A Bedtime Prayer Before Sleep

Father, the day is over and the bed is ready. Before I sleep, I put myself back in Your hands — the same hands that held me all day long.

Thank You for everything today held, and for getting me through the parts I didn't think I'd get through.

Forgive what needs forgiving. I don't want to sleep on an unconfessed heart. You know my failures better than I do, and You are kinder to me about them than I am.

Bless the people I love — each one, by name, in my heart. Keep them through the night.

Now, Lord, let me sleep. Not the thin sleep of a worried mind, but the deep sleep of someone who knows the door is locked, the night is watched, and the One keeping guard never closes His eyes.

Into Your hands I commit my spirit — tonight, tomorrow, and always.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this as the very last thing — lamp off, head on the pillow. At the line about the people you love, pause and actually name them. It's the oldest bedtime habit there is, and still the best.

A Verse to Hold On To

"I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety." — Psalm 4:8 (KJV)