Prayer is how Christians talk to God. Many people pray before they go to bed because it sets their minds on God as they reflect on their day and it helps them to rest in His presence.
What prayers do Christians say before bed? Christians pray many different prayers at night, they may repeat prayers that are already written, pray Scripture, hymns, or pray in their own words.
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Let’s start with common prayers, Scriptures, and hymns people pray before bed.
Prayers for Night
Praying before bed allows you to Praise God and calm your mind before you sleep. It sets your mind on the things of God and not the things of the world. You can pray about the moments that challenged you throughout the day and give praise for the blessings you experienced. Here are 50 different prayers, hymns, and Scriptures to say during your nighttime prayer.
10 Prayers & Scriptures Before You Sleep
By setting your mind and heart in an attitude of prayer before bed, you are asking God to be with you when you sleep and when you rise.
1. Pray to the Prince of Peace
“Almighty God, radiant with light, cast your goodness to shine upon me. Most wonderful Lord, the creator of all things, hold your truth to shield me. Majestic King who reigns over all, slay with great love all the shadows around me. Prince of Peace, glorious and true, lift your arms of strength to cover me. All this night through. Amen” Unknown
2. Psalms 3:5
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again because the LORD sustains me.”
3. Prayer to Calm Fears
“Holy Spirit, please encircle me, come hold me safe and secure. Wrap my mind up with your truth. Guide my thoughts and calm my fears. Steady my emotions, Lord that you would guide my feelings, may I not be overcome by upset. Sustain my soul, with vision for the future, and hope for tomorrow. I need you. Amen.” Unknown
4. Psalm 121:3-4
“He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
5. Prayer for Peace
“Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank you, Lord. In Jesus’ name. Amen.” Jennifer Rothschild
6. Psalm 8:3-4
“When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers—the moon and the stars you set in place—what are …human beings that you should care for them?”
7. Prayer for Blessing
“Bless this house and those within. Bless our giving and receiving. Bless our words and conversation. Bless our hands and recreation. Bless our sowing and our growing. Bless our coming and our going. Bless all who enter and depart. Bless this house, your peace impart.” Unknown
8. Psalm 4:8
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord make me dwell in safety.”
9. Prayer for Sleep
“Heavenly Father, please hold those I love as they sleep. Bless them with a peace that surpasses understanding, sow in them hope that can not be put out, grow in them dreams and visions for their future and protect them with your unconditional love. Amen.” Unknown
10. Psalm 127:2
“…For he gives to his beloved sleep.”
9 Prayers for Rest
When you don’t know what to pray before bed, you can read one of these 10 prayers.
1. Prayer for Peace
“Dear God, as I lay me down to sleep, relax the tension of my body; calm the restlessness of my mind; still the thoughts which worry and perplex me. Help me to rest myself and all my problems in your strong and loving arms. Let your Spirit speak to my mind and heart while I am asleep, so that, when I wake up in the morning, I may find that I have received in the night-time, light for my way; strength for my tasks; peace for my worries; forgiveness for my sins. Grant me sleep tonight, and tomorrow’s power to live.” Unknown
2. Prayer for Cleansing
“Lord Jesus, please cleanse my thoughts of anger and worry. I know that worry is not your will for me. Please provide for all my needs as you promise in your word. I give to you all my fears, cares and troubles, as you have told me to do. Bring peace and comfort to my heart and help me to rest in you and have peace. Forgive me of any sins I have committed today and fill my heart with your love.” Unknown
3. Prayer for Rest
“Dear Father in Heaven, here, safe with you, I drink in your peace. Help me to sift through the many experiences, feelings, and thoughts I have encountered today. I allow myself to rest, to wind down and to be still. Help me to surrender all I am to you, my fatigue, my concerns, my hopes, and fears. As I sleep tonight, I choose to hold your hand. I choose to live with you. I choose to believe, I choose to trust, I choose you always. Amen.” Julie Palmer
4. Prayer for God’s Presence
“The day is done; O God the Son, look down upon thy little one! O Light of Light, Keep me this night and shed round me, thy presence bright. I need not fear if thou art near; Thou art my Savior kind and dear.” Unknown
5. Prayer of Thanks
“Now, I lay me down to rest, I thank the Lord; my life is blessed. I have my family and my home and freedom, should I choose to roam. My days are filled with skies of blue, my nights are filled with sweet dreams, too. I’ve no reason to beg or plead. I have been given all I need. Beneath the subtle moonlit glow, I thank the Lord, so He will know how grateful I am for my life in times of glory and of strife.
“The times of glory give me hope, the times of strife teach me to cope. Thus, I am much stronger in turn, yet grounded, still, with much to learn. Now, I lay me down to rest. I thank the Lord; I’ve passed the test of yet another day on earth, grateful for its abundant worth. This day has been a special dream from morning ‘til the last moonbeam. Yet, should the coming dawn bring sorrow, I’ll rise, thankful I’ve reached tomorrow.” Jill Eisnaugle
6. Prayer to Lay Down Worries
“Father, you know my worries and care for my troubles. So I give these heavy concerns to you. I lay these situations at your feet. The empty cross is a place of rest, where I can reflect upon your resurrection and the moment when love overcame. Thank you that your love in me can transform the landscape of my life. I walk with peace into the new day and put my hope in you. Nothing is outside of your redeeming love, might I rest now in the knowledge that you will light my path and guide my life. Amen.”
Unknown
7. Prayer for Guidance
“Lord we can’t sleep because we just don’t know what to do. These big decisions are pressing hard. We can’t see all the answers but we believe that you are leading us. Help us to hear your voice, help us to see your hand guiding us at every turn. Make the way clear before us and we ask that you would open the right doors and close the ones that aren’t meant for us to walk through. We give it to you again right now, and believe that you are helping us and working on our behalf, even as we sleep.”
Debbie McDaniel
8. Prayer of Thanks for Today
“Father, thank you for today, for all the ways in which I have known you. For the sunrise and the birdsong, for the music, I’ve heard, and the things I’ve enjoyed. For the meals, and for the cozy home, I live in, for my close family and for my special friends. Most of all, thank you for being beside me through each moment. May I dream good dreams and arise again tomorrow to thank you once more. Amen.” Unknown
9. Prayer of Blessing & Peace
“Watch thou, dear Lord, with those who wake, or watch, or weep tonight, and give thine angels charge over those who sleep. Tend thy sick ones, Lord Christ. Rest thy weary ones. Bless thy dying ones. Soothe thy suffering ones. Pity thine afflicted ones. Shield thy joyous ones. And all, for thy love’s sake. Amen.” Saint Augustine of Hippo
10 Psalms about Night
These Psalms all speak about the night, they will comfort you during the night time and you can say them as a prayer before you go to bed.
1. Psalm 16:7
“I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me”
2. Psalm 63:6
“I lie awake thinking of you, meditating on you through the night”
3. Psalm 139:11-12
“I could ask the darkness to hide me and the light around me to become night—but even in darkness I cannot hide from you.”
4. Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, O Lord will keep me safe.”
5. Psalm 136:7,9
“Give thanks to him who made the heavenly lights—and the moon and stars to rule the night.”
6. Psalm 17:3
“You have tested my thoughts and examined my heart in the night…I am determined not to sin in what I say.”
7. Psalm 119:148
“I stay awake through the night, thinking about your promise.”
8. Psalm 127:2
“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night…for God gives rest to his loved ones.”
9. Psalm 33:6
“The Lord merely spoke, and the heavens were created. He breathed the word, and all the stars were born.”
10. Psalm 4 – A Night Prayer
Answer me when I call,
God, who vindicates me.
You freed me from affliction;
be gracious to me and hear my prayer.
How long, exalted men, will my honor be insulted?
How long will you love what is worthless
and pursue a lie? Selah
Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry and do not sin;
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness
and trust in the Lord.
Know that the Lord has set apart
the faithful for Himself;
the Lord will hear when I call to Him.
Be angry and do not sin;
on your bed, reflect in your heart and be still. Selah
Offer sacrifices in righteousness
and trust in the Lord.
Many are saying, “Who can show us anything good?”
Look on us with favor, Lord.
You have put more joy in my heart than
they have when their grain and new wine abound.
I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
for You alone, Lord, make me live in safety.”
10 Scriptures to Pray for Peace
These Scriptures will help you calm your mind from the worries and problems of today and be ready to rest.
1. 1 Peter 5:7
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.”
2. Proverbs 3:24
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
3. Philippians 4:6-7
“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.”
4. Psalm 4:8
“In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
5. Matthew 11:28-30
“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. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
6. Psalm 91:1-2
“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”
7. John 14:27
“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.”
8. Psalm 56:3
“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”
9. Job 11:18
“Having hope will give you courage. You will be protected and will rest in safety.”
10. 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.”
5 Hymns to Pray at Night
You can pray these hymns over your sleep and ask God for peace during the night. You could also find the audio version online of these hymns and play them as you go to bed.
1. Ancient Hymn – Te lucis ante terminum
“To Thee before the close of day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That, with Thy wonted favor, Thou
Wouldst be our guard and keeper now.
From all ill dreams defend our eyes,
From nightly fears and fantasies;
Tread under foot our ghostly foe,
That spot of sin we may not know.
O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Thine only Son,
Who, with the Holy Ghost and Thee,
Doth live and reign eternally. Amen.”
2. More Love to Thee
“More love to Thee, O Lord,
More love to Thee!
Hear Thou the prayer I make
On bended knee;
This is my earnest plea:
More love, O Lord, to Thee,
More love to Thee,
More love to Thee!
Once earthly joy I craved,
Sought peace and rest;
Now Thee alone I seek…”
3. Hymn by St. Antiochus
“Grant unto us, O Master, when we depart to sleep, repose of body and soul; and protect us from the murky sleep of sin and from all the dark pleasures of the night. Calm the impulses of passions, and quench the fiery darts of evil which are craftily thrown against us. Check the turbulence of our flesh, and still all earthly and material thoughts.
And grant us, O God, a prudent reason, a vigilant heart, a tranquil sleep free from all the fantasies of Satan. Raise us up again at the time of prayer strengthened in Thy commandments, holding steadfastly within us the remembrance of Thy judgment.
Grant us grace to glorify Thee all through the night that we may praise, and bless, and glorify Thine all-honorable and majestic Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.”
4. Close to Thee
“Thy my everlasting portion
More than friend or life to me
All alone my pilgrim journey
Saviour let me walk with Thee
Close to Thee, close to Thee
Close to Thee, close to Thee
All alone my pilgrim journey
Saviour let me walk with Thee.”
5. Love Divine, All Loves Excelling
“Love divine, all loves excelling,
Joy of heaven to earth come down,
Fix in us thy humble dwelling,
All thy faithful mercies crown.
Jesu, thou art all compassion,
Pure, unbounded love thou art;
Visit us with thy salvation,
Enter every trembling heart.
Breathe, O breathe thy loving Spirit
Into every troubled breast,
Let us all in thee inherit,
Let us find that second rest.
Take away the love of sinning,
Alpha and Omega be;
End of faith, as its beginning,
Sets our hearts at liberty.”
10 Children’s Prayers & Scriptures before Bed
These are 10 prayers and scriptures to pray with children before bed. These can help comfort the child before they sleep and lets them know God is with them.
1. Pray for Peace & Blessing – Unknown Author
“Now I lay me down to sleep.
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should live for other days,
I pray the Lord to guide my ways.
Lord, unto thee I pray, thou hast guarded me all day;
safe I am while in thy sight.
Safely let me sleep tonight.
Bless my friends; the whole world blesses;
Help me to learn helpfulness.
Keep me ever in thy sight,
so to all, I say goodnight.”
“Now I lay me down to sleep;
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
May God guard me through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.”
2. Psalm 147:4
“He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names.”
3. Prayer of Thanks – Unknown Author
“Thank you, God, for the world so sweet,
Thank you, God, for the food we eat,
Thank you, God, for the birds that sing,
Thank you, God, for everything!”
4. Psalm 63:6-7
“Because Your loving kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches. Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice.”
5. Prayer of Thanks – Unknown Author
“Father, We thank thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.
Help us to do the things we should,
To be to others kind and good;
In all we do, in work or play,
To grow more loving every day.”
6. Psalm 139:3-5
“You see me when I travel and when I rest at home. You know everything I do. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, LORD. You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head.”
7. Prayer for Guidance – Unknown Author
“Lord in heaven, hear my prayer,
Keep me in your loving care.
Be my guide in all I do.
Bless all those who love me, too.”
8. Psalm 42:8
“The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; And His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life.”
9. Pray of Praise – Author Unknown
“When I see the moon in the night sky,
I speak my evening prayer;
Praise be to the being of life,
For his kindness and his goodness.”
10. Psalm 91:11
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Two Bedtime Routines
The first routine is for teens and adults, the second is for children. You can adapt them to fit what you have time for.
1st Routine – for Adults & Teens
This bedtime routine includes both devotional and prayer time.
1. Listen to a Sermon or Podcast
I highly recommend making listening to various sermons or podcasts a regular part of your schedule because they are a great tool to use for expanding your knowledge on various topics. Here is a blog on suggestions on which podcasts we recommend.
2. Give Praise
I encourage you to start your time by giving praise and thanksgiving to God. Read Scripture of praise and give Him thanks for who He is and all the blessings he has poured out on your life!
3. Prayer Requests
After you have given praise, you can pray about different prayer requests you have. The requests may be about you or others. Trust that God is hearing your requests.
You can pray Scripture over your family, friends, or yourself. Speak God’s Word that is filled with truth over their lives and your own.
4. Pray Scripture
During your prayer time, you can pray Scriptures. The beginning of this blog post has many Scriptures you can use.
Don’t rush through praying Scriptures. Soak in His word and believe what you are speaking over yourself and others.
5. Be Still
Before you end your prayer time, be still. Listen to God. Tune out the noise from the world and allow yourself to be calm before God.
God is speaking to you. Give yourself time to hear what He is saying.
2nd Routine – For Children
This is a simple prayer and devotion bedtime routine you can do with children.
1. Read a Bible Time
You can start their devotion time by reading them a bedtime story or they can read it depending on their age. Use a Bible that is age-appropriate so they can understand the story. You can ask them questions about the story to see how much they understood.
2. Pray a Psalm
A simple way to incorporate Scripture into their prayer time is to pray Psalms. You can work your way through a Psalm, by saying small parts of it every night. You can repeat the small portion multiple nights in a row to help them remember.
3. Sing a Worship Song
Singing a worship song can help your child relax before bed. It will also create a calm presence in their room. Choice a song that is peaceful and calm, try to avoid songs that are loud and intense.
4. Have Your Child Pray
To end this routine, you can have your child pray out-loud. If they need help, you can have them repeat a prayer after you. Give them the time to talk to God.
If you had a long day and are ready to go to bed, you can simply pray the Lord’s prayer or pray as you fall asleep. Starting and ending your day with prayer gives room for more power and blessing to be poured out in your life!
Prayer delights God’s ear; it melts His heart.
Thomas Watson