Do you often feel anxious or caught up in the worries of your day when lying down for sleep each night?
As darkness falls and the world quiets, our vulnerabilities often become more apparent.
These bedtime prayers of protection, whether recited directly from scripture or composed from the heart, provide a feeling of safety and and the peace of mind that only God can provide.
They allow us to release the burdens that might otherwise keep us awake.
Bedtime prayers are the best way to ensure a safe and peaceful night’s sleep. But,
- How do we pray for God’s protection over us while we are sleeping?
- What are the best bedtime prayers of protection to cover you and your family throughput the night?
A bedtime prayer of protection is a way to seek God’s safeguarding during the night.
The truth is that you can just ask God to keep watch over you. It doesn’t have to be an elorborate or difficult conversation.
To make it easier for you, below you will find 4 powerful bedtime prayer examples to help you get started!
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Praying for Protection Before Going to Bed
How often do we pray for protection? We pray for protection for our kids, for traveling mercies, surgeries, and other similar things, right?
But what about praying for protection before we lay our heads down at the end of a long day? God’s protection doesn’t just stop at night when we go to sleep, and it’s good to ask for it!
We want to make sure we have protection EVEN in our sleep. Satan never rests! The Bible says he comes to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10 NIV). We are MOST vulnerable when we sleep, so by praying these prayers, we can make sure we are on guard.
Praying for peaceful dreams and a good night’s rest will help us be able to wake up for a new day to seek out the Lord and what He has planned.
If you are new to prayer and not sure exactly how to get started, here are some creative but powerful prayer methods.
So how do we know what kind of bedtime prayers of protection to pray?
When you don’t know what to pray, what better source to go to than God’s Word?! There are so many verses about worry, sleep, and finding rest in the Lord.
Use these verses of scripture to meditate on as your pray bedtime prayers of protection over yourself and your family.
- “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34 NIV
- “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24 NIV
- “He makes me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters.” Psalm 23:2 NIV – *this whole Psalm is a GREAT one to repeat every night before you lay down!
- “I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the LORD sustains me.” Psalm 3:5 NIV
- “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.” Matthew 11:28-29 NIV
Proverbs 3:24 is a favorite here in our house. I pray this over my four-year-old daughter and help her learn to pray it on her own too for times when she wakes up scared.
I can honestly say that there have been multiple times she has told me she had sweet dreams of Jesus! Wow!!
There isn’t anything more comforting as a parent than to know that God hears our prayers for our kids, and He shows Himself to them as well.
Bedtime Prayers for Protection
What is a good bedtime prayer of protection to cover us while we are sleeping?
Now that we have a better idea of what the Bible says about praying for peaceful sleep, let’s look at some actual prayers we can repeat each night, depending on whatever sleep situation you are struggling with!
I would encourage you to read one or all of these Bible verses above, and then repeat these prayers after, depending on what you need at the moment.
Use this sample bedtime prayer of protection to keep you and your family safe from any type of danger that may come during the night while you are sleeping.
These prayers can also bring you the peace of God to help you have a more restful slumber.
Dear Lord, As I lay down to rest, Wrap me in your loving vest. Shield me with your mighty hand, Keep me safe, O God, I understand.
Protect me from the dark of night, Guide me with your gentle light. Guard my dreams, watch over me, In your care, I trust and plea.
May your angels stand by my side, Throughout the night, in you I confide. Bless my loved ones near and far, Keep us safe, beneath your star.
In your presence, I find my peace, In your love, all worries cease. Thank you for another day, Bless me now with restful sleep knowing that you will keep me safe. I the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Bedtime Prayer of Protection for Sleep and Healing
How many nights do we lay down and we NEED the mighty healing hand of God over our lives?
A bedtime prayer for protection can bring you a sense of peace and security.
It allows you to release any fears or anxieties you may have about the night ahead, helping you sleep better and wake up refreshed.
By offering a bedtime prayer for protection and healing, you are essentially surrendering your worries and concerns to a higher power.
This act of surrender let’s God know that you fully trust Him with keeping your safe and healing your body while you sleep.
Use this sample bedtime prayer of protection against the physical and mental things that prevent your mind and body from healing.
“Father God, I thank you for who You are. You are the great physician and the prince of peace.
Tonight, I need your healing hand over my life. Please heal (what you need healing for) in the mighty name of Jesus.
There is no place for physical illness here, and I ask You to decrease the pain and increase more of You.
I pray for a restful night’s sleep and for you to restore me to good health so I can use my body to do good works for you each and every day. Amen.”
Bedtime Prayer of Protection Against Insomnia
I used to be a fantastic sleeper, until recently. Between the stresses of life, raising a child, and day-to-day to-do lists, it is hard to shut my brain off at night.
I know you can probably relate too!
My heart goes out to those of you who struggle with sleeping and insomnia!
God understands, and here is a prayer you can cry out to Him in those moments before bed so you can have a restful night’s sleep, no matter how many hours it is.
Use this sample bedtime prayer of protection against insomnia to help you fall into a peaceful slumber.
“Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You for today, and the blessings You have given me. God, You know my desire to sleep and I lift it up to You.
I pray against the spirit of insomnia over my life, and ask that You replace it with Your peace and rest.
I pray for the hours of sleep that I do get to help me feel refreshed and ready to do Your almighty will tomorrow.
I thank You in advance for the sleep You will bless me with tonight. Amen.”
Bedtime Prayer for Family Protection While Sleeping
Praying for protection over yourself, your home, and your family is one of the most important things you can do.
Here is a simple prayer to pray each night before bed; you can personalize it for each member of your family or for your home as a whole!
Use this sample bedtime prayer for family protection before you close your eyes:
“Dear God, I thank You for the continued protection you have given me and my family. Holy Spirit I ask that You enter into this home and place Your hand over each of my family members.
I pray for protection against the enemy in this home, even while we sleep. I pray we have sweet dreams of You, and a restful night’s sleep.
Thank You for Your protection, and help us wake up feeling encouraged and ready to live out another day for Your kingdom and glory. We love You and give You the praise, Lord. Amen.”
Bedtime Prayer of Protection for My Spouse
Praying for your spouse at bedtime is a beautiful and meaningful practice that fosters a deep sense of connection, care, and love within a marriage.
It goes beyond the ordinary routines of the day, creating a moment of shared spirituality and vulnerability that strengthens the bond between husband and wife.
This bedtime prayer creates a sense of security for your spouse. It assures them that they are not alone in facing the uncertainties of the night.
The world can sometimes feel daunting when the lights go out, and worries or anxieties can surface.
Knowing that you’re actively seeking protection and safety for them brings comfort and reassurance, allowing them to relax and sleep more peacefully.
Almighty God, As my beloved spouse lies down to rest, Wrap them in your loving, protective nest. Guard them through the night so deep, Watch over them while they peacefully sleep.
Shield them from worries, fears, and strife, Bless their dreams with love and life. Keep them safe in your embrace, Fill their dreams with gentle grace.
Grant them strength and peaceful dreams, May they wake with morning’s gleams. In your care, I entrust my dear, With love and gratitude, I hold them near. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bedtime Prayer of Protection for My Son
By offering this prayer, you’re demonstrating your unwavering devotion to your son’s well-being.
It’s an act that underscores your role as a protector, ensuring that he feels safe even in the quiet hours of the night. It reminds him that God is watching over him and will protect him throughout the night.
Dear Father, As my precious son closes his eyes to rest, I pray that he feels safe and blessed. Wrap him in your protective wings, Guard him through the night, as your love brings.
Keep him safe from every fear, Hold him close, draw him near. Guide his dreams with hope and light, Fill his heart with joy and might.
Watch over him and grant him a peaceful, restful sleep, Thank you for this precious one, In your care, my son is done. Amen.
Bedtime Prayer of Protection for My Daughter
Saying a prayer of protection for your daughter at bedtime is a poignant and loving ritual that extends beyond the ordinary nighttime routine.
It carries a deep sense of care, nurturing, and emotional connection between parent and child.
As you offer this prayer, you’re embracing your parental role, ensuring your daughter feels safe, loved, and cherished, even as she drifts into the realm of dreams.
This prayer cultivates a foundation for them to have a stronger relationship with God. It also reminds them that God is their Great Protector – even when they are sleeping.
Dear Heavenly Father, As my beloved daughter drifts off to sleep, Wrap her in your love, so warm and deep. Keep her safe throughout the night, Shield her from any worry or fright.
Watch over her with your guiding hand, Let her dreams be sweet and grand. Protect her from all harm and strife, Bless her with a peaceful life.
Grant her strength, courage, and grace, As she rests in your embrace. Thank you for this gift so true, In your care, my daughter, I trust you. Amen.
Bedtime Prayer of Protection for Friends
When you say a bedtime prayer for your friend, you’re expressing your care and concern for their well-being.
It’s a way of showing that you genuinely love them and want God’s mighty protection to cover them at all times.
Your prayer can bring your friend a sense of peace and comfort, especially if they have worries or anxieties that tend to surface at night.
The thought that someone is asking for protection on their behalf can help them relax, leading to a more restful sleep.
Dear Lord, As my dear friend lays down to rest, Wrap them in your loving vest. Guard them through the night so deep, Watch over them while they sleep.
Protect them from all fear and harm, Hold them safely in your arm. Send your angels, guide their way, Through the night until the day.
Bless their dreams with peace and light, Keep them safe throughout the night. Grant them strength, and keep them near, May they wake with joy, not fear.
In your care, I place my friend, With love and trust, to you, I send. Thank you for this friendship true, Bless my friend and provide them with peaceful sleep tonight. Amen.
Are you looking for some tools and tips to boost your prayer life? If so, be sure to visit our Prayer Resources Library where you’ll find everything you need to become a powerful prayer warrior!
Pray these Powerful Bedtime Prayers of Protection!
A bedtime prayer of protection is a wonderful way to close out the end of the day.
I hope these powerful night prayers provide you with peaceful rest in knowing that the Good Shepherd has you and your family and friends covered during the night.
Remind yourself of God’s promises and let them wash over you tonight.
Whether you are dealing with insomnia, needing healing, or want to pray general prayers of protection over your family, keep this list on hand to refer back to when you need it. Happy sleeping!
Mindy blogs over at Mindy Jones Blog where she writes about Christian motherhood, encouraging and helping moms to raise godly kids.
