Night prayers are a wonderful way to end your day by placing your trust and hope in God before falling asleep. Life is filled with challenges, and taking the time to talk to God through a night prayer can provide a sense of relief and comfort. No matter what you faced today, evening prayers are an opportunity to raise your joy and sorrows to God that He may help you in whatever way best for your soul!
Night prayers, also called Compline or bedtime prayers, offer a dedicated time for reflection, gratitude, and surrender. In the stillness of the night, when the world slumbers, Christians can pour out their hearts to the Almighty, seeking guidance, forgiveness, and divine intervention. It is a time to release the day's burdens, laying them at the feet of the One who promises rest for the weary.
The Bible encourages evening prayers, with numerous verses highlighting the significance of seeking God's presence before sleep. Psalm 4:8 assures believers, "In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety." This acknowledgment of God's protective embrace fosters a sense of security and peace, allowing Christians to surrender their anxieties to Him.
Browse our collection of night prayers below to end your day with thanksgiving and supplication to God!
Here are three simple night prayers for Christians to pray as they conclude their day:
Thanksgiving for the Day:
"Lord, I thank You for the blessings of this day and for Your loving care. As I rest tonight, I ask for Your peace to surround me and my loved ones. Help us to trust in Your protection and wake renewed, ready to serve You. Amen."
Prayer for Peaceful Sleep:
"Heavenly Father, as I lay down to sleep, relieve the worries of my heart. Grant me peace throughout the night and protect me from all harm. May Your angels guard me and bring me safely to a new day. In Jesus' name, Amen."
Seeking Guidance and Strength:
"Dear God, as night falls, I seek Your wisdom and strength for the challenges ahead. Refresh my spirit as I sleep, and guide my thoughts and actions tomorrow so that I may walk in Your ways and honor You in all I do. Amen."
These prayers can be personalized or adapted as needed, allowing individuals to reflect on specific aspects of their day or seek comfort in particular areas of concern.
1. Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of this day. As I close my eyes, I entrust my dreams to you. Guard my heart, grant me peaceful rest, and awaken me with renewed strength for tomorrow. Amen.
2. Lord Jesus, as night falls, I surrender my worries and cares into your hands. May your peace fill my soul, and may I find comfort in the assurance of your love. Guide me through the night, and may I wake up with a heart full of gratitude. In your name, I pray. Amen.
3. Gracious God, I lay before you the events of this day. Forgive my shortcomings, and let your mercy cover me. Grant me restful sleep and surround me with your protective presence. May your angels watch over my loved ones as well. Thank you for being my refuge. Amen.
4. Dear Lord, as I close my eyes, I reflect on your goodness throughout this day. I am grateful for your blessings. I surrender my concerns to you, trusting in your plan. Fill my dreams with your peace, and may I wake up with a heart ready to serve you anew. Amen.
Psalm 3:3-5 ~ “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah. I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.”
Psalm 4:7-8 ~ “You have put more joy in my heart than they have when their grain and wine abound. In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 42:8 ~ "The LORD commands his mercy during the day, and at night his song is with me-- a prayer to the God of my life."
Proverbs 3:24-26 ~ "When you lie down, you will not be afraid. As you lie there, your sleep will be sweet. Do not be afraid of sudden terror or of the destruction of wicked people when it comes. The LORD will be your confidence. He will keep your foot from getting caught."
Philippians 4:6-7 ~ Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
The Sign of the Cross:
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Act of Contrition:
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended Thee, and I detest all my sins, because I dread the loss of heaven and the pains of hell, but most of all because they offend Thee, my God, who art all-good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy grace, to confess my sins, to do penance, and to amend my life. Amen.
The Guardian Angel Prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this night be at my side,
To light, to guard, to rule, to guide. Amen.
The Memorare:
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection,
implored thy help, or sought thy intercession was left unaided.
Inspired with this confidence, I fly to thee, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother;
to thee do I come; before thee I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions,
but in thy mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Evening Prayer of Gratitude
Dear Lord, As I close this day, I come to you with a heart full of gratitude. Thank you for your love and provision throughout my life. Thank you for the blessings of family, friends, and health. Thank you for the beauty of the world around me.
I am also grateful for the challenges I have faced, for they have helped me to grow stronger and wiser. Thank you for your guidance and strength through difficult times.
As I rest my head tonight, I pray that I will continue to feel your presence in my life. Thank you for your love and care. Amen.
Night Prayer for Protection
Dear Lord, As I prepare for sleep, I ask for your protection. Keep me safe from harm, both physical and spiritual. Guard my mind and heart from negative thoughts and influences.
Please help me to rest peacefully, knowing that I am in your care. Amen.
Prayer for Guidance Tomorrow
Dear Lord, I ask for your guidance as I look ahead to tomorrow. Please help me to make decisions that are in line with your will. Show me the path that you have laid out for me.
I trust your wisdom and love and know you will guide me if I seek your direction. Amen.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take. Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer:
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God's love commits me here,
Ever this night be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
Prayer for a Restful Night:
Lord, as I lay down to sleep,
I give you all my thoughts to keep.
Watch over me throughout the night,
And wake me with the morning light. Amen.
Prayer for Loved Ones:
Lord, bless my family and friends,
Keep them safe until the night ends.
Grant them peace and restful sleep,
Your love in their hearts, Your promises to keep. Amen.
Prayer for Your Family:
Heavenly Father, As we gather here, a family bound by love, we thank you for the gift of this day. Thank you for the moments of joy and the challenges that have strengthened us. As we prepare for sleep, we lift our hearts to you. Forgive us for any shortcomings, and fill our home with your peace. Watch over each family member, near and far, and grant us restful sleep. May your angels guard our dreams and guide our thoughts.
Lord, bless our home with love, laughter, and understanding. Help us to be a source of comfort and support for one another. We entrust our lives into your hands, knowing that you are our refuge and strength. As we close this day, we trust you, O Lord. May our hearts be filled with gratitude, and may we wake up ready to live another day by your will. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Download a personal PDF copy of these beautiful nighttime prayers HERE. Print these and keep them by your bedside as a reminder to give God the worries of your day and to rest in His comfort and peace.
Discover more night prayers for the evening to end your day with gratitude and supplication of God's mercy to help us in our extensive collection below:
Bless us with rest tonight, Jesus, and a good night’s sleep. Forgive us for the things we did today that did not honor you. Thank you for loving us so much and knowing us through and through. We need your help every day, and we thank you for the strength you give and for helping us know that with you, even hard things are possible. Bless our family and our home, and keep us safe through the night. May your angels guard us and watch over us, just like you promised.
You've told us we are just like sheep. And that you lead us and guard us like a shepherd. You know our names, and you make us feel special and loved. When we hurt, you help us feel better. Thank you, Jesus, for your good care and for giving us [mom/dad/parents/foster parents/pastors] to help. Thank you for the Bible, and for teaching us stuff in life that helps us grow. Bless the people in our world, and help them to know you love them, too. Thank you for all the people who help us so much: teachers, doctors, policemen, and firemen—and so many more.
Thank you for your good plan for our lives. Help us to obey you and love you more and more. When we awake in the morning, put a smile on our face and your purpose in our hearts, ready to start a new day. We love you, Jesus. Good night. In Jesus's precious name, Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Grant me a good night's sleep tonight, God, so that I can awake refreshed and ready to begin another day loving you. Thank you again for blessings so undeserved and too numerous to count. I love being your child, and I long for the word "faithful" to describe my service to you, each day of every year. When I awake in the morning, may it be with a joyful smile, not a grumpy spirit. May your protection and your presence bathe this place with peace and safety against the enemy. Good night, Lord. In Jesus's name, Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Father, thank you for holding me together today. I needed you, and you were there for me. Thank you for every bit of love, mercy, and grace that was shown to me though I did not deserve it. Thank you for your faithfulness even in my suffering. To you alone be the glory. Amen. - Topher Haddox
Dear God, As I prepare to sleep tonight, I ask for your loving protection. Watch over me and my loved ones, keeping us safe from harm and danger. Surround us with your angels, Lord, and let your peace fill our hearts. Shield us from any fear or worry that may try to disturb our rest.
Thank you for your constant care and love. I trust in your protection, and I place my faith in you. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
Father, I can barely lift my eyes to you. It's all I can do to cry out for help. Please extend your grace to me this day. Help me to see that you are in this and that you are with me. Help me to remember that you are not surprised or taken off guard by the events of this day. Forgive me for my fears about this day.
Forgive me for how I have complained and muttered about how hard this day has been. Forgive me for forgetting that you are with me. Forgive me for forgetting who I am because of what your Son, Jesus Christ, has done. Forgive me for failing to remember the glorious truths and riches I have because of the gospel. Father, hear my prayer. Grant me gospel hope in the midst of this hard day. Help me to cling to your grace, your wisdom, and your strength. ~ Christina Fox
Heavenly Father, my day is drawing to an end, and I'm ready to turn in. But before I do, I have to thank you for your faithfulness today. It's always a good day, even when things may not go the way I plan, or when the world seems in chaos because you are in control.
For all the times when I was aware of your help today, all the times when your unseen presence seemed so near, thank you, God. But for all the ways you worked behind the scenes, unknown to me, moments when heaven-sent angels moved on my behalf in ways I'll never know, thank you for those also, Lord. Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Dear God, As I lay down to rest, I come before you with a heart that may be troubled or restless. Please, Lord, grant me the peace and calmness I seek.
Help me release the worries and anxieties of the day. I surrender them to you, knowing that you are in control and that I can trust in your wisdom and love. Fill my mind with soothing thoughts, and quiet my racing thoughts. Allow your presence to wash over me like a gentle, calming wave.
Thank you for being my refuge and strength, especially in moments of stress. I find comfort in your arms, knowing that you are always with me. As I close my eyes, may your peace settle over me, and may I wake refreshed and renewed in your grace. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen
Heavenly Father, who gives rest to His children – will You wash over me a peace that passes all understanding as I lay down to sleep tonight? I ask that You would ease the load of the burdens I am carrying. My desire is to be an effective mother, wife, and friend and I know my attitude, energy level, and spiritual life will not be sufficient to do this if I don’t have the deep spiritual rest You long to give me. Be merciful, O Lord, and give sweet sleep to Your child. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Lysa TerKeurst
Dear Lord, please help me trust You and empower me through Your Spirit to stop my emotions from bossing me around. I want to quit worrying about what might happen and focus on what has already happened by remembering and praising You for Your faithfulness in my life. In Jesus' Name, Amen. ~ Renee Swoop
Lord, I long for those moments early in my faith when I felt your closeness, your joy, your energy and zest for life. I confess that the daily grind has ground down my passion for you. I confess that I allow the cares of the world to choke out the joy of the gospel. Lord, turn my heart toward you again. Fix my eyes on you, fix my heart on you. Help me have a reset in my faith and in my life, starting today. Renew my heart, renew my life for you and your ways. Help me see the daily routines of life as moments to gracefully submit to your will. Thank you for being the Lord of my life everyday. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Jennifer Waddle
Dear God, we thank you tonight for the good day and for the special way you take care of us all the time. Thank you for the fun times outside and the quiet times inside, and for helping us learn new things every day.
Thank you for creating us special, exactly the way you wanted. Thank you for protecting us throughout the day. Forgive us for the wrong things we do. Thank you for loving us even when we disobey or try to do things our way. Help us to always choose your way, God, because it’s always best. We pray for all the people who don’t know you, and that they will come to understand your love for them, too.
Bless our family and thank you for good times together and apart. Bless our friends and those we love, including our grandparents, our aunts and uncles and cousins. Thank you for our home and a place to sleep and good food to eat. Help us rest well, give us peaceful dreams, and send your angels around our home to protect us throughout the night. Teach us to trust you and to love you more and more. You are good; you are great; and you are faithful, God. And we love you. Good night. In Jesus’s precious name, Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Dear God, Thank you for your great love and blessing over our lives. Thank you that your favor has no end, but it lasts for our entire lifetime. Forgive us for sometimes forgetting that you are intimately acquainted with all of our ways, that you know what concerns us, and you cover us, as with a shield. We ask for your guidance so that we might walk fully in your blessing and goodness today. We ask that your face would shine on us. That you would open the right doors for our lives and for our loved ones, that you would close the wrong doors and protect us from those we need to walk away from. Establish the work of our hands and bring to fulfillment all that you have given us to do in these days. We pray that you would make our way purposeful and our footsteps firm out of your goodness and love. Give us a heart of wisdom to hear your voice, and make us strong by your huge favor and grace. In Jesus' Name, Amen. ~ Debbie McDaniel
Dear Lord, break me of the need to be busy pursuing a sense of self-worth. Make me secure in who You are and who You’ve made me to be, and as a result, teach me what it means to truly rest. Help me catch my breath. In Jesus’ Name, Amen ~ Max Lucado
Heavenly Father, As I close my eyes tonight, I want to thank you for your boundless love that surrounds me always. Your love is a constant source of comfort and assurance in my life. Lord, help me to truly feel and experience your love in the quiet moments of the night. Let your love wash over me, soothing any worries or anxieties. Fill my heart with the warmth of your presence.
Thank you for loving me unconditionally, for knowing me completely, and for always being there for me. I am grateful for your love, and I cherish the relationship I have with you. As I sleep, may I rest in the assurance of your love, knowing that you are watching over me and guiding me. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Lord, I’ve shouldered my cares as if I’m the one in control. Help me become like a child, handing all my stresses, worries and responsibilities to You, my faithful Father. I trust You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Amy Carroll
Forgive me for any foolish actions on my part today or things I did without first asking your blessing or wisdom. Those are moments I'd rather forget, but I'm so grateful for your forgiveness when I ask. I never want to go to bed without clearing the air between us, Lord. Our friendship means too much, and your holiness deserves that. Thank you for loving me just as I am. In Jesus Name, Amen. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
For God’s not given me a spirit of fear,
But a spirit of love,
and of power, and a sound mind,
To live each day and glorify his name.
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
Alternative Version for Children:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
Watch and guard me through the night,
and wake me with the morning light.
Amen.
Lord, thank You for working in my life, even in ways that look like failure. Help me keep my eyes on You and not on my situation. Help me trust You more, especially when I face what looks like a disappointment. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Glynnis Whitwer
As I close my eyes tonight, I'm praying for loved ones around me, for friends and those who need to know you, Lord. I'm praying that your love, like the billions of stars in the night sky outside, will touch them and help them see who you really are. I pray for our world and those in it. I pray for their needs as well as my own. ~ Rebecca Barlow Jordan
Dear Jesus, teach me to daily lay my burdens at your feet. Show me I can trust in your loving care. Grant me, your beloved, the nourishing blessing of rest and peaceful sleep. ~ Rachel Olsen
Dear Lord, thank You for rest. Thank You that I can rest while You continue to hold everything together. Help me rest well and worship You through rest. In Jesus' Name, Amen. ~ Rachel Olsen
Dear God, I’m realizing it’s not my curse that I believe I’m not enough; it’s my sin that I keep trying to be. Thank You for the reminder that life with You means I can rest, and I have nothing to prove. Will You continue to show me Your freedom, Your power and my need to stop striving to please You and instead just live life with You? In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Jennifer Allen
Father, we thank thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.
Help us to do the things we should,
To be to others kind and good;
In all we do, in work or play,
To grow more loving every day.
-- Rebecca Weston - 1890
Lord, when my heart is overwhelmed, overwhelm me with Your peace. Lead me to You, my rock. Guide me to Your Word which gives me strength and refuge. Help me not to run to lesser things. Draw me to run to You first. Help me get into the habit of taking my “overwhelmed” and placing it under your will. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. - Jennifer Rotheschild
Gracious Lord, give us the courage to seek forgiveness. Remind us that confession is never a mistake; it frees us from the chains of the enemy. We know we cannot hide our hearts from you. Help us to let go of our bitterness and fear, and purify us with the knowledge that you have taken away every sin. In your name, Amen.
Dear Father in Heaven, Thank you for your steadfastness and continual presence in our lives. Sometimes, we can feel you right next to us. But sometimes, it is hard to know that you are there at all. Sometimes life gets so difficult that our hearts just cannot feel you through the pain. Sometimes you take away those feelings so that we may seek you even more fervently. I pray today, Father, that I may rely not on my own feelings but rather on your love for me. May I rely on your Word to be the truth that rules my life over my own understanding. Help me to see you and believe in your character even though my feelings may tell me otherwise. You are kind, you are good, and you are gracious. You are both all-powerful and all-loving. You care deeply for me and for my loved ones. Be with me as I live out these truths no matter what my circumstances are today, Lord, as we walk forward together. I love you and pray all of these things in your Son’s amazing name, Amen. ~ Kelly-Jayne McGlynn
Dear Father in Heaven, I come before you weary and beat down by this long day. Being a mother can be so hard! I often feel helpless and inadequate. I never know what to expect. I often don't know what to do. The constant change leaves me reeling. The twists and turns of each day is a glaring reminder of how needy and dependent I am.
The book of Hebrews tells me I can come to you in confidence and find the grace and mercy I need. And so I come to you now to lay all these burdens at your feet. I feel so overwhelmed by the details of life. It seems like I can never get ahead. Just when I clean up one mess, another one pops up somewhere else. Just when I think I know what I am doing as a mom, my child enters a new age and stage. Just when I think I have a steady routine in place, someone gets sick or hurt. Some days I wonder if I’m really cut out for motherhood.
I know I failed to glorify you today. I failed to love as you love me. I failed to extend the grace you’ve given me to my children. Forgive me for striving in my own strength. Forgive me for my fears over all the unknowns of motherhood. Forgive me for putting my hope in things, circumstances, or in my own strength rather than in you. Forgive me for my impatience and for wanting life to go my way. Each of these sins and failures reminds me of just how much I need a Savior. Today reminds me that I need Jesus more than I did yesterday and that tomorrow I will need him even more.
I pray that tomorrow you would be with me in all ups and downs of my day. Help me to find my joy in you and not in my circumstances. Help me not to fear whatever twists and turns may come. Help me to love my children and serve them well. Help me to enjoy each moment with them and not spend my time worrying about the next moment to come. May I remember that even when it feels otherwise, you are always with me and will never leave me or forsake me. Tonight, may I sleep in peace knowing that even when I lose my grip, you never let go of me. And may I open my eyes in the morning to find mercy, fresh and new, ready for the taking. ~ Christina Fox
Lord, thank You for providing a rest for my soul that’s not attached to a person or experience. You created me for this rest, and I accept it now. Help me fully trust You with my heart. In Jesus’ Name, Amen. ~ Glynnis Whitwer
Now I lay me down to sleep
I pray dear Lord that you will keep
Your eyes upon this sleeping world
Every little boy and girl
Bless the children far away
The ones who don't know how to pray
Those who are not feeling well
The little one the slipped and fell
Bless the puppy down the street
The neighbors I have yet to meet
Bless my mom and dad especially
Just one more thing I'd like to say
Before I close another day
I'd like to thank you Lord for all the ways
That You bless me
Bless the child whose home is torn
The babies who are not yet born
Bless the ones who take your word
To all the hearts that have not heard
Bless all your children everywhere
I hope they know how much you care
Maybe someday I can go
And tell them that You love them so
Bless Grandma and my Grandpa too
And all my friend and all they do
Bless every twig upon my family tree
Just one more thing I'll say to you
I'm so amazed by all you do
I'll thank you once again because it's true
That you bless me
As I lay down to rest at the close of this day, I come before you, seeking strength. You are the source of all power and endurance, and I humbly ask for your divine strength to fill my heart and soul.
Lord, you know the challenges I faced today, and you understand the burdens on my mind and heart. I surrender them to you now, trusting that your strength is made perfect in my weakness.
I pray for your guidance and wisdom as I navigate life's journey. Help me to make choices that align with your will and purpose for my life. Fill me with your peace, knowing that I am in your loving and capable hands.
Thank you for your constant presence in my life, even in the quiet moments of the night. I place my trust in you and find my strength in your unwavering love. May your grace sustain me and grant me a peaceful and restful sleep. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
God, teach us what it means to have faith in silence. When we face trials that are beyond our understanding, help us to find peace. Help me be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. You set all things in accordance with your time. Remind us to wait patiently and find peace in your plan. ~ Dick Woodward
Written by St. Ignatius Loyola, the Examen is a daily process for prayerfully reflecting on your day.
1. Remember God’s presence.
Even after a trying day, God will quiet your soul as you remember His presence and intentionally seek to enter into it. Remember, He’s with you. Invite Him to make Himself present to you.
2. Respond to Him with thanks.
Giving thanks gives God glory and helps us look on the bright side of a bad day. What small blessings can you thank God for?
3. Reflect on how God showed Himself to you.
God reveals himself through scripture, but we also see glimpses of him in nature, events, and people. Sometimes, He shows up loudly through miraculous, divine intervention. Other times, He shows Himself quietly through the beauty of a flower or an earnest conversation. As you reflect on your day, can you identify moments where you sensed God’s revelation or intervention?
4. Repent of your failings.
I don’t like recognizing my own sin, but repentance is key to continual renewal in our relationship with God. As you reflect on your day, remember specific points where you failed. Bring your shortcomings before God and ask Him to forgive you.
5. Resolve to grow.
God is in the business of changing us, so don’t let your failings discourage or define you. His mercies are always new. Accept His forgiveness. Ask Him for grace to change. Is there anything you need to make right or anyone you need to apologize to? What can you do differently tomorrow?
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This article is part of our Prayer resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
The Lord’s Prayer
Prayer for Peace
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Prayer for Anxiety
Prayer for Strength
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