We Need, Right Now, More Bedtime Prayers

Ps. 4:5

I’m sure I’m not the only one dealing with sleep stress during these difficult nights and days, and in my case, it’s not just the jetlag.

These are terrifying times with the nightmares not waiting for the sun to set. Many people spent last night literally sleepless with worry, in shelters, glued to screens.

With so much discord and so many dangers and distractions - and on ordinary nights that one day, we believe, will return — what might help us go to sleep with more ease, with our without whatever kind of medication or natural aids?

Way pre sleeping pills, with wars already ripping us apart, poets came up with remedies, and some of them include the use of music.

This is likely what’s happening in today’s chapter which might just be a biblical lullaby.  We need whatever we’ll get.

PSLAM #4 opens with the first of many musical instructions, a notation that most scholars think means this was a composition for at least one instrument, or even more. The opening words ““For the leader (la-menatzei’ach), with instrumental music (bi-neginot), a psalm of David” leaves us to imagine what the original score may have been, but based on the rest of the poem that keeps going back to sleep related themes - perhaps it was a lullaby or a hymn reserved for after hours. 

Back in the day, just like today, falling asleep was not so easy, and one of the phrases from this chapter would become the basis for the,  Jewish bedtime S’hma prayer - a helpful tool for ending each day with mindfulness and ease. 

When I was a little kid I had to memorize this prayer, which is quite long - and some of the sentiments in it were quite meaningful. but I remember pondering the meaning of these words, which apparently have intrigued many generations of readers:

רִגְז֗וּ וְֽאַל־תֶּ֫חֱטָ֥אוּ אִמְר֣וּ בִ֭לְבַבְכֶם עַֽל־מִשְׁכַּבְכֶ֗ם וְדֹ֣מּוּ סֶֽלָה׃

So tremble, and transgress no more;

ponder this on your bed, and be still. 

Ps. 4:5

The word ‘tremble’ sometimes translated as ‘quake’, or ‘rage’ attempts to make sense of the Hebrew ‘Rigzu’ which does have several meanings. Most understand this sentiment as - even as angry thoughts will rise within you, keep it in your heart rather than act on your anger and hurt others, and when you go to bed, review what’s on your mind, and let it be. 

It’s great advice even if not always so easy to act on. 

One of the Talmudic sages used this line to be the basis of the bedtime prayer, expanding the evening liturgy from the public synagogue - to the private domain of one’s bed: 

“Rabbi Yehoshua ben Levi said: Even though one recited Shema in the synagogue, it is a commandment to recite it again upon one’s bed in fulfillment of the verse from the Torah: “Recite these words..When you lie down.” Rabbi Yosei said: What verse alludes to the fact that one must recite Shema in the evening, upon one’s bed, as well? “Tremble, and do not transgress; speak to your heart upon your bed and be still.” (Psalms 4:5). 

There are several contemplative Jewish practices that have emerged over the generations, including the bedtime prayer of confession, forgiveness, personal accounting for the day’s behavior, and mindfulness to help us let go and go to sleep.  In Christian context, nighttime prayers are also important, and for at least a few traditions, including the Benedictine  order, today’s chapter serves as an important foundation today. The Polish composer Grzegorz Gorczycki (1665-1734) known as  “The Polish Handel”, is well known for his rendition of this chapter, from the night prayers, Completorium - Cum invocarem.  

As a kid I knew nothing about Christian prayers but I did get - who knows how - a copy of the comic book Dennis the Menace in which the kid knelt next to his bed to talk with God before sleeping.  Go figure - but this was likely an early inspiration for interfaith dialogue that I’d cultivate as an adult - and also taught me about the value and practice of prayer - beyond the Jewish context of my upbringing. 

Whatever helps you go to sleep these nights, this poem reinforces the reality of our anxieties and how useful it is to have a practice with which to wrap each day and put our minds, if possible, at ease.

This chapter ends with an aspiration recipe for a good night's sleep, based on faith. 

בְּשָׁל֣וֹם יַחְדָּו֮ אֶשְׁכְּבָ֢ה וְאִ֫ישָׁ֥ן כִּֽי־אַתָּ֣ה יְהֹוָ֣ה לְבָדָ֑ד לָ֝בֶ֗טַח תּֽוֹשִׁיבֵֽנִי׃ 

“Safe and sound, I lie down and sleep,

I’m not alone, because You, God, keep me secure.^-

Ps. 4:9

How can this be a helpful tool for those of us who may be struggling not just with sleep but also with faith? 

 Perhaps that’s where meditative practices, white noise machines, soothing music or lullabies can help. 

Or comic books? Whatever works.  Sweet dreams.

May our days and nights, everywhere, be blessed with rest, healing, hope, and peace.

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