Saint FrancisPeace and Good
Before sleep — arte sacra do acervo franciscano do portal
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Prayers for every day · 076

Choose one small gesture · Before sleep

A simple prayer to choose one small gesture, within the small chapel “Before sleep.”

3 minutes readOriginal prayer by the portal

Choose one small gesture

Some days call for few words and a quiet place to set them down. This prayer belongs to the small chapel “Before sleep.” Read slowly and let one sentence accompany you.

Prayers for every day

Choose one small gesture · Before sleep

Lord, here I am before you, bringing this day as it truly is.

Today I place this path in your hands: before sleep.

Show me the small good I can do before this day ends.

May my prayer become care for someone and peace wherever I am.

Through Jesus, our brother and Lord. Amen.

A gesture for today

Carry one sentence with you

  1. Take three unhurried breaths.
  2. Choose one line from the prayer and repeat it during the day.
  3. Offer one concrete act of care without seeking recognition.

To remain a little longer

God also dwells in small things

You do not need to solve everything now. In “before sleep,” offer only the next possible step. Francis called creatures sisters and brothers because he learned to receive life as relationship, not possession. Let this prayer return you to what is simple, true, and near.