Slumber and Song - Your Nightly Prayer

Slumber and Song
Your Nightly Prayer for Mar. 25, 2025
By Sophia Bricker 

TONIGHT’S SCRIPTURE

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” - Psalm 4:8

SOMETHING TO PONDER

There are countless videos online that people use to help them drift to sleep – grownup versions of lullabies with light music, peaceful sounds of nature, and beautiful scenes either from nature or created to promote a cozy atmosphere. Like a mother’s voice lulling a child to sleep, the rhythm of the music coaxs individuals into relaxing. They can close their eyes to peaceful sounds even if their environment is far from soothing, finding an escape from the chaos of everyday life.  

David, too, had a resource to help him rest at ease. Psalm 4:8 shows us how he slept safely in peace because of the Lord. Despite the temptation to think that this meant David had the perfect environment in which to slumber, we need to remember that Psalm 4 is a lament song. Like many times in his life, people sought to kill him and rebel against his kingship. Obviously, this was not the most conducive situation for seeking rest.  

Yet David knew that God had called him and set him apart as a faithful servant (Psalm 4:3). Why should he fret or fear? Those who were against him were the ones who should be afraid because they needed to evaluate themselves and put their trust in the Lord (4:4-5). As for David, he found happiness in the Lord and entrusted himself to God’s care. That was what helped him sleep – a steadfast trust in the Lord’s loving provision. 

Like David, the situations in our lives will not always be ideal. We might not encounter people seeking to overthrow our kingdom as Israel’s shepherd-king did, but we experience fear, anger, sorrow, and despair due to circumstances. These feelings can mount up against us like a rising wave, threatening to crash and drown us in its wake. But just as David found peace and safety in the Lord, so can we. Let us unburden ourselves of anxiety by laying down our cares at the Father’s feet, knowing He loves us (1 Peter 5:7). Then, we can rest in the calmness of His presence.        

So go ahead and utilize the peaceful videos if needed for your bedtime routine, but do not forget to rest in the One who is your strength and song – the Lord God who sings over you in joy (Isaiah 12:2; Zephaniah 3:17).           

YOUR NIGHTLY PRAYER

O Lord,
You are the great Musician who cradles me and sings to me in every situation. In You, I can rest in perfect peace regardless of the troubles or fears I am facing. Tonight God, help me to set aside my worries and turn to You in confident trust, knowing that my life, salvation, and eternity rest in Your hands. Situations and people may threaten to overwhelm or discourage me, but in You I will delight and rest.
In Jesus’ name, I pray,
Amen.      

THREE THINGS TO MEDITATE UPON

1. A routine or resource that helps you sleep now or which helped you as a child (such as your mother singing or reading to you). What made this practice peaceful?   

2. A short psalm or passage of Scripture that you would like to memorize and recite when you struggle to fall asleep. How can it encourage you to find comfort in God’s character? 

3. The image of you setting down a heavy package or item. How might you use that visual scene before bedtime to imagine laying down all your worries and fears, entrusting them to the Lord? 

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Ivan Mani

Sophia Bricker is a writer. Her mission is to help others grow in their relationship with Jesus through thoughtful articles, devotionals, and stories. She completed a BA and MA in Christian ministry, which included extensive study of the Bible and theology, and an MFA in creative writing. You can follow her blog about her story, faith, and creativity at The Cross, a Pen, and a Page.

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