Topical Encyclopedia A vigil, in the Christian tradition, refers to a period of purposeful wakefulness, often involving prayer, meditation, and reflection, typically conducted during the night or the early hours of the morning. This practice is rooted in the biblical call to watchfulness and spiritual alertness, as believers are encouraged to remain vigilant in their faith and devotion.Biblical Basis The concept of a vigil is deeply embedded in Scripture, where believers are frequently admonished to remain watchful and prayerful. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus instructs His disciples, "Stay here and keep watch with Me" (Matthew 26:38). This moment underscores the importance of spiritual vigilance, especially during times of trial and temptation. The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the need for spiritual alertness, writing to the Thessalonians, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober" (1 Thessalonians 5:6). This call to wakefulness is not merely physical but spiritual, urging believers to be attentive to the movements of the Holy Spirit and the return of Christ. Historical and Liturgical Context Historically, vigils have been observed in various forms within the Christian liturgical calendar. The Easter Vigil, for instance, is one of the most significant, marking the transition from Holy Saturday to Easter Sunday. This vigil is characterized by readings from Scripture, prayers, and the celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. In the early church, vigils were often held before significant feasts or events, serving as a time of preparation and purification. These gatherings provided an opportunity for communal prayer, reflection on Scripture, and the strengthening of faith. Spiritual Significance The practice of keeping vigil is a powerful expression of faith and devotion. It serves as a reminder of the believer's call to be watchful for the return of Christ, as Jesus Himself warns, "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour" (Matthew 25:13). Vigils encourage believers to remain spiritually alert, fostering a deeper relationship with God through prayer and meditation. Moreover, vigils can be a time of intercession, where believers pray for the needs of the church, the world, and individuals. This aspect of vigil-keeping aligns with the biblical exhortation to "pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17), highlighting the importance of persistent and fervent prayer. Practical Application In contemporary Christian practice, vigils can take various forms, from personal times of prayer and reflection to organized community gatherings. They may include reading Scripture, singing hymns, and silent meditation. The focus is on creating a space for encountering God, seeking His guidance, and renewing one's commitment to living a life of faith. Vigils also serve as a means of spiritual discipline, helping believers to cultivate patience, endurance, and a deeper awareness of God's presence. By setting aside time to watch and pray, Christians can draw closer to God, gain spiritual insight, and prepare their hearts for His work in their lives. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) Abstinence from sleep, whether at a time when sleep is customary or not; the act of keeping awake, or the state of being awake, or the state of being awake; sleeplessness; wakefulness; watch.2. (v. i.) Hence, devotional watching; waking for prayer, or other religious exercises. 3. (v. i.) Originally, the watch kept on the night before a feast. 4. (v. i.) Later, the day and the night preceding a feast. 5. (n.) A religious service performed in the evening preceding a feast. Strong's Hebrew 8107. shimmur -- a watching, vigil... 8106, 8107. shimmur. 8108 . a watching, vigil. Transliteration: shimmur Phonetic Spelling: (shim-moor') Short Definition: observed. ... /hebrew/8107.htm - 6k Library Herdsmen Keeping Lonely vigil The Reason Why a vigil is Appointed as the Sabbath Day Dawns, and ... Of the vigil Service which is Celebrated on the Evening Preceding ... Vigil. SM Morning Song. (On the Lord's Resurrection, I. ; Delivered on Holy Saturday in ... How He Received an Embassy from the Persians and Kept the Night ... Blessed be He who Became Beyond Measure Low, that He Might Make us ... To Brother Matteo Di Francesco Tolomei of the Order of the ... Acts xvi. 25, 26 One Hank Over for the Candle. Thesaurus Vigil (2 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Vigil (2 Occurrences). Exodus 12:42 It is a night to be much observed to Yahweh for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. ... /v/vigil.htm - 7k Watch (203 Occurrences) Views (1 Occurrence) Vigilance (1 Occurrence) Wake (34 Occurrences) Gibeah (52 Occurrences) Resources What is an Easter Vigil? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is a prayer vigil? | GotQuestions.org What is the Christian view of asceticism / monasticism? | GotQuestions.org Vigil: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Vigil (2 Occurrences)Exodus 12:42 Isaiah 65:4 Subtopics Related Terms |
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