How to Pray at Night Before Sleeping

Praying before going to sleep has always been taught by Christian parents to their children and has been a practice for many generations now. Praying to God before you sleep comes from the belief that God will protect you and your family as you sleep. This is true because every time we connect with God and depend on Him in our prayers, He makes sure not to disappoint us in our trust. His Word is trustworthy, and He is faithful to fulfill it. So, how do you pray at night before sleeping?

1. You can read the Scriptures and pray/declare the Word of God.

As the Holy Spirit leads you through Scripture, or if you are following a devotional plan, it can be a great way to pray powerfully and effectively as you declare God’s Word. Here is a prayer from Psalm 91:

Heavenly Father, thank You, for You are my family’s refuge and fortress. We trust You to protect us against deadly viruses and illnesses. You always cover us under Your wings and save us from the works of the enemy. No plagues or deadly pestilences will come near my family and me, for You are our dwelling place in Christ Jesus. Be glorified, God, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

2. You can surrender to God everything that has happened during the day and ask for a peaceful sleep.

Sometimes, we overthink at night when our bodies are supposed to rest, regain strength, and recharge. God designed our bodies this way, and rest is so important. But because of the things we are thinking at night that result in sleep problems and disorders, the body’s immune system declines and so does our health. This is not God’s will for us. It is important to discipline your thoughts before your sleep. So, as you pray to God, take it as an opportunity to surrender what’s on your mind about what has happened during the day and let yourself receive the proper rest your body deserves. Here is a prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for protecting me throughout the day. As I go to sleep, I surrender my mind and heart to You. You know the thoughts that are running through my mind right now, and I give them all to You so that I can sleep soundly and peacefully. I can always trust in You, for You are faithful and reliable. Thank You, Abba, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

3. You can pray together with your spouse and children.

One of the ways that you can pray at night before sleeping is to gather your family and pray together. When families pray together in unity, that is one of the most powerful ways to defeat the enemy’s works and build a strong anointing for God’s protection. Moreover, praying together sets a great example for your children and their future children. Take this time as an opportunity to bless God and exalt Him as you all pray together before sleep. You can lead the prayer or your spouse can, and you may each speak and pray to God, including the children. 

4. You can also opt to pray by yourself.

If you live alone or belong to a family that is not yet Christian, you can opt to pray to God by yourself every night. You can take this as an opportunity to pray for unsaved family members as well as for God’s protection through the night.

5. Depending on how the Holy Spirit leads you to pray, you can pray silently or out loud.

In this article, “How to Pray Silently,” you will learn how and why to pray silently or out loud to God, depending on the Holy Spirit. Suppose you are sleeping alone in your room, and you have good soundproofing. In that case, it can be an excellent opportunity to exercise your authority in prayer before you sleep by declaring God’s Word loudly, rebuking the enemy, etc. But if you are sharing your room with someone or live in open spaces, you can opt to pray silently before the Lord. What matters is that you obey the Holy Spirit’s instructions.

6. If you can’t fall asleep, take this as an opportunity to intercede for others.

No matter how much you want to fall asleep, sometimes it won’t come. Maybe at this time God wants you to intercede about something or someone. Take this as an opportunity to seek God and ask Him for revelation and instruction if there is something He wants you to pray for.

7. Whatever is on your mind for tomorrow – worries, cares, concerns, an upcoming event, etc. – surrender it to the Lord and focus on receiving rest for your body.

Like overthinking, sometimes our planning for tomorrow can get in the way of our sleep. You can be too excited about tomorrow’s event or worried about someone, but you can surrender this at night as you pray to the Lord, so that your body will receive the proper rest and rejuvenation it needs.

These are some ways that you can pray at night before sleeping. Let the Holy Spirit lead you to pray at all times; then, you’ll discover many other things God wants you to pray for, as well as His creative instructions on praying for others and yourself. 

What prayer do you say before sleeping?

There are many things that you can pray to God at night, depending on what the Holy Spirit is leading you to pray. This may also depend on the situations in your life, which can generate a suitable prayer before you sleep. As discussed earlier, some things you can pray for at night might be God’s protection, your self-surrender, intercession for others, the exercise of your authority in Christ, an exaltation of God, and your thanks to God for the day as you pray with your family. Your prayer can be about anything that may concern you at the moment and also the things the Holy Spirit wants you to pray for. 

Praying and talking to God is communing and building a relationship with Him. You can pray at any time of the day and not just before sleeping. While you are doing your household chores, job, ministry, or hobby, you can always commune with God, just as you talk to your closest friend. God is always with you wherever you go, even in your sleeping and dreaming. He is taking care of you and protecting you from harm. 

As you lay down your heart to God before you sleep, when you wake up, do your work, go to the mall, and so on, may He always bless you and guide you in Jesus’ name.