1. Bless Us in Our Rest
We ask, Lord Jesus that you grant us rest and sound sleep through the night. You know our hearts, our minds, and our needs. And we thank you for your love that meets our needs even before we ask. We thank you for the strength that you have given us to persevere in the difficult moments and ask your forgiveness for the times when we fell short and did not honor you. As we look ahead to tomorrow, please bless our family and home tonight, grant us safety, and protect us with your angelic watchmen.
Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd, and we thank you for the way that you lead us, protect us, and nurture us. You love each of us fully and know us by name. We thank you for the earthly caregivers that you have placed in our lives, whether they are parents, pastors, extended family, or foster parents, and pray your blessing upon them. We are grateful for your Word, by which you lead us and grow us, and pray that blessing of your Word upon the world, that they too may come to know you. And we ask, Lord, that you watch over those who watch over us; our firefighters, police, and other first responders; our doctors, teachers, and most trusted friends.
Bless our rest, Lord, as we reflect on the good plan and purpose that you have prepared for us, so that we may awake filled with your joy and peace, prepared for a new day’s walk with you. With love, and in your precious name we pray, amen.
2. For Restful Sleep
Please give me restful sleep tonight, God, so that I may arise with renewed strength, prepared for a new day with you. I thank you for your rich mercy and undeserved grace. You are a loving Father, and I long to please your heart. I pray Lord that by your leading, my thoughts, words, and actions may honor you each and every day. Fill me with your presence as I sleep, that I may face the new morning with joy. I call on the peace of your presence to protect this place as I rest. Good night, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.
3. Thank You for Sustaining Me
Father, thank you for sustaining me through the challenges of the day, and for meeting my every need. Thank you for showing me your deep love, and pouring out undeserved grace and mercy on me. In my turmoil, you were steadfast and faithful, and the glory of the day belongs to you alone. Amen.
4. After a Difficult Day
Father, I am too weary to lift my head, too tired to cry out. Please hear me as I whisper to you, and pour out your grace on the day. Let me feel your presence so that I can cling to what I know and not forget that you are never absent, and never surprised by anything that happens. Forgive me, Lord, for losing sight of you and giving in to my fears.
Forgive me for forgetting the peace that passes all understanding, and for giving in to bitterness and complaining. Forgive me for not living in the freedom of who I am as your child, forgetting that I am yours because of the sacrifice that Jesus made to redeem me. Hear my prayer, Father. Take the burdens of this day from me, and replace them with hope, that I may rest in the comfort of your grace and strength.
5. Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness
Precious Father, as I prepare to end my day, and lay my head down to sleep, I look back on the day and marvel at your faithfulness. My plans may not always work and are often disrupted by circumstances beyond my reach. Yet even in the midst of these challenges, you remain in control.
Thank you, Lord, for giving me a glimpse of your hand at work, and for reminding me of the nearness of your presence. And thank you for all of your work in the unseen places, for the heavenly defenders around me, and for meeting my needs long before I am even aware of them. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Comfort
Heavenly Father, in whose arms your children find rest, cover me with peace in the shelter of your wing. As I sleep, I pray lord that you would take my burdens and free me from the load that weighs on me. It is my heart’s desire to be faithful in all that I do as a wife, as a sister, as a mother, and as a friend. And I cannot do this on my own. So, align my heart to yours, and grant me rest in mind, body, and spirit, that I may be comforted and filled in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
7. A Prayer Against Anxiety
Dear Lord, I am prone to worry. My fears and doubts tell me lies, leading me to anxious thoughts. Please send your Spirit, and speak your truths into my mind. Help me to remember your faithfulness and to focus on the victories that you have already won for me. Please settle my anxious heart so that I may rest in the truth of your peace. Amen.
8. Renew My Spirit
Lord, some days the troubles and cares of life get in the way. In those days you feel far away, and I find myself grasping for a joy that I can barely feel. I confess Lord, that this distance is my doing, not yours, as I let the worries of the day rob me of my focus. Lord, please redirect my heart and mind toward you. Teach me to empty my mind of the worries that distract me, and renew me by your Spirit. Today is behind me, and I want to start the morning afresh with you, prepared for a renewed walk in your presence and your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.
9. An Evening Prayer of Gratitude
We thank you, God, for showing up in so many ways today. We are grateful for your provision and care, for times of laughter and of productivity. And we thank you for helping us to learn and grow a little closer to you each day.
Thank you for making us who we are, each of us formed in your image, yet unique. Thank you for your watching over us, guiding us in your ways, and caring for us even when we stray from you. Forgive us for our wrongs, and guide us in correcting our steps. We are thankful that you have set a path before us, far better than any path that we could make for ourselves. Prepare us to be a witness to those who do not know you, so that your love and goodness can be revealed to them, too.
We seek your blessing on our household, as we reflect with thanksgiving on our time together today. Bless our extended family, and our brothers and sisters in Christ, and thank you for giving us special relationships with each of them. Thank you for our home, our food, our comfort, and for the angels that protect us as we prepare for rest. Grant us peaceful sleep as we rest in the truth of your goodness, your faithfulness, and your love. Father, we love you, and in gratitude, we say good night, and amen.
10. Prepare Us for Your Purposes
Precious God, your love is great, and your blessings are abundant. We thank you that you are infinite, and your goodness has no end. Forgive us for neglecting our closeness, and forgetting how completely you know us and care for us. We pray, Lord, that you would shine on us so that we might glimpse your face and walk in the light of your love. Guide us according to your wisdom, and be the rock of our refuge. Open doors that lead where you want us to follow, and protect us from wrong turns. Work through us, Lord, as we offer our hands and our minds, our thoughts and our actions. We seek to be fruitful and productive for you, fulfilling your purposes according to the gifts that you have given us by your Spirit, so that our lives may reflect your glory. We ask that you would increase our wisdom and perseverance, that with each new day, we may serve you more faithfully. Amen.
11. Rest My Mind
Dear Lord, break me of my habit of relying on my own thinking and accomplishments. Remind me that your grace is sufficient for my needs and that you value me as your child, created in your image. Teach me to rest my mind and be still as I meditate on you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
12. Take My Worries
Lord, I carry these burdens as if they depend on me. Teach me to lay these burdens at your feet, releasing my worries and stresses into your care. Help me to trust you with child-like love. In Jesus’ name, amen.
13. Forgiveness for the Day
Jesus, forgive the wrong steps I’ve taken today, seeking my own will instead of yours. And forgive the foolish moments when I relied on my own understanding instead of seeking your great wisdom. I’d like to put these moments behind me, and I thank you that when I ask, you forgive. It brings me peace to prepare for sleep with a clean slate, because of your faithfulness. I love you, Lord, for drawing me close to you, and for loving me as I am. Amen.
14. A Short Reflection on 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,
so that my life may reflect his glory all of my days.
15. Traditional Child’s Bedtime Prayer, 18th Century
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.
Alternative Version for Children:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Watch and guard me through the night,
and wake me with the morning light.
Amen.
16. A Prayer to Overcome Disappointment
Lord, some days I look back and see failure. But I thank you that you are always at work in my situation, even if I can’t see it. Teach me to trust in you, to surrender the disappointments, and rest in your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
17. Watch Over My Loved Ones
As I prepare for sleep, Lord, I pray that you would watch over those dear to me; my friends, and family. I ask that you would reach out to those that don’t know you so that your love and grandeur would be revealed in the splendor of the stars and their eyes may be opened to see you. Meet their needs, Lord, just as you faithfully meet mine. Amen.
18. For Peace in the Night
Dear Jesus, before I lay down to rest, help me to lay down my burdens, and to not carry them into the night. Surround me with your sheltering love, and replenish my mind, body, and spirit as I find comfort in your peace.
19. For the Gift of Rest
Thank you, Lord, for granting us the gift of rest, and for the time and space that you set aside for us to enjoy this gift while you watch over us. Help us to cherish this gift as we worship the giver and honor you in our rest. In Jesus' name, amen.
20. When I am Weary from Striving
Dear God, some days I forget to abide in your presence, striving instead by my own energy and power to get through the day. In my sin, I leave you behind and press on without you, growing weary. Remind me, Lord of what it means to walk with you. Help me to dwell in Christ’s freedom by the power of your Spirit. I seek your communion as I rest, so that when the new day comes, we may journey together. Amen.
21. A Poem of Thanksgiving
Lord thank you for our rest tonight
And for the coming morning light
For being with us through the day
And caring for us in every way
Guide us by your perfect light
Direct our hearts in doing right
So that in everything we do
Our thoughts and actions honor you
22. For a Troubled Heart
Lord, when my heart is troubled, pour out your peace on me. Lead me to the rock of my salvation by the light of your Word. Teach me to not be drawn to idols, but to seek you, the immovable and imperishable Lord of creation. Help me to release my troubles into your care, and redirect me by your will. Thank you for hearing my prayer, Lord. Amen.
23. A Prayer of Confession
Lord, sometimes it is hard to seek forgiveness. Please grant us the grace to come to you in confession and repentance, so that we may be freed from the enemy’s grasp. You search us and know our hearts. Please take our resentment and doubt, and replace them with the security of knowing that we are forgiven. In Jesus’ name, amen.
24. Help Me Cling to Your Truth
Heavenly Father, thank you for being our rock, steadfast and unchanging. Sometimes your closeness is tangible, and other days we barely feel your touch. And in the most difficult times, our hearts put up walls, and we can’t feel you at all. We pray that you would tear down those walls, so that we may turn our burdened hearts to you. Help us to look not to our own shifting feelings for comfort, but to you, our unshakeable God. Teach us to stand firmly on the truth of your Word which lasts forever, and not lean on our own understanding. Give us eyes of faith to see and believe the truth of who you are, even when we can’t feel you. You are our good and gracious Father, your power knows no limits, and your love knows no end, for we have experienced your nurturing care. Empower us to walk in the truth that we know, in all circumstances and seasons, in the power of Jesus’ name, amen.
25. When Mom is Exhausted
Dear Heavenly Father, I come before you exhausted from a long and tiring day. Sometimes I wonder if I have what it takes to be a mother. Unexpected things happen, and the constant changes and twists and turns leave me not knowing what to do. Every day brings a new reminder of how helpless and needy I am.
You tell me in Your Word that I can approach you in confidence, and that in you I can find grace and mercy and rest. I can’t even sort out the details of these burdens, but I place them in your hands. I grow weary of constantly running, but never getting anywhere. I’m never done- there’s always another mess to clean up, another cry to answer. And just when I master one stage of my child’s life, my child moves on to the next stage.
Lord, you are the perfect father, and I want to live up to your perfection as a mother, but I can’t. I haven’t loved with all of the love that you pour out on me. I haven’t given grace to my own children like you freely give to yours, including me. Forgive me for failing to reflect you and bring you glory, for depending on my own limited strength and my own fear-riddled mind. Forgive me for acting with selfish impatience, and trusting in the things and ways of daily life instead of seeking you. I’m reminded when I look back on the day how much I depend on you, for my salvation and for my daily victory. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me, for forgiving me, and for always being ready to lead me.
Tomorrow is a new day, sure to come with its own highs and lows. I pray that you will be with me in the good and the bad, teaching me to find joy in you despite the bumpy ride. Lead me in peace and protect me from fear. Help me to love my children the way you love us, and to enjoy the time you give us, not worrying about the future. Help me to remember that you promise never to leave me and that you are always with me. Give me rest from my weariness tonight, and peaceful sleep as you hold me secure in your arms. And wake me to new mercies and a renewed outlook in the morning. Thank you, Father. Amen.
26. Rest for My Soul
My soul finds rest in you alone, Lord, for my salvation comes from you. Thank you for calling me to rest in your care. Help me to remember that you are all that I need for my comfort and strength. In Jesus’ name, amen.
27. Bedtime Prayer (song by Twila Paris)
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray dear Lord that you will keep
Your eyes upon this sleeping world
Every little boy and girl
Bless the children far away
The ones who don't know how to pray
Those who are not feeling well
The little one that slipped and fell
Bless the puppy down the street
The neighbors I have yet to meet
Bless my mom and dad especially
Just one more thing I'd like to say
Before I close another day
I'd like to thank you Lord for all the ways
That You bless me
Bless the child whose home is torn
The babies who are not yet born
Bless the ones who take your word
To all the hearts that have not heard
Bless all your children everywhere
I hope they know how much you care
Maybe someday I can go
And tell them that You love them so
Bless Grandma and my Grandpa too
And all my friend and all they do
Bless every twig upon my family tree
Just one more thing I'll say to you
I'm so amazed by all you do
I'll thank you once again because it's true
That you bless me
28. Give Us Peace Tonight
You call us to be still, Lord and know that you are God. In the stillness of your presence, we pray that you would grow our faith so that we might know your peace that passes understanding even as storm rage outside. Teach us to endure with patience, and anticipate with hope. You are our deliverer, and we trust in the goodness of your timing and your plan. Amen.
29. The Examen (Evening Reflection)
Written by St. Ignatius Loyola, the Examen is a daily process for prayerfully reflecting on your day.
1. Remember God’s presence.
God delights in his children, and he invites us to seek him. Take the time to enter his presence, even if your trials and shortcomings try to turn you away from him. It is in his presence that we experience forgiveness, grace, and renewal.
2. Respond to Him with thanks.
In all things, we can come to God with gratitude. For the small blessings, for his presence in hard times, and for the growth we experience in suffering.
3. Reflect on how God showed Himself to you.
God’s hand is evident in his creation, his heart works through his people, and his character is revealed in his word. Where did you encounter God today? In the beauty of nature, the kindness of a friend, or quiet communion with Him? The answer may be different each day, but reflect, and know that he was there throughout the day.
4. Repent of your failings.
We tend to want to hide or ignore our own sins. But God calls us to repent, not to condemn us, but to free us from the burdens we carry. Take the time to ask for and receive the free gift of forgiveness.
5. Resolve to grow. God loves us too much to let us stay as we are. He wants to shape us more in his likeness each day. Perhaps God wants you to overcome a habitual sin, to forgive a hurt done to you, or to prepare to serve him in new ways. Ask him to show you where he is preparing you for change.
