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by Ruth O’Neil
While it may be difficult to see if you’re looking at the world, the Holy Spirit is alive and well and working hard. If you want to see where the Holy Spirit is working, simply look to your own life. Several years ago I began to have difficulty sleeping through the night. I did think it was a problem at first, but then realized it was not a problem at all; it was, and continues to be, the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. Throughout my day there are so many interruptions that significant prayer time is almost impossible. However, at night, there are no distractions and I can pray for as long as necessary.
Maybe this has happened to you and are awake for what seems to be no reason at all. You can choose to toss and turn all night or do what God has probably awakened you to do in the first place! Pray! Psalm 16:7 says, “I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.” (NIV) That heart instruction is the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Now, when I am awake in the middle of the night, unable to sleep, is my prayer time. I pray for everyone who comes to my mind. Once in a while, I am able to call one of the friends who was heavy on my heart and they confirm that they did in fact need prayer.
God instructs our hearts, even during the night hours, in many things, prayer is just one of them. We must not ignore God’s call to us. He calls to us often during the day, but sometimes there is so much commotion around us that He needs to wait until the noise settles. It is hard to be paying attention to the still small voice of God when our two-year-old has just flushed a squirt gun down the toilet…again! Most of the time that necessary quiet only comes in the middle of the night.
Next time you wake up during the night, ask God to speak to your heart about who needs prayer. Keep on praying until you fall asleep again. You may never know what good your prayers have done, but on the other hand you could also find out your prayers really made a difference.
There may be something personal in your life you have committed to pray about for a time. If you have asked God to remind you, He will and often times it’s in the middle of the night. Whatever the reason you are awake, pray and allow Him to speak to your heart during the quiet midnight hours.
About the Author:
Ruth O’Neil has been writing for over 20 years. She has published hundreds of articles in numerous publications. She loves to touch the emotions when she writes. “If I can make one person laugh or cry, I’ll consider myself successful.” Her first novel “Come Eat at My Table” has just come out in ebook form and can be purchased on her website. She homeschools her three children (well, one now, as two have graduated). She and her husband have been married for 20-plus years. In her spare time she enjoys quilting, crafting, and reading. You can visit her on her blog at ruths-real-life (dot)blogspot.com or her website at ruthoneil (dot)weebly.com
