A number of years ago, the Center for Renewal (where we served for almost 30 years) began opening its facility to pastors and ministry leaders for a day apart. I would meet with the person at the beginning of their day, hear their concerns, hopes and dreams for the day, and then pray for them. I would reconnect one or two times during the day, hearing from them what God was doing and saying. Early on in that process I was surprised at often finding the pastors asleep when I would come to meet with them. They had so been looking forward to spending the time with the Lord. Looking back I wonder why I was surprised. As a culture, we are all totally exhausted. Whether we are in a 24/7 business or a ministry than never stops, we are exhausted. And when people come on one of these days apart, they often need to be given permission to take a nap.
That is where napcio divina comes in. Just as lectio divina is a way of bringing God into all of our reading and visio divina is a way of bringing him into the visual arts, napcio divina is a way of napping in God’s presence.
Simple Steps
This is ridiculously simple:
- Give yourself permission to stop and nap.
- Lay down on a comfortable couch or bed
- Close your eyes
- Invite Jesus to be with you as you nap
Do you think we can do this? Step 1 is the most difficult. It is the only spiritual discipline of which I am a master (and my wife heartily agrees!).