Prayers for those who seek peace at night

Sweet Rest

Try as we might—tossing, turning, fluffing the pillows, pounding the pillows—sometimes we just can’t fall asleep. After offering some good suggestions on how to get a better night’s sleep, a news article concluded that there really is no “right way” to sleep�

There are numerous reasons why sleep eludes us, many of which we can’t do much about. But sometimes unwanted wakefulness is caused by anxious thoughts, worry or guilt. It’s then that the example of David in Psalm 4 can help.

It may have been while fleeing for his life that David cried out to God, “Give me relief from my distress” (PSALM 4:1). After this deeply personal plea, David turned from himself and toward his hearers. “When you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent,” he urged (V. 4). Doing so places the focus on God and not on our fears, which naturally led to David’s conclusion: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety” (V. 8)�

David’s ancient song helps us respond to whatever threatens us— especially during long, fearful nights� Give all your concerns and fears to God. Even in the dark, you can leave them all with Him.

Adapted from the Our Daily Bread article “Sleep Stealers” by Tim Gustafson

A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep

Heavenly Father, thank You that as I try to sleep at night, You never stop watching over me. You stay awake to guard and bless me. May this wonderful truth help me drift into peaceful sleep each night. I know how important it is to rest at the end of each day; and to wake knowing You are with me, with fresh mercy every morning. Fill my nights with the reassurance of Your love and presence. Amen

A Prayer to Entrust Worry to the Lord

Dear God, thank You for loving me. Help me to focus on Your faithfulness instead of the worries of this life, especially at night. When anxiety plagues my mind, help me to call on You and to surrender every single fear to Your loving care. Dear Father, thank You for Your power and presence. Would You please help me to trust You with my night, with my day, with my life? Amen

A Prayer for Rest

Father in heaven, thank You for rest. Help me to come to You when my fears and problems threaten to overwhelm me. Thank You that I never have to carry any burden on my own. Please calm the restlessness of my mind; still the thoughts which worry and perplex me. Help me to be still and rest in the fortress of Your love. Amen