Trouble sleeping? You’re not alone. Barely a day goes by without another article emerging addressing what feels like a global sleep crisis. Here at Glorify we know the challenge of experiencing ongoing bad sleep and restlessness, but we also know the power of prayer for restful sleep.
God’s intent is for us to live in peace. He created us to have lives overflowing with abundant joy, connection and the constant presence of His incredible peace.
Any sense of restlessness, of not being able to switch off, of exhaustion and burn out are just not on God’s agenda for us.
Right at the very beginning of the world God set a precedent for resting well.
Genesis 2: 2-3 says:
“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work. Then God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it he rested from all the work of creating that he had done.”
Just as we are created to worship and created to live in intimacy with God, we are also created to rest well.
This Biblical precedent for rest should form a foundation in your life. Along with prayer for a restful sleep, let this hope hold you as you journey towards a healthy sleep life.
Open with gratitude
A great habit to get into is to open every prayer with gratitude. Even if you just list a couple of small things that you’re thankful for, posting yourself in gratitude is a great way to enter a time of prayer.
Meditate on scripture
Find a Bible verse or two that resonate with you and meditate on them. Read them over and over, slowly and focusing on the words. Ask God to highlight a particular word or passage to you as you go.
Humble yourself
We can’t do it all. As Christians we believe we were designed to live with God. As a result without Him we really struggle! Humble yourself before God, put your life in His hands again and ask for His help.
Every time we pray we can do it knowing we’re talking to a good, loving father.
Matthew 7:11 says: “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!”
Weare God’s beloved sons and daughters and He delights in giving us good things. He wants us to experience a good, fulfilling, joyful life that’s rooted in Him.
So, when you pray for a restful night’s sleep do it knowing you’re talking to the most caring, generous dad in the world.
When we approach God with confidence, knowing we are His children and we walk in His authority, it transforms our prayer life.
Having a good night’s sleep has a lot to do with your bedtime routine. Simple things like having a clear, peaceful space and not spending time on your phone just before bed can make a huge difference.
Don’t underestimate the power of prayer for a restful night’s sleep too. Not only does God hear us and respond when we pray but also just the act of prayer can help us slow down, relax and release our stress.
Try this prayer during your next bedtime routine:
Dear God,
You are my safety, my peace and my protection. Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me.
As this day ends I thank you for all that’s happened, good and bad, and for being with me through it all. I dedicate this night and tomorrow to you, be with me as I sleep and as I rise. Let tomorrow be another day where I am connected to You and experience Your lovingkindness.
Please help me to rest well and sleep deeply tonight. Fill my sleep with good dreams and let me wake up feeling recharged, restored and full of Your joy.
Amen
The Bible provides us with many verses that offer peace, comfort, and reassurance, including those that speak to peaceful sleep. Here are some of the most well-known and comforting Bible verses for peaceful sleep:
"In peace, I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." - Psalm 4:8
This verse acknowledges that God is our protector, and we can trust in Him to keep us safe while we rest.
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him." - Psalm 62:1
This verse reminds us that true rest and peace come from God alone and that we can find comfort and salvation in Him.
"When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet." - Proverbs 3:24
This verse promises that when we trust in the Lord and His protection, we will be able to sleep peacefully without fear.
"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." - Philippians 4:6-7
This verse reminds us that we can bring all of our worries and anxieties to God in prayer, and He will give us a peace that surpasses all understanding.
If you’re struggling with sleepless nights, remember that you’re not alone. So many of us experience difficulty sleeping at some point.
Ultimately though if we cultivate a lifestyle of intimacy with God we get to spend our days and nights in total, perfect peace.
Think about Jesus on the fishing boat in the storm; fast asleep as the waves raged. That picture shows us how we can live: untroubled by the storm, fast sleep and at peace knowing God is our safety.
Does a crowded thought life and anxious heart get in the way of you sleeping well? Pray this prayer and put your trust in Jesus again.
Dear Jesus,
My thoughts are flooded with worry and anxiety. I can’t separate the truth and I can’t bring myself into peace.
Please, Jesus, come and quiet down the anxious thoughts and bless me a with a fresh trust in You.
Help me to release my fear to You and instead of worrying, learn to hand over my cares to You.
Amen
Does your job stop you from sleeping well? Or maybe you have young kids? Whatever the reason, feeling exhausted but not being able to sleep well can be torture. Here’s a prayer for you:
God, I am so tired.
My body aches with exhaustion, it’s hard to focus and I’m really struggling.
You and You alone can sustain me God. I have reached the end of my strength and energy, please meet me now God and fill me up. Bless me with fresh life, fresh reserves. Help me to lean on You in this difficult season.
Please bless my sleep so, even if it’s short and broken, I wake up feeling rested.
Amen
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