If I Should Die Before I Wake by Melissa Somoza

On a World War I poster advertising Government Bonds, the prayer was written in this way: This prayer has become a part of human history, being shortened, lengthened and adapted to various circumstances and seasons. Instead of looking to the LORD, God’s people choose to look to a human being, albeit a king, for answers and security, which is beyond any king’s capability to secure in comparison to the One True God. David wrote Psalm 4 about throwing false security, and even blame for circumstances beyond a king’s control, on the king (NIV Study Bible).

This prayer has many notable influences from Psalm 4, perhaps from the influence of Addison’s upbringing. His literary fame was perhaps launched in 1704 by a poem he was given the opportunity to write, “The Campaign,” which commemorated the WWI battle, “Battle of Blenheim.” With many dire straights littering the landscape of his country, the world, and his personal life, I personally wonder if the prayer was a common heart cry of his own to God. Written in The Spectator by Joseph Addison:Īddison, son of a reverend and a literary presence and politician in England, co-founded The Spectator magazine. Shortened from the classic 18th Century prayer, “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” has been traced as far back as 1711. Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Romolo Tavani

Historically, this prayer has also been adapted from another prayer and nursery rhyme called the “Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John,” or the “Black Paternoster:” However, longer versions of this prayer exist, originating in the 17th century, like the following: The version of this prayer most of us are familiar with reads: Photo Credit: © Getty Images/Prostock Studio This popular prayer reminds us to “pray continually,” trusting our souls and our lives into the hands of our Good Father as we sleep each night.

If I Should Die Before I Wake by Melissa Somoza