Even though I wasn't snoring, my wife hit me in the ribs with her elbow and hissed for me to wake up! With all the dignity I could summon, I whispered that I had not been asleep but was having a spiritual moment with God. He and I had been having a silent conversation, a dialogue that she had interrupted!
She gave me a look that spoke volumes and didn't bother to reply, but continued to listen to the preacher and his Sunday morning sermon. I've devoted a lot of time and study into this matter of nodding off in church! It's something that happens to everyone occasionally; some more than others.
Even the Apostle Paul had problems with folks falling asleep during his preaching. While he was speaking to the citizens of various towns and villages in Greece , he stayed for a week in the seaport city of Troas where he spoke to the people. He preached all day each day he was there. When his stay was ending, because he was leaving the next day he preached until midnight .
Acts 20:8-9 (NIV) "There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. Seated in a window was a young man named Eutychus who was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. When he was sound asleep, he fell to the ground from the third story and was picked up dead."
The story doesn't end there. Paul went down to the man, threw himself on him, wrapped him in his arms and told the crowd not to be alarmed. "He's alive!" he cried. Then he went back upstairs broke bread and ate, then continued talking until daylight. This is a story I can understand and emphasize with the young fellow who had dozed off in mid-message.
I believe that God has selected me for special duty during our preacher's message to his flock. My level of attentiveness to a sermon is a barometer of how well that sermon is being received. I feel it's my responsibility to allow my mind and body to relax and enjoy the worship experience to its fullest, even nodding off if the occasion demands.
I've reported to my pastor on several occasions that his sermon was so good I stayed awake during the entire message! Unfortunately I've also have had to tell him a couple of times that he started well, but lost me near the end.
My own form of reverence comes from my brain shutting out all forms of outside interruption and allowing me to more closely bond with God. My wife's not buying this explanation for my momentary lapses of consciousness, even though I think it's a pretty good answer, and somewhat truthful.
There are two kinds of sermons: Those that are inspired by God and those inspired by the preacher himself. I don't admit to being righteous enough to always discern the difference, but sometimes there's no doubt as to whom was behind the message. When my heart believes the sermon is inspired by the Creator Himself, I have no trouble being attentive and not get the least bit drowsy! I have this triggering mechanism that make eyelids heavy and my breathing slower when I perceive that God has left the premises.
We're abundantly blessed by silver tongue orators who can sound like they've just come from God himself and He's anointed them to single handedly run the devil back to hell where he belongs. Somehow the smoother the speaker the harder it is to stay awake. It's almost painful! I've had to pinch myself, wiggle my toes and fingers, open my eyes as wide as possible, slide my foot out of my shoe and stomp on it in hard in order to keep awake!
Many folks wander around aimlessly, trying desperately to discover what God wants them to do. I'm blessed because I know that when I doze in church, I'm doing God's work. I know my pastor appreciates me having this heavenly gift!
Bob, this was great!! I loved that you included the story in Acts. I love that story--it amazes me how Paul delt with the situation and went on preaching. I'm sure God knew we would need that story to use as a defense someday and it's why it was included in the book of Acts! Although, i'm thinking you are having a little too much fun using it for justification. lol! Loved the story, very refreshing, funny and honest. Again, great job! Teresa
Hi Teresa, It's a good thing that God has a sense of humor isn't it. I know that's true because some of the things that have happened to me. They way they came about had to be from Him because no one else could orchestrate such events. Thanks for the comment.
I am so glad you shed the light for me on the snoozing gift! I know that when I snore during the message I am told to go check my sugar or I am asked a myriad of questions. LOL. Thank you for the story in Acts, I don't know if I could handle a situation of this magnitude. I would most likely cry while calling 911. Then pray. God bless you.
Michelle, Thanks for the comments. Us older folks usually have a lot medications flowing through their bodies which makes attentiveness more difficult.
Bob, that was an outstanding article. You had me laughing all the way through it. And I'm a pastor! I've entertained the thought of using cattle prods or wiring electric alarms to the seats, with flashing lights and blowing whistles... But, now, I must admit, you have enlightened me. Sleeping in church is a spiritual gift and one that the pastor should not take lightly. I wonder what would happen if I asked the congregation to all close their eyes and rest this Sunday morning? Hmmm. They might actually come into His presence and find real peace. Thanks Bob.
Hi Mark, I'm glad you like the story. It's good that I now have confirmation that sleeping in church is a spiritual gift. I'm not sure how that got left out of the Bible, but if we look hard enough we'll probably find it. I'll bet it's in the same chapter as "You can lead a horse to water,".
hey Bob my comment disappeared :( Anyway I can log in now phew, in case you didn't see it , I mentioned letting your Pastor know about Individual Learning styles which teachers accommodate in order to maintain the attention of their class. Ie, avoids sending the congregation to sleep.
Anyway good fun article, glad you found your calling.
Hi, Bob, good article. I like the 15-minute homilies some churches have. They cover the same gritty material in half the time. I won't say more now becaue last night I dreamed I was looking for a new church and all they wanted to know was my age! All the best to you, and happy listening/snoozing.
» left by Jane Bullard (117 days 5 hours ago.)
Bob, it's a deal: i don't want to know your age either, and hope that your church building does not have hordes of adoptable puppies running around, as in my dream--a source now for psychological inquiry by someone. All the best, Jane
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