COLUMN: Grey Matters – The spiritual discipline of waking

“The first chirps of the waking birds mark the “point vierge” of dawn under a sky as yet without real light, a moment of awe and inexpressible innocence, when the Father in perfect silence opens their eyes. They begin to speak to Him, not with fluent song, but with an awakening question that is their dawn state, their state at the “point vierge.” Their condition asks if it is time for them to “be.” He answers “yes.” Then, they one by one wake up, and become birds. They manifest themselves as birds, beginning to sing. Presently they will be fully themselves, and will even fly. Meanwhile, the most wonderful moment of the day is that when creation in its innocence asks permission to “be” once again, as it did on the first morning that ever was.” -Thomas Merton

I have a confession – I am not a morning person. I’m not even a night owl. I’m a midday person. Some people lose their energy flow in the afternoon – that is usually when I get going. However, there are a few times in the year (i.e. camping) when I wake early. Waking early can be a valuable spiritual discipline because it allows us to begin the day with a sense of peace, purpose, and attentiveness to God. Before the demands of work, family, and responsibilities begin to compete for our attention, the quietness of the morning provides an opportunity for prayer, reflection, and reading Scripture.

Many believers throughout history have found that the early hours create space to hear God’s voice more clearly and to dedicate the day to His service. I think that is what Trappist monk and mystic Thomas Merton is getting at when he talks about “point vierge” (French for “virgin point”). A time and place where our hidden selves, our soul, is in a state where it can better connect to God, unaffected by personal ego and the distractions of the day.

There is also something about the beauty of the morning itself that nurtures spiritual growth. Watching the sunrise, listening to birdsong, or simply enjoying the stillness of a new day reminds us of God’s faithfulness and creativity (see last week’s article ‘This is the Day’). Ask yourself: “How do I feel when I wake up? Where is my focus in the morning? Do I see the day as a fresh gift from the Creator? Could it be better?”

Taking a few moments to appreciate God’s creation can awaken a sense of wonder and help us begin the day with thankfulness. As we slow down and observe God’s beautiful handiwork around us, our hearts become more receptive to God’s presence and direction in our own lives. The challenge for people like me who are not ‘morning people’ is to see if we can improve our outlook, and just maybe, once in a while, get up before dawn with a hot cup of coffee in our hand and find a place to see the sunrise and listen to the growing chorus of the birds starting their day.

If you’d like to try it, you could bring this prayer from St. Patrick below and the quotation from Thomas Merton above to be part of your early morning liturgy:

I arise today

Through the strength of heaven:

Light of sun,

Radiance of moon,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of wind,

Depth of sea,

Stability of Earth,

Firmness of rock.

Gary Dyck is a chaplain and spiritual care provider at a hospital and personal care home in the Southeast.