Transitioning from work, late-night tasks, or even socializing to rest is often no easy feat at night. In fact, falling asleep can sometimes be the most frustrating part of the day … We’ve all had those nights when we need rest the most, but our brains won’t stop thinking about tomorrow’s to-do list. Other times, we feel anxious about something going in our lives.
As you return to rest each night, consider this transition a time to hear God’s word or rest in His company. It might take some practice to turn from your to-do list to Scripture or a Saint’s prayer, but we hope these prayers for sleep will guide you towards peace in His presence as your last moments of the day are spent with God.
Jesus has shown me the only way that leads to the fire of divine love: it is that of a little child who, full of trust, falls asleep in its father’s arms.
St. Therese of Lisieux
Bible verses to guide your prayer for sleep
Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God leads his people to rest. He gives them peace, comfort and takes on their burdens. And He does the same for you each day and night. Rest with God’s Word with these Bible verses for sleep.
Psalm 3:5
“I lie down and sleep;
I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.”
John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“‘Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.’” Do not worry 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.”
Matthew 11:28-30
“‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, 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. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’”
Proverbs 3:24-26
“If you sit down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Do not be afraid of sudden panic,
or of the storm that strikes the wicked;
for the Lord will be your confidence
and will keep your foot from being caught.”
Psalm 23: 1-3
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.”
Bible stories for sleep
On Hallow, you can fall asleep to a variety of Bible Stories from voices of all kinds of people. These Bible stories speak to our partners’ personal faith journeys and relationships with God. These prayers for sleep are perfect for when you need comfort, you’re looking to meditate on a particular moment in the Bible, or you’re simply looking for a guide in prayer. Below are a few of the many Bible bedtime stories on Hallow.
Comfort, My People (Chika Anyanwu)
Chika Anyanwu, a Catholic speaker and writer, prayerfully reads Isaiah 40-44 in this Bible Story. Listen on Hallow to hear God’s promises as you fall asleep tonight.
“The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.”
(Isaiah 40:28-29)
Psalm 139 (Fr. Mike Schmitz)
Psalm 139, read by Fr. Mike Schmitz in this Bible Story, reminds us of God’s infinite wisdom. Fall asleep hearing how God will never leave you.
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me.
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from far away.
You search out my path and my lying down,
and are acquainted with all my ways.”
(Psalm 139:1-3)
Romans (Dr. Scott Hahn)
In this Bible Story, Dr. Scott Hahn leads us through a selection of writings from St. Paul the Apostle in his Letter to the Romans. Rest in the reminder of God’s endless grace for you as you fall asleep with Romans tonight.
“Therefore we have been buried with him by baptism into death, so that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)
Saint prayers for sleep
The Saints were and are professionals at resting in God’s presence. Pray alongside these Saints as you fall asleep tonight with their words.
Surrender (St. Ignatius of Loyola)
St. Ignatius prompts us to surrender everything from today to God. As we fall asleep, we can return everything He has given us back to Him.
Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty,
My memory, my understanding,
And my entire will,
All I have and call my own.
You have given all to me.
To you, Lord, I return it.
Everything is yours; do with it what you will.
Give me only your love and your grace,
That is enough for me.
Holy Rest (St. John Henry Newman)
This prayer reminds us that God will watch us over as we rest tonight, and He will be with us all day tomorrow, too.
O Lord, support us all the day long,
Until the shadows lengthen,
And the evening comes,
And the busy world is hushed,
And the fever of life is over,
And our work is done.
Then in thy mercy,
Grant us a safe lodging and a holy rest,
And peace at last.
Amen.
The Surrender Novena
God gave Father Dolindo Ruotolo, who was St. Padre Pio’s spiritual director, this short prayer which we repeat nine times as a novena. As we say this prayer for sleep, we seek the virtue of humility — to trust that Jesus will take care of everything. Pray this novena on Hallow with Jonathan Roumie, the actor who plays Jesus in The Chosen.
“O Jesus, I surrender myself to You, take care of everything!”
We hope these prayers for sleep help you end your day in peace with God and fall asleep easily tonight.