A Prayer Before Bed — sacred illustration
✶ Our Bible Moments No. 174 / 253

Night & Bedtime

A Prayer Before Bed

Psalm 4:8

Psalm 4:8 is the last line of a psalm of David: after a day of pressure and false accusations, David lies down and sleeps in peace, because the LORD alone keeps him safe.

Lord, this day is done, and I give it back to You. Forgive me where I have failed, and thank You for every good thing You gave. I place my worries, and the people I love, into Your hands. I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. Watch over my home tonight, quiet my mind, and let me rest in You. Amen.

Psalm 4:8 is the last line of a psalm of David: after a day of pressure and false accusations, David lies down and sleeps in peace, because the LORD alone keeps him safe.

The Scripture

“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”

— Psalm 4:8

Prayer points from Psalm 4:8

  1. Give God the day that is ending, the good and the hard.
  2. Search your heart on your bed, and confess anything that weighs on it (v. 4).
  3. Thank Him for the joy He put in your heart today (v. 7).
  4. Name each worry, and leave it in His hands for the night.
  5. Pray by name for the people under your roof and those far away.
  6. Ask Him to let you lie down and sleep in peace, trusting Him to keep you safe (v. 8).

About this verse

Psalm 4 is a psalm of David, and it moves from evening tension to sleep. People are maligning his honor and chasing lies (v. 2). He tells himself and them, “on your bed, search your heart and be still” (v. 4). He prays, “Shine the light of Your face upon us, O LORD,” and finds his heart filled with more joy than a rich harvest brings (vv. 6–7). Then comes the last line: “I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Nothing around David has changed yet. What has changed is where he puts his trust. That is why Psalm 4 has been part of the church’s night prayer for centuries. This prayer is for anyone getting ready for bed, especially when worries or a hard day make it hard to fall asleep.

When to pray this prayer

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