In one way or another, we all have a bedtime routine. You may have a more structured schedule like reading a book, washing your face, and preparing your clothes for the next day before sleeping, or maybe your routine is simply locking the doors, checking your phone, and then going straight to bed. Regardless of what our routine before going to sleep looks like, the most important step is to pray to God and even read the Bible. There is no better way to end our day and rest than praying to God. As we do so, it shouldn’t be something we do only out of routine but out of delight (1 John 5:3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome,).
Heavenly Father, may I always end my day with a prayer, thanking You and praising You for all the grace and goodness You have shown me that day. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Grateful Heart
Indeed, there are many prayers that we can lift up to God (Philippians 4:6–7), like crying out to Him the concerns that we have, surrendering tomorrow into His hands, and trusting Him that He will protect and sustain us while we sleep. For this article, we are going to focus more on thanking God in our prayers before sleep.
A Good Prayer Before Sleep
A Good Prayer Before Sleep
Thanking God is commanded in the Bible. In (1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.(NIV), it is written that we are to thank God in all circumstances, for it is God’s will for us in Christ. Psalm 107:1 (ESV) also says that we are to thank God, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 50:23 says that whoever offers praise glorifies God. As we thank and praise Him, we ascribe to Him the glory He deserves.
A Good Prayer Before Sleep
A person with a grateful heart shows that she is transformed by grace. This can be seen when she receives the Gospel. As the person understands the Gospel and how God was gracious and merciful to her, she feels God’s grace overflow in her heart and cannot help but thank God. In other words, a grateful heart is inclined to God, with eyes fixed on Him, giving Him thanks regardless of the circumstances. It is a heart that is Gospel-saturated.
Being Thankful Even During Hard Times
If you’re having a bad day or going through a difficult period, does that mean there is nothing to thank God for at the end of the day? 1 Thessalonians 5:18 again answers this for us. It says that we are to thank God in all circumstances—and that means all circumstances. Does that mean that Paul was ignorant of our sufferings and difficulties and told us to deny them? Of course not. He simply wanted to remind us that regardless of our current circumstances, there is always something to thank God for.
Maybe your day started off on the wrong foot because a long line at the coffee shop made you a few minutes late to work. Consider this: If you had left even a minute earlier, a drunk driver could have hit you on the road. Our sight is limited, and we don’t know how God in His providence works. His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways. However, one thing is for sure: Whether good or bad, everything works together for the good of those who love God (Romans 8:28). We can see this in the life of Joseph when he was sold into slavery by his brothers; what they meant for evil, God meant it for good (Genesis 50:20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.).
A Good Prayer Before Sleep
Thanking God in Prayer Before Sleep
Thanking God in prayer before sleeping does not have to be complicated. You can simply reflect on the day or week you had and thank and glorify God for everything He provided. Did you accomplish something at work? Thank Him for His grace. Did God answer a specific prayer request? Thank Him for His mercy. Ascribe to God the glory due to His name.
If you’ve had a difficult day, there is still plenty you should thank God for. Even something as simple as having food to eat or getting home safely is good enough reason to thank God. Remember, even when it’s hard to find things in our lives to be thankful for, we can still thank Him—our circumstances do not change the truth that His love is steadfast, that He is faithful, and that His goodness and mercy always follow us (Psalm 23:6 Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.).
A Good Prayer Before Sleep
Father in heaven, thank You for sustaining me today and allowing me to persevere despite the difficulties I face. Thank You because no matter what circumstances I may be in, Your love is still there, and You work all things for my good. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Good Prayer Before Sleep
When you feel downtrodden, remember the lives of early believers like Paul. Paul’s life was full of difficulties and challenges. Yet, in some of his letters, which he wrote while in prison, he continually praised and thanked God. We should strive for this level of faith, remembering to give God the thanks He deserves each night before we sleep.