When my children were little bedtime prayers were something, we never missed as a family. Night prayers give us a calm spirit and help us sleep through the night. Christ Jesus wants us to have rest and peace in our sleep. Here are some Bible verses to read before you say your bedtime prayers.
Proverbs 3:24 Lie down without fear.
When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
God has given us this verse to show us we do not need to be afraid. God wants you to sleep and rest in peace.
Dear God, I come before you today in the name of Jesus Christ to ask you to take away any fear. Let me rest in the shelter of the most high, knowing that your steadfast love will never change. I know that I will have a good night, and rest in your great love. Thank you for allowing me the privilege to come to your throne and trust you. In Jesus’ name amen
Psalm 121:4 The God of Israel will watch over you.
Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The same God who watched over the nation of Israel throughout the years will watch over you. This is a reminder you can share with your husband. Pray over him and remind him that God is watching over him.
Dear Lord, in the quiet times of the day I want to pray a goodnight prayer over my husband. You are the God who cared for the people of Israel as they worked to fulfill God’s plan. My husband also works to care for his family. Help him sleep in peace and comfort, and in the morning light let him know that God is in control and will watch over him. I pray this in the powerful name of our gracious Lord, amen.
Isaiah 32:18 You can sleep knowing you are secure.
My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.
We want our families to know they are in a safe place, a secure home. Pray with your children and let them know they will have a peaceful sleep.
Dear God, I come today with a simple prayer for my children. I ask that the Holy Spirit guide them each through their day and let them feel God’s presence as they rest at night. Let them awake with energy for the fun times ahead of them and the good day they have coming in the morning. Give them sweet dreams. I pray this in the name of the Lord Jesus Amen
Psalm 62:5 Our hope comes from God.
Yes, my soul, find rest in God; my hope comes from him.
We sleep well not because we are taking care of ourselves, but because we have hope in God.
God, I come before you now, trusting in the shadow of the Almighty. Jesus you sit at the right hand of our Father. I know that at the end of the day, every good thing comes from your hand. I trust you to take care of me. I know that you will lead me toward the right path, and when I trust in that I know I can sleep in rest and security. My hope and my rest come from you. I pray this in your name Amen.
Psalm 3:5 I will wake up knowing God cared for me.
I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the Lord sustains me.
God is going to take care of us. When we know that God will care for our needs we can rest in his Glory.
David had many enemies. But what he writes here is that he slept knowing that God was watching over him. He awoke ready for the day, knowing that God was taking care of him.
Dear Lord, I know that I can sleep because you are sustaining me. You alone will care for all my needs. I know that good things come from your hand alone. I give you glory for each blessing in my life. I can sleep in peace and calm because I know that you will care for me and my family. I thank you for the peace you have given me. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Exodus 33:14 God will give you rest.
The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
When my children are away from home, I want to make sure they know my prayers go with them. This is a good verse to remind our loved ones that God will be with them until they return home safely
Dear Father, The word of God tells me that you are my rest. You care for me. I can go into your presence knowing that is the only place I will find complete rest and care. I can trust in your love. O God, today I pray for my loved one who is not home. I can trust you, I know you will bring them home to me in peace. Thank you for caring for my family.
Matthew 6:34 Don’t worry about tomorrow.
So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
God does not want us to worry. He knows that worry will harm us both physically and emotionally. If we leave our worries behind, then we can start each day with a fresh start knowing God is in control.
O God, We live in a time when there are many worrying about what is going to happen in our country, in our churches, and in our homes. But I know from God’s word that we don’t have to worry about tomorrow. We can take care of today. The perfect gift you give us is knowing that we can trust you tomorrow. I trusted you today, I will trust you tomorrow. And in the trust, I will sleep in peace today.
Psalm 4:8 Only God can keep us safe.
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O LORD, will keep me safe.
The night is a valuable time. It is dark, we are not aware of our surroundings. There is a reason many with anxiety struggle with the night. The night time should be a time of complete peace. God wants us to be refreshed for the coming day. Take the time to pray before you sleep and know that God will watch over you and keep you safe.
Jesus, there are many things in that night that can cause me concern. Sounds in the night, shadows that seem to move, and tricks my mind play on me. But I know I don’t have to be afraid, you are my rock and my strength. I will sleep well tonight knowing that you will keep me safe as I sleep. I can sleep knowing you are looking over me and guarding me.
1 Kings 5:4 God will take away our adversary.
But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, and there is no adversary or disaster.
God knows the plans he has for us. We can take the time to ask him for his wisdom. If you are having a hard time sleeping because of trying to make a choice then ask God for knowledge and wisdom.
I call out to the father of the Heavenly Lights. You are the one who gives me rest on every side. I know there is no danger that will come to me or my family because you are there to guide me and protect me. You will care for my family members and give them peaceful dreams as they sleep.
John 14:27 God’s peace is not of the world.
Peace, I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
The peace God has for you is not a peace the word can give. This is a peace that will erase all troubles from our hearts and take away any fear we are holding on to. This is a peace that goes beyond any understanding.
Dear God, I want to thank you for the peace you have given me. I know that I can sleep in peace and calm because God has taken my troubles from me. O God, please don’t allow the troubles to sneak back into my heart. Keep my mind clear of all troubles. Thank you for all you have done.
Psalm 127:2 God gives sleep.
…for he gives to his beloved sleep.
The Peace of God is a gift that God gives to those of us whom he loves. This is a wonderful gift from our Heavenly Father. We can have sweet sleep knowing that our Father has given that rest to us as a gift.
Dear Jesus, Thank you for your gift of rest and sleep. I am accepting that gift tonight as I lay my head down to sleep and know that God will care for me and protect me. Thank you, God, for being my savior. I love you Jesus, Amen.
Jeremiah 31:26 Our sleep will be pleasant.
At this, I awoke and looked around. My sleep has been pleasant to me.
When you have a good sleep, you can wake refreshed and ready for a new week to begin. Starting the week rested is the best way to start each week.
God, I don’t know what lies ahead for me in life. However, I know that you are sovereign. God, I trust you. I will sleep tonight and I will know that when I wake up I will be refreshed. Thank you Lord for this great gift of sleep and rest you have given to us today.
Job 3:13 You can lie down at night in peace.
For now, I would be lying down in peace; I would be asleep and at rest.
This passage is from the Book of Job. He was going through horrible distress including the death of his children. But he knew that with God’s help, he could rest in peace. If you are grieving a lost loved one then take time to pray that God will give you rest.
God, I have spent time in grief over a lost one. I know that rest and peace are not how I felt until I asked for your peace. Please help those who like Job are grieving. Perhaps grieving the loss of a loved one, or a job, or a home. As they are sad, please remind them of your love and grace. Give them a peace that is indescribable. I praise you for giving them the peace they need to lie down and sleep.
Matthew 11:28-29 Bring your burdens to God and find rest.
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
If you are afraid, weary, and full of burdens it can be hard to sleep. God wants to take those things from you, and in exchange, he wants to give you, his rest. This peace goes beyond human understanding. Give your anxious heart to the Lord and take his wonderful peace.
Dear Lord, I am coming to you today. I am tired and have many burdens. I am giving those burdens to you. I need your rest. Jesus, you are gentle and humble, and I need that today. As I lay my head down on the pillow take my burdens and give me your peace. I trust you, Jesus.
2 Timothy 1:7 The spirit of fear is not from God.
For God’s not given me a spirit of fear, but a spirit of love, and of power, and a sound mind, To live each day and glorify his name.
We can not live in a spirit of fear. There is a spirit of fear all around us, but that spirit is not from God. God wants to give us a spirit full of love, and of power, and of a sound mind. He wants us to live a life free from fear.
Dear Lord, I confess that I have allowed the spirit of fear to be part of my life. I ask for your forgiveness. Please take away that spirit of fear and give me the spirit of love, and power. I trust in you, dear lord. Help me to live a life free from fear. Help me to sleep tonight knowing that I have your power and love to guide me, and I have no reason to fear.