Hello darling,
Welcome back to the blog! Let’s have a little talk about something we’ve all been through, lying in bed, wide awake, while our minds are running riot. You know the feeling your body’s knackered, desperate for a good night’s sleep, but your brain is off on one, reminding you about everything you forgot to do today (and let’s be honest, the list could go on forever, right?). It’s like your head’s got its own agenda, throwing up thoughts about that meeting, whether you’ve packed the kids’ lunch for tomorrow, or the fact that you haven’t even started the washing (again).
I get it, trust me. As a mum, a wife, and someone who’s always trying to juggle a million things at once, bedtime should be my chance to switch off, but more often than not, it’s the time when my mind decides to go into overdrive. It’s like, “Sleep? Who needs that when we could be worrying about literally everything?”
But here’s the thing, I’ve found something that really helps me. And no, it’s not a magic sleep potion or a new pillow (although those do help too!). It’s actually something simple, prayers from the Psalms. I know it might sound a bit, well, traditional or maybe not your usual bedtime routine, but trust me, it’s a game-changer. These Psalms are like the ultimate comfort for my soul. They help me unwind and leave everything in God’s hands.
I won’t pretend I’m perfect (far from it!), and there are still nights when I scroll through Pinterest instead of praying. But when I do remember to take those quiet moments to pray, there’s this peaceful shift inside me. I’m able to hand over all my worries to God, and for once, I feel like I can just breathe.
If you’re looking for a way to wind down after a long, chaotic day (whether you’re a busy mum, a businesswoman, or just someone who’s knackered after life’s demands), these Psalms are just what you need. It’s like settling down with a cup of tea and a good chat, but this time, the tea is good for your soul. Let’s get into these prayers, and by the end of this, you’ll be ready to snuggle up and get the peaceful sleep you truly deserve.
God’s Word: A Place of Safety
There’s something incredibly comforting about knowing that God is always near, especially as we sleep. The Psalms are full of verses that remind us of His presence and protection. One of the most comforting verses I turn to before bed is Psalm 4:8:
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
When I reflect on this verse, I’m reminded that sleep is a gift from God, a time for rest where He is actively watching over me. Life can feel overwhelming at times, and the world can seem chaotic, but this verse helps me release my anxieties. I remind myself that no matter what happens, God is my protector, and He’s keeping me safe through the night.
This verse is like a blanket of peace that covers me. Knowing that God is with me even while I sleep is a reminder that I don’t have to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. God will handle the things I can’t control. He’s got it covered, and that brings me comfort as I rest.
Ending the Day in Prayer: Letting Go and Letting God
Ending your day in prayer is like taking a deep breath and releasing everything you’ve held onto during the day. It’s a way to hand over your burdens to God and trust that He will take care of them while you rest. In the stillness of the night, when everything slows down, prayer offers a space to reflect, thank God, and surrender all the highs and lows of your day.
I’ve found that a simple prayer before bed helps me wind down and release my worries. It’s important to take a moment to thank God for the day, even if it didn’t go as planned. Thanking God for the blessings of the day helps shift my perspective. Even on difficult days, there’s always something to be thankful for.
Here’s an example of a prayer that I say before bed:
“Lord, thank You for today. I thank You for the moments of joy and the lessons I’ve learned. I ask You to forgive me for any mistakes I’ve made and to give me peace in my heart. I trust You with all that happened today, and I release my worries and concerns to You. As I rest, I ask that You fill my heart with peace, knowing You are in control. Please bless my family and protect us as we sleep. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
If you’re struggling with specific worries, you can take a moment to tell God about them and leave them with Him. Whether it’s a situation at work, family issues, or personal struggles, surrendering them in prayer allows you to sleep without the burden of unresolved worries.
Praying for Protection and Peace
At night, it’s common to feel vulnerable, but Psalm 91 offers powerful reassurance. It’s one of the Psalms I often pray over my home and family, knowing that God’s protection covers us. Psalm 91 is a reminder that God is our refuge, a shield of protection, and a constant source of safety. Here’s a verse from this Psalm that brings me peace:
“He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings, you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” (Psalm 91:4)
This verse paints a picture of a mother bird sheltering her young, and it’s a beautiful metaphor for God’s loving care and protection. I love to picture God’s wings covering my home, guarding my family as we sleep. The thought of His faithfulness surrounding me like a shield helps me release any fears about what might happen during the night. I know I’m safe in His arms.
You can also pray this verse over your home, asking God to protect every room, your loved ones, and even the things that are out of your control. When I pray Psalm 91 before bed, it fills my heart with peace and reassurance, knowing that no harm can touch me without God’s permission.
Trusting God with Tomorrow
Sometimes, the thought of tomorrow can keep us up at night—worrying about what’s to come or feeling like we need to be in control. But Psalm 121:4 reminds us that God is always watching over us, even when we sleep:
“The Lord watches over you; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.”
This verse reminds me that I don’t have to worry about tomorrow because God is already there. He is actively working on my behalf, even while I sleep. Trusting Him with tomorrow gives me peace and helps me rest knowing He is in control of the things I can’t predict or change.
A prayer to reflect this trust could sound like this:
“Lord, I give You my tomorrow. I trust that You are already working on my behalf, and I don’t need to carry the weight of tomorrow’s concerns tonight. Help me rest in Your peace and wake up tomorrow with a heart full of faith and confidence in Your plans. Thank You for watching over me and guiding me. Amen.”
Remember, you don’t have to figure it all out tonight. Let God hold those worries for you, and you can wake up tomorrow ready to face what comes with a renewed sense of peace.
Resting in God’s Peace
As you prepare for bed, let go of the worries that are keeping you awake. Trust that God is with you, and you can rest in His love and protection. A great way to do this is to simply surrender your day to Him and ask for His peace to fill your heart.
You might say something like:
“Lord, thank You for Your care today. I lay down my burdens and release all my worries to You. I trust You to keep me safe and to fill my heart with peace. Please protect my family and my home tonight. Help me sleep soundly, knowing You are in control. In Your name, Amen.”
Take a few moments to breathe deeply and relax. Imagine God’s love surrounding you, and let that peace wash over your mind and body. As you close your eyes, rest in the knowledge that you are safe in His arms. The Lord is with you, even as you sleep, and He will be there when you wake up to face a new day.
May you experience deep peace and restful sleep, knowing that God is with you, watching over you, and holding your heart in His care.
I hope these little prayers have given you some calm after a mad day of running about, managing the chaos, and trying to keep your head above water. Sleep isn’t always easy when we’ve got a million things on our minds—whether it’s school runs, emails, or wondering if we’ll ever get through the washing pile. But the best part? We don’t have to carry all of that alone. God’s there, watching over us, ready to give us His peace.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m still guilty of staying up far too late, worrying about whether my daughter ate her veg or wondering if I left the front door unlocked (again!). But when I remember to pause and pray, something changes. I feel like I’m laying my worries down at His feet, and it’s like the stress just melts away. It doesn’t mean my mind doesn’t still race sometimes (it definitely does), but there’s something so reassuring about handing it all over to Him.
So if you’re reading this, lying there thinking, “Why am I still wide awake?”—you’re not alone, darling. We’ve all been there. Life’s full of distractions, and sometimes it’s hard to shut everything off. But those Psalms are there to remind us that rest isn’t just about sleep. It’s about trusting God to take care of everything, even the things that keep us awake at night. It’s about surrendering those worries and knowing He’s got it all under control.
So, next time you’re tossing and turning, thinking about the endless to-do list, try praying these Psalms. Wrap yourself in the comfort of His promises, and let His peace fill your heart. Then, finally, let yourself rest—you’ve done enough for today.
And if you wake up tomorrow still feeling a little tired? That’s okay, too. Tomorrow’s another day to lean on Him, pray, and get some proper rest. You’ve got this.
Sending you a big virtual hug (because honestly, we all need one after a mad day) and wishing you the best night’s sleep ever.
Scherise. X
