SkiesPrayer
A prayer for sleep
For the nights when sleep won’t come, and the mind won’t stop.
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8
When you can’t sleep, tell God plainly and hand him what is keeping you awake. Psalm 127:2 says God “gives sleep to His beloved,” and Psalm 4:8 is a prayer to lie down in peace. Pray slowly, breathe slowly, and let a short verse be the last thing on your mind.
Pray
Lord, it is late and I can’t sleep. You know what is going round in my head: [name it].
I can’t solve it tonight, so I put it in your hands until morning. You don’t sleep, so I can. Slow my breathing. Quiet my thoughts. Give me the sleep you give to those you love, and if it is slow to come, let me rest with you while I wait.
I will lie down in peace, for you alone keep me safe. Amen.
Praying in the night
- Put the phone face down.
- Breathe in and pray “I will lie down,” breathe out and pray “and sleep in peace.”
- Let each worry come, name it to God, and let it go.
- If you are still awake, pray for one person who is awake tonight too: a nurse, a parent, someone in pain.
When sleeplessness lasts
If you have trouble sleeping most nights, talk to a doctor. Long sleeplessness has many causes, and good care helps. Prayer and treatment belong together.
Scripture behind this prayer
In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for bread to eat—for He gives sleep to His beloved.
Psalm 127:2
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28
Questions people ask
What verse helps you sleep?
Psalm 4:8: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Many people also pray Matthew 11:28, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
