Two Way Prayer
Wednesday, Christmas Day 2024, 9:44 am
God,
I thank you that in You, I find sweet sleep.
In you, I find rest.
In Your presence is the fullness of joy, and In the present I rest. Peace. Shalom. Peace. Shalom.
Two Way Prayer Reflections
As soon as this two-way prayer began, it ended.
After dictating these three sentences, I found myself interrupted—waking up to someone reading nearly 15 minutes later. I was tired, and in a sacred space filled with soft music and where several were gathered, I rested. I slept.
This is how I began my Christmas morning: finding peace in stillness and rest, even in a space filled with others. Though I normally wake at 3 or 4 pm after working night shifts, today was different. I was eager to unwrap the gifts of the day—not just physical presents, but the gift of presence.
This year, the greatest gift was love expressed through connection. Who would reach out to show love today? For myself, I gifted a trip to Cancun, which I extended while there. It was delicious—joy wrapped in spontaneity.
I am loved.
I woke up at 1 pm, checked my messages, went grocery shopping, cooked a delicious curry chicken with broccoli (though not spicy enough), and drove to work on streets far quieter than I’m accustomed to seeing.
This is my first Christmas working on night shift—a decision I’ve made with gratitude but also resolve. As much as I’ve appreciated the lessons of this season, I’ve realized it’s time to move forward. My body no longer feels like my own, and I’m ready to surrender to a new challenge. I’m choosing to realign my life with my values and vision for myself, knowing this path no longer serves me.
God, I thank You.
I thank You that I reserve the right to change my mind.
I thank You that I am happy, healthy, healing, whole, and well.
I thank You that with You, there’s nothing in this world I cannot do.
Thank You for vision, for sight, for hearing, for knowing. And though I don’t always want to, thank You for feeling. Thank You for giving me the courage to feel my feelings so I can heal them.
As I rest in Your presence, I am reminded: Peace. Shalom. Peace. Shalom. Thank You for Your divine guidance, Your perfect love, and Your unending provision. And so it is. It is already done! It is done already!
What Did I Reflect on Last Christmas?
Last year, I made the bold decision to stay home and celebrate Christmas alone—a choice that was both intentional and deeply meaningful. It was a season of reflection, rest, and reconnecting with God in stillness.
Curious about what that experience taught me? You can read all about it here: The Miracle of Choosing Solitude: A Reflection on Christmas.
Every Christmas brings new lessons, and as I reflect on this year’s journey of connection and rest, I’m reminded of how each season shapes us in God’s perfect peace. What did this Christmas teach you? I’d love to hear your reflections.
