Have you ever not been able to sleep at night? I mean, REALLY not been able to sleep? Or when you do finally fall asleep, at some point you are awakened with a lightning bolt running through you -- a dread and anxiety that shakes you to your core? Have you ever hated the dusk because you knew it meant impending darkness followed by bed time and that only meant more stomach churning? I have. And this side of a lot of drugs … I believe there is only one cure…prayer. 

I never knew how powerful the rosary or the Sacred Heart of Jesus was until I truly needed them.

The Rosary Clutch and Hiding in the Sacred Heart of Jesus are beautiful gifts given to us to fight off all the worries and woes this world can throw at us. 

What do I mean? 

Well... the Rosary Clutch (named by my friend Linda) is the term for sleeping with your rosary wrapped around your hand so that when and if you awaken (a euphemism for the jolt that nearly knocks me out of my bed) you can immediately start saying the Hail Mary and picturing yourself in the Blessed Mother’s beautiful, strong arms. Contemplating Mary rocking you back to sleep, (a bit like a sculpture of a Pieta, only it is you placed in her arms) surrounded by angels and saints will bring you beautiful and lasting peace. Ahhhh... sleep at last. 

Hiding in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, picturing yourself being invited into His side and closing yourself into His Holy and most Sacred Heart, where nothing can bother you-- not fear, nor thought of anything other than Him and His deep, deep love for you-- is another place to run to in time of need. This works very well...day or night. 

One of my absolute favorite prayers uses this imagery. 

“Lord, enfold me in the depths of Your heart;

and there hold me, refine, purge and set me on fire, 

raise me aloft, until my own self knows utter annihilation.”

-Pierre Teilhard de Chardin SJ

And another of my favorite prayers from a powerful heavenly intercessor also helps me sleep.

Let nothing disturb you,

Let nothing frighten you,

All things are passing away:

God never changes.

Patience obtains all things

Whoever has God lacks nothing;

God alone suffices. 

--St. Teresa of Avila 

Dear Lord, 

You know my anxious thoughts and the troubles that plague me when I cannot sleep. Please don’t allow me to dwell on them, but on You alone. Thank You for giving us your beautiful and powerful Mother who always comes to our aid when we call upon her. And thank You for inviting us into Your Sacred Heart where we can find rest and peace for our weary souls. Please let us fall more deeply in love with You and “close ourselves in” and sit awhile with You...the most wonderful and secure place to be. A door to heaven is Your Sacred Heart. Grant us the grace to always run to the Blessed Mother and to hide in You in times of trouble, need or just because. 

I ask this in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen