Falling Asleep During Prayer

[berb]

This happens to me a lot during "before bed" prayer - I fall asleep. It's really annoying. I've tried praying early and while I still have lots of energy but I still fall asleep. I used to struggle with sleepiness while listening to sermons. Before church I was wide awake, during the sermon I would get extremely drowsy and sometimes fall asleep. Then after church I was wide awake again and couldn't nap even if I tried. Thank God I don't do that anymore, it's only with prayer now.

 

[lonnienord]

praise GOD what a great time to fall asleep please don't let it worry you it certainly doesn't bother GOD!! i just hope you wake up praying. Make a concious effort to say good morning to GOD before you get out of bed then talk to HIM as frequantly during the day as you can!! and go to sleep in HIS loving arms!!

 

[madison1101]

When my knees were good, I would kneel beside my bed to pray, but now, I try to speak my prayers out loud, and then I ask the Lord to snuggle with me and hold me close as I drift off to sleep.

 

[ConstanceB]

If tired, I fell asleep; if energetic, I couldn't stay focused.

Praying aloud. It seemed quite strange at first, but couldn't sound more natural now. I don't lose track of my thoughts.

Praying fervently. Being a worrier, I'd get so anxious about where my kids were, driving the freeway, terrorism. I have much more peace now, lifting those concerns aloud. I ask God to send warrior angels, or ministering angels, or protecting angels, whatever, to shield and lead. "Fervent prayer" sounded like begging to me; I accept now that it is lifting every concern, as the worry or prompt arises.

Pattern prayers. The Lord's Prayer or any repetitive prayer seemed empty to me. When introduced to "The Prayer of Jabez," I was so moved. If you compare them, they are quite similar. I use the phrase as it is in my Bible, but visualize my request in its possibilities and speak it, too. When I'm very fatigued, I take a section of Scripture and ask God to accept it as my prayer. Many Psalms are written in a prayer form; other verses that especially touch you may need to be changed to first person ("me" and "I").

"Close your eyes & fold your hands -- not." I typically don't close my eyes. I don't want to risk accidentally intruding on someone's space. One pastor suggested that we need to see and address with God's help the effect our words are having on the person we're praying for.

When I'm undone . . . I take such comfort in Scripture reminding me that God knows "we are like the grass", that we are weak and short-lived. I sometimes ask the Holy Spirit to "interpret my groanings" to my Heavenly Father. I just ask to be held and supported by Him, with His head bent to rest against the top of my head.

 

[goliwog]

when I pray I stand up for this reason try standing and holding a bible whilst you pray ... also I see people in the prayer forum typing thier prayers ... If you want you can always write them down ... But on the other hand it would be awesome to fall asleep with God on your mind ... dont you think ?

 

[heron]

Good suggestions. I pray much better walking. Singing and speaking my prayers really help me get involved, but I chicken out with a house full of people. And I try to pray for people at church while I'm at church...pray for random people as I drive through neighborhoods...this has helped me stay focused and responsible in the kingdom.

I even get up once in a while in church, pretending to need a drink so I can pace a little in prayer. It's probably a low blood pressure thing or whatever, that some of us need movement to stay focused. I also take notes during the sermon to help me stay focused. Joining things like worship music groups allows you to move around during church. I'm not normally a fidgety person, but I'm not a good audience.

 

[lonnienord]

whatever works best do the important thing is to pray. Pray often!!
JESUS loves you and wants to talk with you!!

 

[berb]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! The reason why I find it so annoying is because I haven't finished praying yet. Maybe it's God's way of saying, "OK, can it now and go to sleep." lol, just kidding.

 

[Godsgirl481]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! The reason why I find it so annoying is because I haven't finished praying yet. Maybe it's God's way of saying, "OK, can it now and go to sleep." lol, just kidding.

Wow, a never ending prayer....that has to be cool

 

[Flynmonkie]

I used to get drowsy in during sermons...until I changed churchs!

But seriously though, have you ever thought that this is another one of Satans tricks? I believe this to be true. I fall asleep praying and it bothered me so much I finally said God....If I fall asleep remind me in the morning and we will finish our talk. That unfortunatly happens so often it truly has become a day long thing for me. I talk to God all the time now. Praying does not have to be on your knees only (I seem to take that position when I am extremly humbled by something or in need of serious quick assistance he he....like this makes a difference to God!>!>!) It can be in the car, while your getting ready in the morning, working out, standing in line at the grocery store.....ANYWHERE! One thing as Christians, no matter how we talk to him is of unimportance to Him, its just that we do. He tells us in scripture --He knows your hearts intent....right?

guilt has no place in your relationship with God....do not let this become the root of it.....just work it out with Him!

 

[one 4 Christ]

This happens to me a lot during "before bed" prayer - I fall asleep. It's really annoying. .

I can understand what you are going through. This has happened to me once or twice. Especailly when I feel like I am going to get sick. See when my stomach is not well I take medicine for that then I sit up, put a low wattage light on and read the bible. As the medicine "kicks - in" my eyes get drowsy. That is when I pray and I do so. It is then the I have been known to "drift off". I try to wake myself up and tell the Lord that I am sorry then drift back off.
I will pray for you and God Bless!

 

[ArmouredSaint]

read a book by a saint that said his guardian angel finished his prayers when he did not.makes sense to me.

 

[Galadriel]

I've done this too. I personally haven't yet felt comfortable praying aloud, and I guess for me its like a thought stream or something and its just easier, but yea this can also make it easier to fall asleep too! I try to pray also sometimes through the day. That may be good for you too because you don't feel like its just that one time of the day that you have to cram it all in.

 

[Ave Maria]

When my knees were good, I would kneel beside my bed to pray, but now, I try to speak my prayers out loud, and then I ask the Lord to snuggle with me and hold me close as I drift off to sleep.

One thing I have found that helps is to pray sitting up in bed. It's kind of hard to fall asleep while sitting up. At least it is for me. Anyway, I wouldn't worry too much about fallling asleep while praying. I do it sometimes myself and it is the best way to fall asleep! My main problem is with my mind difting off as I get sleepier and then my prayers go way off topic and into day dreaming and that really frustrates me.