This Large Family Mother's Personal Daily Bible Study - Bed Time Reading

Every night when I lie down to sleep my mind is always still whirring along at a fast pace reflecting on the day, or thinking about the next day... or our entire future *laugh*, no matter how tired I am.  So, like my morning times when I read God's Word the Bible, I need to focus my mind back to the Lord - on purpose.  

It hasn't served me well to fall asleep worrying about things, or feeling disappointed, anxious, or stressed, because that has usually caused my night time to be filled with those same thoughts or dreams.  So I like to have a little book on my nightstand that draws my thoughts to the Lord once again at the end of the day, and not only for that night but one which draws me closer to Him in general.

In addition to Scripture there is some really wonderful reading material out there which can so enrich our understanding of the Lord.  I'm not talking about store-bought Bible study workbooks, but just simple, short, one page to be read at a time prayer or devotional books.  Reading material that gives my mind a scriptural message to think on while I fall asleep.  Through books like these I have learned how deeply my Heavenly Father loves me, and I've learned to pray, how to think more Christ-centered, and how to rest in Him.  The Lord has brought several of these little books to my night stand over the years, usually from my wonderful mother, and I always keep one at a time right on top of my night stand together with my Bible.  I read my Bible in the morning, and I read a prayer or devotional book before falling asleep at night.

I can recommend 5 books  to you (each of which are $10-14 new) that are great for use in those few minutes before bed.  There are many more available which you can browse at a local Christian book  store, but these are the ones I have owned.  And I don't just read them once, I read and re-read them (and re-read them).

The first book, His Princess - Love Letters from Your King, by Sheri Rose Shepherd, has been on my night stand for about 6 years, and I have read it through over and over again, one page at a time.  When I reach the end of the book I simply go back to the beginning and begin it again.  Here is the reason why.  

For about the first 34 years of my life I did not know that the Lord really loved me.  I mean I knew it in principle, but I did not really know and believe it.  I had given Him my life, and I sought to obey Him, but I did not feel loved by Him...and I did not really love Him in return because I did not understand Him.  This book of love letters from my King, written to me personally and using scripture, has so touched my heart every single night for 6 years.  (And just FYI, there's a book for little girls, too, called His Little Princess!)

The next bedtime book I have read and re-read is, The Power of a Praying Wife, by Stormie Omartian.  This a high quality book, and it has really taught me how to pray for my husband.  The book includes sample prayers for thirty different areas of our husbands lives.  I can't recommend it highly enough.

Another book by Stormie Omartian is The Power of a Praying Parent.  Again, a huge tool in helping me learn how to pray for our children, including sample prayers on thirty different areas of their lives.

These next two books are ones my mother has given me as well, and my mother is a very wise, strong Christian woman who is very close to the Lord.  When she finds a powerful prayer or devotional book she often buys me a copy, too.  *smile*  I haven't actually finished these next two books yet because I've been so ministered to by the Love Letters book that I haven't picked up these next books yet.  *laugh*  But I look forward to reading more.

Diamonds in the Dust, by Joni Eareckson Tada, is a best selling book.  Here's a short description.

"These 366 meditations uncover a wealth of promise, of eternal truths waiting to transform the events of our lives into facets that catch and reflect God's glory.  Written from the perspective of a woman who traverses life in a wheelchair, this book wipes away the surface grit of suffering and circumstances to reveal the radiant hope that each of us can claim."

My mom gave me this book to minister to my heart when I was in difficult circumstances and suffering.  I needed to be able to look past that.  Not to pretend difficult things don't happen, but to find hope during those times when I had none.  To feel and know God's presence, and to learn His promises for me.  I needed to find "diamonds in the dust."

The fifth book I'll recommend is called Jesus Calling, by missionary Sarah Young.  Here is a short description.

"In these powerful pages are the words and scriptures Jesus lovingly laid on her heart.  Words of reassurance, comfort, hope.  Words that have made her constantly aware of His Presence and allowed her to enjoy His Peace. 

     Jesus is calling out to you in the same way.  Maybe you share the author's need for a greater sense of 'God within you.' Or perhaps Jesus seems distant without you knowing why.  Or maybe you have wandered farther from Him than you ever imagined you would.  Here is a year's worth of daily readings from Young's journals to bring you closer to Christ and move your time with Him from a monologue to a dialogue.
      Each day is written as if Jesus Himself were speaking to you.  Because He is. Do you hear Him calling?"

I desperately need to feel God's presence with me.  *smile*  I need to know that I'm never alone, and to feel and see His participation in my life.  This brings me peace through out my days, and in trials.  I love how this book, like the first one I shared, His Princess, is written as a letter to me personally. 

These devotional and prayer books should not take the place of reading God's Word itself, but they are still valuable in my opinion, and from my experience.  God's Word is my first priority and the way to begin my day; and these types of books are a way to end my day with my mind again focused on Christ.

Of course I do love to read other books as well at night when I have time, so sometimes I keep other books on my night stand such as ones from the Recommended Books list on our blog home page.  But I currently rarely have time to read at night, except for these little devotional and prayer books - but those few minutes spent before sleep have so impacted my life and my "walk" with the Lord. 

Blessings on your relationship with the Lord, and on your sleep,

You may also be interested in reading my posts:

This Large Family Mother's Personal Daily Bible Study - at Home

Personal Bible Study - Learning to Hear From the Lord

Sleep Better - How to Make Your Bedroom a Better Place to Re-Charge