Sleep Awareness Week is celebrated annually in early March.
If the Lord does not build the house,
in vain do its builders labor.
If the Lord does not watch over the city,
in vain does the watchman keep vigil.
In vain is your earlier rising,
your going later to rest,
you who toil for the bread you eat,
when God pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.
(Psalm 127: 1-2)
God of day and God of night,
all our hours are under your watchful care and compassion.
In your wisdom you created day for our labor
and night for giving ourselves over to trustful rest in you.
Even our slumber serves your great purposes,
restoring our worn bodies and refreshing our spirits in their hunger for you.
Gift all our hours and days with your constant presence.
Show us that you watch over us whether we are awake or at rest,
especially when we rest while trusting in you.
You are God, you care for us,
and for this we give you full thanks,
now and forever.
Amen.