Do you have a hard time falling asleep? We’re sharing a few ways to pray before sleep that can make your transition into rest more peaceful.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep,
for you alone, Lord,
make me dwell in safety.”
Psalm 4:8
My struggle to fall asleep
Sometimes, I hate going to sleep. With the threat that my seven-month-old could wake at any moment, the pressure is on to go to sleep as fast as possible.
But often, no matter how tired I am, the moment my head hits the pillow, my mind starts buzzing: to-do lists for work, reliving moments from the day, nonsensically thinking of Christmas presents months in advance.
I know I’m not alone in this struggle. In fact, the team at Hallow all shared how difficult it is for all of us to find peace at night. So we decided to create an entire Sleep Section — a collection of prayers that quiet our hearts and minds as we prepare to sleep.
Here are a few ways to pray:
You can find all of these prayer methods in Hallow’s Sleep Section.
Listen to a Sleep Bible Story
These are so calming! They help you take a breath and focus your mind on the Word of God rather than on your to-do list. Hallow has a variety of bedtime Bible stories, all taken directly from Scripture. Hear Jonathan Roumie (from The Chosen) read the Sermon on the Mount, Fr. Mike Schmitz prayerfully read John 1, and more.
Try an Examen
As I mentioned above, a struggle of mine is re-living the day in a not productive way. I find myself remembering times when I wasn’t at my best or should have done something differently. But through the Examen, I can re-live my day and see it through God’s eyes. I can give thanks and ask forgiveness. I can let go of anything I’m holding onto and leave the day in God’s hands. And I can look forward to the next day with newfound hope and peace because I am reminded that God is always with me through prayer.
Meditate with the Rosary or a saint prayer
This type of prayer comes in many forms — I find it comforting to pray the Rosary or simply sit with a prayer that a Saint has written, such as “Be at Peace” by St. Francis de Sales. The Sleep Meditation section has a list of beautiful meditations that re-focus my mind away from busy or negative thoughts and instead fills my mind with prayer. Some of my favorites are “Rest in God’s love” and “Communion of Saints.”
Falling asleep with Scripture
My personal favorite prayers to listen to before I fall asleep are Hallow’s Sleep Lectio Divinas. Hear God reminding you to “Be still,” or imagine God leading you beside still waters through Psalm 23. After you’ve prayed with the session, you can hold the word, phrase, or image that stood out to you in your mind as you fall asleep.
In Hallow’s Sleep Section, you’ll find all these prayers, plus Night Prayer and more! We hope that these prayers are a source of comfort for you as you find rest and peace with God.