Night prayers provide an opportunity for reflection and gratitude. As we wind down our day, these moments of contemplation before sleep allow us to review our actions and experiences, offering a chance for self-assessment and acknowledging the blessings and challenges that came our way.
Similar to why we should pray in the morning, praying at the end of the day is an opportunity to thank the Lord for the blessings He gives and the protection He provided us to live another day.
"In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God." (Luke 6:12)
Praying before bed also provides a source of comfort and solace. In the quiet moments before sleep, we often find ourselves vulnerable to worries, anxieties, and the day's stresses. Engaging in prayer can provide a sense of calm and security, allowing us to release our concerns to God and lean on Him for strength.
Regardless of what you suffered today, saying a good night prayer will rekindle your faith and help you to sleep in peace. Evening prayers also help you review all your experiences during your day and how God has been present with you.
If you don't know the right words to say, let us at Christianity.com help you with these short, reflective night prayers that are simple enough to say whether alone before bed or with your family and children. You can edit these prayers to fit your own needs. Remember, it's not the words that you say that matter, it's your willingness and desire to communicate with God in a closer way!
Before we look at a list of great prayers to use, let's say this evening prayer together:
Dear Lord, creator or night and day, as I prepare to rest and sleep in the quiet of this night, I seek the comfort of Your love and care. Help me to remember that no matter how difficult today was for me or how worried I am about tomorrow, you are with me - guiding and protecting me. May I feel the embrace of with Your grace as You heal the pains that afflict my body, quiet the worry within my mind, keep my eyes open to your blessings, and soothe the unrest in my soul. Grant me peaceful sleep, free from the troubles of this world, so that I wake up rested and refreshed with strength. May I awaken with a heart renewed, filled with gratitude and readiness to walk in the light of Your perfect plan for my life. Amen.
Table of Contents
- Short and Simple Night Time Prayers
- Powerful Night Prayers
- Evening Prayers
- Bedtime Prayers
- Goodnight Blessings
- Nighttime Scriptures
Simple Night Prayers
Psalm 4:8 Prayer: "In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." Grant me a restful sleep, O Lord, and guard my dreams with your comforting presence.
A Prayer for Forgiveness: Merciful God, as I reflect on this day, I confess my sinfulness. I ask for your forgiveness and the cleansing power of your grace. Have mercy on me, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus' name, I humbly pray. Amen.
Philippians 4:6-7 Prayer: "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Lord, I bring my concerns to you; replace my worries with your peace as I sleep tonight.
A Prayer for Protection: Heavenly Father, I entrust myself to your loving care tonight. Surround me with your angels, guard my mind from anxious thoughts, and shield me from any harm. May your peace be my fortress as I sleep under the shadow of your wings. Amen.
Psalm 121:7-8 Prayer: "The Lord will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore." Thank you, Lord, for your constant watch over me. I rest in the assurance of your protection. Amen.
Evening Prayers
These prayers can be used in the evening to thank God for another day of life and the blessings He gives:
Evening Prayer for Peace
"O Lord God, grant your peace to us, for you have supplied us with all things — the peace of rest, the peace of the Sabbath which has no evening; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Source: Augustine of Hippo
Keep Us in Peace
"O Lord our God, keep us in peace during this night and at all times. Keep our hearts and thoughts secure in holy reverence for you, so that we may be protected at all times
from the snares of the enemy. And let us offer blessing and glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen." Source: Armenian Prayer
Evening Prayer For True Rest
"Dear Lord, break me of the need to be busy pursuing a sense of self-worth. Make me secure in who You are and who You’ve made me to be, and as a result, teach me what it means to truly rest. Help me catch my breath. In Jesus’ Name, Amen" ~ Max Lucado
Rest for Those Who Obey Your Word
"Lord, you alone are God, the gracious and merciful. You command those who love your name to cast away all fear and care, and to lay their burdens on you. Keep us under your protection, and give us now and always that everlasting rest, which you have promised to those who obey your word; through Jesus Christ our Lord." Source: Primer of 1555, in Daily Prayer.
Evening Prayer for Peace
"O Lord, let your tranquility dwell among us, and let your peace remain in our hearts. May our voices proclaim your truth, and may your cross be the guardian of our souls. O Lord, make us bold, make us worthy to offer to you pure and holy prayer; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Source: Liturgy of the Nestorians, fifth century
Short Night Prayers
Here are some night prayers to end your day in thanksgiving to God and asking Him for peaceful sleep in His protection:
A Nighttime Prayer for Peace
"Dear God, As I lay down to rest, I seek your peace and tranquility. Please calm my mind and comfort my heart. May your presence surround me like a warm and gentle embrace. Grant me a restful night's sleep, free from worry and fear, so that I may awaken refreshed and ready to face a new day. In your loving care, I find my security. Amen."
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. And if I die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen
A Heartfelt Goodnight Prayer
"As this day comes to a close, I turn to you in gratitude. Thank you for the experiences, challenges, and blessings of this day. I ask for your protection and guidance throughout the night. Watch over me and my loved ones as we sleep, and grant us safety and peace. As I lay down to rest, I release all my worries and concerns into your care. May your peace fill my heart and mind, allowing me to find true rest.
Bless those who are in need and suffering, and may your healing touch be upon them. Thank you for your unwavering love and presence in my life. In Jesus' name, I pray, Amen."
Night Prayer for Protection
"Father God, Watch over me and my loved ones as we sleep. Surround our home with your protective presence. Guard us from harm, both seen and unseen, and grant us a sense of security. May your angels encamp around us, ensuring that we rest in safety. Thank you for your constant vigilance. Amen."
Bedtime Prayer For Comfort
Dear Lord, In the quiet of this night, I bring my sorrows and burdens before you. Wrap me in your comforting embrace and dry my tears. Grant me the strength to find solace in your love, knowing that you are always with me, even in my darkest hours. May your presence bring me the peace that surpasses all understanding. Amen."
For Sweet Dreams and Renewed Strength
"Loving Father, I lay my head down to sleep, grateful for the day that has passed. As I enter into dreams, may they be sweet and filled with your comforting presence. Renew my strength and grant me the energy I need for tomorrow's challenges. Thank you for your love and guidance. Amen."
A Prayer to Release and Let Go at Bedtime
"Dear God. Before I sleep, I release all my worries and anxieties into your care. Help me let go of the troubles that weigh on my heart. Grant me the serenity to trust in your plan and the assurance that you hold my future. In your peace, I find my rest. Amen."
A Biblical Night-time Prayer (2 Timothy 1:7)
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.
Shepherd, Watch While We Sleep
"Beloved Shepherd of our souls and bodies, you never slumber nor sleep. Spread your holy protection over us and cover us with your mighty wings, that no terrors of the night may disturb us, and let your divine majesty watch over our minds while we sleep; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
A Beautiful Prayer to End the Day
"Heavenly Father, my day is drawing to an end, and I'm ready to turn in. But before I do, I have to thank you for your faithfulness today. It's always a good day, even when things may not go the way I plan, or when the world seems in chaos because you are in control.
Thank you for all the times when I was aware of your help today and when your unseen presence seemed so near. Thank you, God. But for all the ways you worked behind the scenes, unknown to me, moments when heaven-sent angels moved on my behalf in ways I'll never know, thank you for those also, Lord. Amen." ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Bedtime/Night Time Prayers for Family and Kids
Use these bedtime prayers before you go to sleep, asking God for His shelter as we rest and guidance for the next day:
Powerful Night Prayer for Family
"Heavenly Father, as the night falls and darkness surrounds us, I come before You with a heart full of love and concern for my family and loved ones. I pray for Your divine protection to cover each and every one of them, shielding them from harm and danger.
May Your angels encamp around us, keeping watch over us through the silent hours of the night. Grant us the assurance of Your presence, knowing that Your mighty hand is always there to protect and defend us. Fill our hearts with faith and courage, trusting in Your unfailing love to see us through every trial and adversity.
Lord, I entrust my family and loved ones into Your hands tonight, knowing that You are our ultimate protector and guardian. Grant us a restful sleep, free from fear and anxiety, and awaken us refreshed in body, mind, and spirit to greet the new day with gratitude and joy.
In Your holy name, I pray. Amen."
Short Prayers Before Sleeping
Dear Jesus, grant me rest tonight. Amen.
Heavenly Father, please let me let tomorrow worry about itself. Allow me to rest now. Amen.
God, I give today's anxieties to you. I sleep now and await a beautiful tomorrow if it is within your will. Amen.
Jesus, thank you for today. Please keep me and my family safe and healthy, tonight and tomorrow. Amen.
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to rest, knowing that I am in the hold of your eternal arms. Amen.
A Prayer to Keep Me While I Sleep
I am placing my soul and my body in your sanctuary this night, O God, in your sanctuary, O Jesus Christ, in your sanctuary, O Spirit of perfect truth, the Three who would defend my cause, nor turn their backs on me. Father, who is kind and just, Son, who overcame death, Holy Spirit of power, keep me this night from harm, the Three who would justify me, keep me this night and always. Source: Carmina Gadelica, Hymns, and Incantations…
For A Good Night's Sleep
"Grant me a good night's sleep tonight, God, so that I can awake refreshed and ready to begin another day loving you. Thank you again for blessings so undeserved and too numerous to count. I love being your child, and I long for the word "faithful" to describe my service to you, each day of every year. When I awake in the morning, may it be with a joyful smile, not a grumpy spirit. May your protection and your presence bathe this place with peace and safety against the enemy. Good night, Lord. In Jesus's name, Amen." - Rebecca Barlow Jordan
A Prayer For Sweet Sleep
Heavenly Father, who gives rest to His children – will You wash over me a peace that passes all understanding as I lay down to sleep tonight? I ask that You would ease the load of the burdens I am carrying. My desire is to be an effective mother, wife, and friend and I know my attitude, energy level, and spiritual life will not be sufficient to do this if I don’t have the deep spiritual rest You long to give me. Be merciful, O Lord, and give sweet sleep to Your child. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Lysa TerKeurst
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" Prayer
The prayer "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" is a classic children's bedtime prayer from the 18th century. Its origins are somewhat unclear, but it is widely attributed to Joseph Addison, an English essayist and poet, who is believed to have penned it in the early 1700s.
The prayer is a simple and comforting rhyme, designed to help children feel secure and connected to their faith before going to sleep. It typically goes as follows: Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Alternative Version for Children:
Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep, watch and guard me through the night, and wake me with the morning light. Amen.
Listen to a Bedtime Prayer!
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Good Night Blessings
Saying a blessing at nighttime can help you focus on God's goodness in your life and seek His will for any decisions you are facing. Here are five goodnight blessings to guide your thoughts and prayers as you fall asleep.
Blessing for Peace and Protection
"Dear Heavenly Father, as I close my eyes to rest, I place my trust in you and the loving sacrifice of your Son, Jesus Christ. Please grant me the peace that surpasses understanding and watch over me through the night. Keep me safe from harm and fill my dreams with your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen."
Blessing of Gratitude
"Lord Jesus, I thank you for this day and for the countless blessings you have bestowed upon me. As I lay down to sleep, I express my gratitude for your love and guidance. May I rest in the knowledge of your presence and wake up with a heart full of thanksgiving. In your name, I pray. Amen."
Blessing for Loved Ones
"Jesus, Savior of the world, I lift up to you my loved ones near and far. May your grace and protection cover them as they sleep. Keep them safe and grant them peaceful rest. Watch over them, just as you watch over me. In your name, I pray. Amen."
Blessing of Forgiveness and Renewal
"Lord Jesus, I confess my sins and shortcomings, and I ask for your forgiveness and cleansing. As I lay down to rest, I seek your renewal and strength. May your redeeming love wash over me, and may I wake up with a heart ready to follow your path. In your name, I pray. Amen."
Blessing of Surrender
"Jesus, my Savior, I surrender this day into your hands. I release my worries and cares to you and trust in your divine plan. As I sleep, may your presence fill my dreams, bringing comfort and hope. May your will be done in my life. In your precious name, I pray. Amen."
Nighttime Blessing Prayer
"Dear God, Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end but lasts our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us, as with a shield. We ask for your guidance so that we might walk fully in your blessing and goodness today. We ask that your face would shine on us. You would open the right doors for our lives and loved ones, close the wrong doors, and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen." ~ Debbie McDaniel
Night Time Bible Verses about Sleep and Rest
Incorporating Scripture reading into your bedtime routine is a meaningful way to strengthen your faith and promote peace before sleep. It's a practice that can offer spiritual and emotional comfort, helping you carry a sense of serenity into your dreams and wake up refreshed and renewed.
Exodus 33:14 - And he said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
Mark 6:31 - And he said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest a while.” For many were coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.
Psalm 127:2 - It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.
Psalm 4:8 - In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 37:7 - Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; fret not yourself over the one who prospers in his way, over the man who carries out evil devices!
Psalm 46:10 - “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Isaiah 30:15 - For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling,
Genesis 2:2-3 - And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all his work that he had done in creation.
Hebrews 4:9-10 - So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.
Night Prayers Conclusion
Night prayers hold a special place in the hearts of believers as they offer a sacred and tranquil time for reflection, connection, and spiritual rejuvenation. Whether you prefer the soothing solitude of a quiet room, the serenity of a moonlit garden or the camaraderie of a congregation gathered in unity, these nighttime rituals provide a significant opportunity to seek solace, express gratitude, and find guidance from God. Night prayers deepen one's faith and provide comfort and strength during life's challenges. They remind us that in the stillness of the night, our souls can find peace, and our spirits can soar, offering a profound sense of purpose and hope in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain.
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
