16 Calming Night Prayers That Are Simple but Powerful to Say at Bedtime

Jeannie Myers Author
Published Jun 26, 2024

Bedtime prayer can be a meaningful way to spend time with God every evening, talking over your day, sharing your concerns with Him, and thanking Him for His love and care. But why should we take time to pray before bed each night?

Praying at night as you fall asleep gives you the chance to look back over the day and thank God for His help and His blessings. We often miss the hand of God in our lives as we run from one activity to another. We lose sight of the good gifts our heavenly Father is giving us (James 1:17) and focus instead on our troubles and worries.

Scripture tells us to “fix our eyes on Jesus” so that we do not “grow weary and lose heart (Hebrews 12:2-3). Whether life feels overwhelming or dull, a time of prayer at the end of each day can help you refocus on God’s goodness and reflect on your priorities and purpose (Matthew 28:19-20).

Relationships flourish when they are nurtured. Spending time talking with God before bed is a way of loving Him and deepening your relationship with Him. The evening is a lonely part of the day for many people. Choosing to pray before bed each night means that you can look forward to enjoying time with One whose love for you is deep (Ephesians 3:18-19) and constant (Romans 8:37-39).

Redeem the night-time you lie in bed waiting for sleep to come. If your mind is a blank, worries and temptations will creep in to fill it. Pain that was background noise during your busy day can blare like a siren when you are lying in the quiet and the dark. Reaching for your phone to distract you will only keep you awake. Rehashing conversations and running the numbers will only feed your anxiety.

Instead, release your worries and the pressures of the day by taking them to the One who has the power to help you and give you peace. Calm and relaxed, you will likely drift off to sleep long before you have prayed for each of your family members and friends, and that is perfectly okay.

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Wavebreakmedia

A Bedtime Prayer for Good Rest (Psalm 4)

God loves to lavish gifts on His children, and He tells us to ask Him for what we need (Matthew 7:7-11). If you are having trouble falling asleep at night, ask God to help you get the rest your body needs. Trust Him to care for your needs in His perfect timing.

"Father, please give me relief from these sleepless nights. I am so tired. In your mercy, please give me the gift of restful sleep. You have filled my heart with joy, more joy than all the riches in the world could bring. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You are with me, and I am safe in Your love.

I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen."

A Night Prayer After a Hard Day (Psalm 31)

Jesus invites us to lay down our burdens. In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Whether a great loss has left you reeling, or many smaller griefs have you feeling beaten down, take them to Jesus every night. Let Him carry your burdens so you can rest and heal.

I take refuge in You, Lord. Watch over me as I sleep tonight. I rejoice in Your love, for you see all my troubles and know exactly how I feel. Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am weak and distressed. I feel surrounded and overwhelmed and alone, but I trust in You. You are my God, and You are good. Shelter me in Your presence and be my rock of refuge.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Powerful Night Prayer for God's Love and Strength

"Dear God, in the quiet of this night, we seek the strength of Your boundless love. As we lay our burdens before You, infuse our spirits with Your unwavering grace and fortitude. Let Your love be a shield around us, guiding us through the darkness with unwavering faith. Grant us the courage to face tomorrow with renewed vigor, knowing that Your strength sustains us through every trial. In Your divine love, we find solace and courage. Amen."

Goodnight Prayer of Thanks

"Dear God, we thank You tonight for the good day and for the special way You take care of us all the time. Thank You for the fun times outside and the quiet times inside, and for helping us learn new things every day.

Thank You for creating us special, exactly the way You wanted. Thank You for protecting us throughout the day. Forgive us for the wrong things we do. Thank You for loving us even when we disobey or try to do things our way. Help us to always choose Your way, God, because it’s always best. We pray for all the people who don’t know You, and that they will come to understand Your love for them, too.

Bless our family and thank You for good times together and apart. Bless our friends and those we love, including our grandparents, our aunts and uncles and cousins. Thank You for our home and a place to sleep and good food to eat. Help us rest well, give us peaceful dreams, and send Your angels around our home to protect us throughout the night. Teach us to trust You and to love You more and more. You are good; You are great; and You are faithful, God. And we love You. Good night. In Jesus’s precious name, Amen."

- Rebecca Barlow Jordan

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Chinnapong

An Evening Prayer for Forgiveness (Psalm 51)

Jesus died to take our shame and punishment and rose from the dead to give us new life. John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” God has promised to forgive anything and everything you have done if you ask in Jesus’ name, understanding that only His sacrifice could cleanse you from your sin.

Once Jesus has made you new, you belong to the family of God. But you are still human and will still sin. Confessing your sins to God every day is a way of drawing close to Him. Just as you would apologize if you hurt a close friend, tell God you are sorry to have sinned against Him. Be specific in naming what you did or thought or said that was wrong and experience the forgiveness that is Yours in Christ.

"God, have mercy on me. I come before you tonight with a humble heart as I lay my head down for sleep. I am sorry I sinned against you and did what is evil in Your sight. In Your unfailing love and great compassion, please wash away my sin. I know that you are the only One who can save me from my guilt and make me clean. Create in me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit. Restore to me the joy of your salvation.

I ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen."

A Night Prayer of Thanksgiving (Psalm 65)

God calls us to a life of gratitude. “Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Even when nothing seems to be going right, thanking God for His love and tender care can bring comfort and strength. What a beautiful and powerful way to end in each day in a night prayer of thanks.

"Thank you, Lord, for hearing my prayers. Thank you for the beautiful day you gave me. Thank you for this precious time at night when I can connect with you, my loving Father. When I was overwhelmed by sins, you forgave me. You have blessed me and brought me near to You. You have filled my life with good things and given me hope and joy. You created this magnificent world and sustain it by Your power. Thank you for providing all that I need.

In Jesus’ name, Amen."

A Prayer for the Evening

"I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have graciously kept me this day; and I pray that You would forgive me all my sins where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen."

- Martin Luther

A Prayer to Ease A Worried Mind at Night Time

"Dear Father, I admit that I often forget that You are with me. I often forget what You’re like. Would You please forgive me for that? I need to get to know You better. I need to get to know Your Word and Your promises better. Help me to put You first in every area of my life. Help me to live one day at a time. Help me to not worry about tomorrow but instead focus on what You’re doing in my life right now. I want to trust in your promise to take care of every one of my needs — financial, relational, physical, social, spiritual, and emotional. Help me to trust You more and worry less. I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen."

- Rick Warren

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/pcess609

A Night-time Prayer to Quiet Anxious Thoughts (Psalm 71)

Philippians 4:6-7 says, “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.” When you lay down to sleep and anxiety has a chokehold on your heart and mind, run to Jesus.

"Father God, I am anxious tonight and struggle to fall asleep. Rescue me, Lord, and deliver me. You are my fortress, my strong refuge, to which I can always go. You are my hope and my confidence. Be near to me and come quickly to help me. Comfort me once again. I praise You for Your faithfulness, God. You have redeemed me, and I will always have hope.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen."

A Night-time Prayer for Loved Ones (Psalm 112)

We want the best for our family and friends, and it is natural to worry about those we love. But anxiety won’t help them, and we have a direct line to Someone who can change their lives. When you can't sleep at night because of your concerns for loved ones, take your worries to Jesus, who loves them even more than You do.

" Tonight Lord, bless ________, Lord, with joy and peace. Teach them to love Your Word and find delight in serving You. Guide them and give them the strength and courage to live a life of generosity and justice and compassion. Make their heart steadfast and secure, free of fear and trusting only in You. I pray for ______ in the name of Jesus, that they would see their need of You and know Your love for them. Help me to find sweet rest and peace tonight trusting in your sovereign care.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen."

A Night Prayer for Peace and Protection

"Lord, as the night unfolds and darkness surrounds us, we turn to You for peace and protection. Shelter us under Your loving embrace, guarding us from all harm and fear. Grant us restful sleep, knowing that You are our constant guardian through the night. May Your presence fill our hearts with tranquility and your light dispel all darkness. Amen."

A Bedtime Prayer to Trust God

In times of uncertainty and restlessness, finding comfort in trust in God can bring supernatural peace as you lay your head down to rest. This bedtime prayer seeks to cultivate trust and surrender to God's plan, knowing He loves and cares for you!

Heavenly Father, as I prepare to rest my weary body and mind, I surrender all my worries and fears into Your loving hands. Grant me the strength to trust in Your divine plan for my life, knowing that Your wisdom exceeds my understanding. May Your presence envelop me in peace, guiding me through the night with unwavering faith. Amen."

mom and toddler praying for an abundant life together

A Prayer to Pray with Children Before Bed (Psalm 118)

Teach your children to pray as they lie in bed waiting to fall asleep. Help them develop a habit of praying at bedtime.

- Ask them if they know what prayer is (talking with God).

- Model prayer for them and join them in their bedtime prayers.

- Find out what they want to pray about and rejoice with them when God answers their prayers.

"Thank you, Lord, for loving me. When I am scared, please help me remember that You are with me. Teach me to trust You and to ask you for help when things are hard. You are my God, and You are good. Help me to have a good night of sleep and to wake up excited for my day.

I pray in Jesus’ name,

Amen."

Three Simple Bedtime Prayers for Kids

Night time is a great opportunity to help kids cultivate a growing relationship with God and their faith, especially as they prepare for bedtime. These three simple night prayers offer children a gentle way to express gratitude, seek guidance, and find comfort in the loving presence of God before drifting off to sleep.

"Thank You Prayer": "Dear God, thank you for this day, for the fun we had and the things we learned. Bless my family and friends, and help me sleep peacefully. Amen."
"Guidance Prayer": "God, please guide me through the night, and help me to be brave if I'm scared. Be with me as I sleep and wake me with a smile. Amen."
"Comfort Prayer": "Dear Lord, wrap me in your arms tonight, keep me safe till morning light. Chase away my fears, and let me sleep tight. Amen."

Short Night Prayers

Prayers in the evening do not need to be long and eloquent. The purpose and power of prayer is to talk to God and open up your heart to him. These short prayers can be recited at night time or you can use them to create your own personal bedtime prayer.

"Lord, as the night descends, wrap Your protective arms around us. Grant us peaceful rest and watch over us through the darkness. Amen."
"In the stillness of this night, we turn to You, O God, seeking comfort and guidance. May Your presence fill our hearts with tranquility and your love illuminate our dreams. Amen."
"As we close our eyes in sleep, Lord, we surrender our worries and fears into Your caring hands. Grant us restful sleep and awaken us refreshed to greet the new day. Amen."

Traditional Night Prayer - Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

The prayer commonly known as "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" is a classic bedtime prayer that has been recited by children for generations. Its origins can be traced back to early Christian traditions, with variations appearing in various forms of literature and oral traditions throughout history. This simple yet profound prayer reflects themes of trust in God's protection and guidance, as well as acknowledgment of mortality and the hope for eternal salvation.

The exact origin of the prayer is uncertain, but it likely emerged as a way for parents to teach their children to seek God's protection and express faith in divine care, even in the vulnerability of sleep. Over time, different versions and adaptations of the prayer have emerged, reflecting cultural and linguistic variations. Despite its simplicity, "Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep" continues to be a cherished tradition in many families, offering comfort and reassurance to children as they prepare for sleep.

"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."

With All Your Heart

Prayer is not a recitation of a magic formula. Prayer is communication with the One True God, who is majestic in power and full of love for you. When you pray with a humble, genuine heart, you can be sure that He is right there with you and will respond with mercy and grace.

Jeannie Myers is a freelance writer enjoying the beauty of creation in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. God has blessed her with five beautiful children here on earth and two in heaven. Jeannie loves reading, camping, singing, and playing board games with her kids. Jesus has carried her through some difficult waters, and her heart's desire is for the hurting to know His love and mercy.