to sleep while they perform operations, and that after all, "the Lord knows our frame. He remembers that we are dust."


I never argue with a saint. :)

7 comments:

Pam H. said...

I remember that quote from St. Therese. As long as we would rather we could stay awake at prayers rather than fall asleep in the midst of them, we can be sure we're not being slovenly about giving to God what is God's. (I expect you fit the former category.)

At least the thunderclap didn't waken you earlier than 5!

Rachel said...

True, and I should structure my life in such a way that I'm not dead tired when it's time to pray... Someone suggested praying for help to stay awake, which is a good idea.

JimAroo said...

Why have I heard this saintly quote more often in the last three years than any other quote????

Rachel said...

So, you've heard of it but neglected to tell your Ignatian class? Hmmmm....

Mary N. said...

Oh, good! Because I have been falling asleep during my rosary at night. I won't argue with a saint, either. Actually, I'll even let her finish it for me :)

Rachel said...

I know at least one other person who falls asleep to the Rosary every night... like counting sheep, but better. :)

Pam H. said...

The way we've gotten our kids to go to sleep when they didn't want to was to pray the Rosary out loud. It does work very well....