10 Prayers To Help You Sleep

In uncertain times, even when you’re trying not to be anxious, it can be hard to sleep. What I’ve found to be the most helpful during restless nights is to pray Scripture.

You know how it is. You finally lay your head on the pillow, and immediately your mind starts racing. 

All the thoughts and fears and worries seem to take over and find their way into the recesses of your mind. 

You watch the minutes tick by on your phone. 

Then the hours. 

Then you count how many hours of sleep you’ll get if you fall asleep right now.

It makes for a miserable night and miserable next morning.

One thing that helps calm my mind is to pray Scripture. God’s Word is alive and powerful, and it can calm your anxious heart.

Here are 10 Scriptures to Pray to Help You Sleep

These prayers can help you get started. There is no right or wrong way to pray when you’re sharing you heart with the Lord.

1. Proverbs 3:5–6 

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Dear Lord, help me to trust in You with all my heart. Help me to not lean into my own understanding, but to lean into Yours instead. Help me to submit my worries and cares to You. Help me to stay on the narrow path of trusting You. Amen.

2. Psalm 56:3 

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Dear Lord, I am afraid. My heart is troubled. Please help me to put my trust in You and You alone. Amen

3. Romans 8:38–39 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.“

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that nothing can separate me from Your love. Your love is bigger than my fear, my anxiety, and my circumstances. Thank You for your unending love. Amen.

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4. John 14:27 

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Dear Lord, my heart is troubled. Your Word says you give me Your peace, but I don’t feel it right now. Please ease my troubled heart and let me feel the peace that only You can give. Amen.

5. Psalm 34:4

“I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me.  He freed me from all my fears.”

Dear Lord, thank you for being a God who answers prayers. You alone are holy and worthy of praise. You have the power to free me from my fears. I trust in You alone. You alone can calm my mind and bring me peace from my feelings. Amen.

6. Philippians 4:6–7 

“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.”

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for who You are. You are the Great I AM. Thank you for sending Your Son to die on a cross for my sins and allowing me to have a personal relationship with You. Lord, I need peace tonight. You know my innermost thoughts and feelings. I claim the peace you give. Guard my heart and mind against fear and worry that doesn’t come from You. Thank You for Your love. Amen.

7. 1 Peter 5:6–8 

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” 

Dear Lord, my mind is racing and I can’t sleep. You tell me to cast all my anxiety on You, so here I am doing just that. I know the enemy is the author of lies and confusion and chaos. He prowls around doing everything he can to make my mind race and give into worry. You are bigger. You are the God of peace. You will carry my burdens. I need you. Amen.

8. Isaiah 41:10 

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Dear Lord, Your Word tells me you are with me. Please let me feel Your presence tonight. Help me believe that Your Word is bigger than my feelings. Take away the fear in heart. Help me to trust You to strengthen and help me. Lord, You alone will uphold me with your righteous right hand. Thank You. Amen.

9. Psalm 94:19 

“When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.”

Dear Lord, tonight I claim Your promise that even though anxiety is great within me, when You console me, my soul with know joy. You keep your promises and You are trustworthy. Lord, I ask for joy in my soul tonight as I rest. Amen.

10. Matthew 11:28–30 

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Dear Heavenly Father, I am weary and burdened, and I need Your rest. Help me to trust You and lean into You. Tonight I need rest. Tonight I lay down my stress and worries and take up Your yoke. You are a good Father. Amen.

In Conclusion

I hope you’ll find rest after spending time with the Lord in prayer. If you’re looking to strengthen your prayer life, be sure to check out 12 Reasons Why Prayer is Important in Your Everyday Life, Prayers You Should Be Praying for Your Family, and 7 Prayers You Should Be Praying in 2020- Knowing Christ.