# Prayers for sleep

Four short prayers for the end of the day and the middle of the night. Read one slowly, or tap Pray it aloud and close your eyes.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/prayers/sleep. Scripture quotations are from the Lumin Translation. These prayers are not Scripture; each names the passages it draws on.

## Prayers

### At bedtime

As you lie down.

> Lord, in peace I will lie down and sleep, because you alone keep me safe. I give you this day, the good and the unfinished. Watch over me and the people I love tonight. Amen.

Draws on [Psalm 4:8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/4#8).

### When I can’t sleep

When your mind will not switch off.

> God, my body is tired and my mind will not stop. You give sleep to the ones you love. I hand you each thought as it comes: this one, and this one. Slow my breathing. Let me rest in you, even if sleep is slow to come. Amen.

Draws on [Psalm 127:2](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/127#2) and [Matthew 11:28](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/11#28).

### Waking in the night

At 3 a.m., when everything feels bigger.

> Lord, you do not sleep, and you are watching over me now. The dark makes my worries look larger than they are. Remind me that you are the same at night as in the morning. Keep me until the day comes. Amen.

Draws on [Psalm 121:3-4](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/121#3-4) and [Psalm 139:12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/139#12).

### With children

At a child’s bedside. Simple enough to learn.

> Dear God, thank you for today. Please keep us safe tonight. Help us sleep well and wake up happy. We love you. Amen.

Draws on [Psalm 3:5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/3#5).

## Bible verses for sleep

- **[Psalm 4:8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/4#8)**: “In peace I will lie down and sleep at once, for you alone, Yahweh, make me live in safety.” In peace I will lie down and sleep.
- **[Psalm 127:2](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/127#2)**: “It is in vain that you rise up early and stay up late, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives his beloved sleep.” He gives sleep to those he loves.
- **[Psalm 121:3-4](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/121#3-4)**: “He will not let your foot give way; your guardian will not doze. See, the guardian of Israel will not doze and will not sleep.” The one who keeps you does not sleep.
- **[Proverbs 3:24](https://www.lumin.faith/read/proverbs/3#24)**: “If you lie down, you will not be terrified; you will lie down, and your sleep will be pleasant.” When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
- **[Matthew 11:28](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/11#28)**: “Come to me, all of you who are worn out from toil and loaded with burdens, and I will give you rest.” Jesus: come to me, all who are weary.

More: [What the Bible says about rest](https://www.lumin.faith/what-the-bible-says-about/rest).

## Questions

### What is a good Bible verse to read before bed?

Psalm 4:8 is the classic, a promise of lying down in peace because God keeps you safe. Psalm 121 and Psalm 91 are also read at night by many Christians. Reading one aloud can be a prayer in itself.

### Can I change the words of these prayers for sleep?

Yes. They are a place to start, not a formula. Use your own words, add names, or pray just one line. God hears the prayer, not the wording.

### Who wrote these prayers?

Lumin wrote them from the passages named under each prayer. They are not Scripture. Every reference is checked against the Bible text each time the site is built. The verses are quoted from the Lumin Translation, so you can open each one and read it in context.