(Response to 2.S.1 Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh: Sacred scriptural quotes Forum, presented by Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh)
A true Sikh, our text says, ‘shall rise in the early hours of the morning and meditate upon God’s name’, an exhortation that echoes strongly with those of Islam and Christian monastic life. I would like to add two comments.
First, the discipline to limit sleep in order to rise early, even while it is still dark, to pray is one that grows slowly. Sudden deprivation of sleep can bring other problems, not least a sense of exhaustion half way through the working day. It is possible for some to reduce sleep, but done slowly ensures the body adjusts .
Early morning while still dark, I find is a wonderful time to pray, because it is quiet, there is nothing to distract one’s gaze and, given fidelity to a pattern of sleep, it is a time when the mind can focus and the Word can be pondered, even ‘munched’ to use a medieval monastic image. Some of the time this prayer may be with others, some for private reading of scriptures, some for silent meditation, some even for the slow reading of texts by spiritual authors; each will find his/her ideal pattern which may change from time to time.
In a busy family life this may be difficult to attain, even undesirable given the priority that should be given to the family. Though mothers may wake during the night and use some of the time for a short prayer. Those who suffer insomnia may find prayer difficult, precisely because their mood is not focused enough; hopefully they would be reassured to know there is no ‘wrong’ time to pray. God is able to penetrate human feelings and focus on the deeper desire.
The second comment: is addressed to those who work during the night. Like those working during the day the discipline of remembering God is important. All believers will find ways to ensure that their work is a form of partnership with the creating God, however described. What is important for people of faith is that God’s presence is near at hand, always guiding, affirming and ready to forgive.
