Prayer for protection while sleeping

There’s a lot of psychology involved when it comes to sleeping. When we’re asleep, we’re in a vulnerable state not only because we are unconscious but also because even if we suddenly wake up, it takes several seconds or even minutes to refresh our minds and blink away the drowsiness. Because of this, we’re vulnerable to many things: sudden danger like earthquakes and debris, intruders, nightmares, sleep problems, and even a pet who decided to wake us up a little too aggressively. 

We have developed technologies that help secure our homes and help us sleep comfortably, but the truth is, we still feel vulnerable when asleep. Most of the time, it’s not even outside forces that we are afraid of–thieves, intruders, storms–but the danger within our bodies as well. We often worry too much about things like heart attacks and strokes that could happen when we’re asleep. 

Because of these worries, it’s important to offer a night prayer for family protection while sleeping in order to let God take care of us and allow us to sleep as peacefully as children. With this prayer, may our worries fade into the night and may we welcome each day with gratefulness and a heart overflowing with energy and joy. 

Prayer for God’s protection while sleeping

Almighty God, our Shield, and Defender, 

I humbly bow before You, acknowledging that Your power is unmatched by any evil that plagues the earth. It is me, Your humble servant, calling upon You to praise You for Your name is Great and Your heart is kind. 

Pardon me for the sins I have done unto You, for the transgressions that have made me fall from grace. Yet despite how far I’ve fallen from righteousness, You still send Your angels to swoop down and catch me before I end up hurting myself because of my choices. You hold me tight in Your embrace, and it brings tears to my eyes that while I’ve been choosing worldly pleasures over faithful service and dedication, You have always watched over me, patiently correcting me and extending Your hand towards me when I stumble and fall. Who treats a person so kindly and generously after they have been wronged over and over again? Surely only the most righteous of men can do that, and You are the most righteous being of all. 

Watch over me as I lay my head upon my pillow and fall into deep slumber. As the cadence of my heart slows into a calming beat, may I feel Your reassuring presence. Only You are strong enough to drive away any force that may harm me while I rest defenselessly. May You follow me down to the depths of my nightmares and protect me even from the monsters of my imagination. As I settle down and turn out the lights, I wholly put my trust in Your love for me, and I know in my heart that this eternal, unconditional love will keep me safe and secure.

I extend this good night prayer for family, too, that they will be kept out of harm’s way as they sleep peacefully. Grant them a good night’s sleep and a well-rested body, and keep away anything that may endanger them while they are asleep. Tomorrow, may we all wake up to a bright morning with a refreshed body and mind, ready to start another day with a heartfelt thanksgiving for Your protection during the long night. 

You are our Defender, our Shepherd, our Shield, our King, and long may You benevolently reign over Your people. May You watch over all of us all the days of our lives. Amen. 

Short prayer for protection while sleeping

Lord God, 

I feel Your loving presence in the comfort of my bed and the security of my home. As the sun sinks on the horizon and night falls in, I ask for Your protection while my family and I sleep and recharge. Wherever we may sleep, may You never cease to watch over us. Keep us safe throughout our peaceful rest. May Your power guard our doorstep and Your love burn bright enough to drive away any evil or danger. 

Amen. 

The Word of God

I lie down and sleep; I wake again, for the Lord sustains me.

Psalm 3:5 NRSVUE

If you sit down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.

Proverbs 3:24 NRSVUE

Intercessory prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel

Saint Michael, leader of God’s heavenly host of angels, 

Hear my prayer. Carry my praises of thanksgiving to the Lord, words of appreciation that do not fully express the songs of my grateful heart. I am a repentant sinner seeking His grace and mercy, and I deserve none of His glory for my disobedience, yet He blesses me just as He would bless the most righteous of men, treating His subjects fairly and appropriately. May You beg Him to wash away my sin and reveal the imperfect but earnest follower beneath.

Saint Michael, I ask for refuge behind your shield as I rest for the night after a long day through this prayer to protect me as I sleep. May You stand guard over me as I rest soundly, recharging my energy for tomorrow’s adventures. May Jesus’ great and loving sacrifice be the blood on my door so that any evil will only pass by and never come to harm my loved ones or me.   

This is my earnest prayer for safety while sleeping; that God will send You as the guardian angel that will protect me and my family so that we can rest without worry and fear. Amen. 

Further reflection

When we’re finally settling down for a night after a long day at work, locking the door and shutting our windows is just the first line of defense we have. We often still worry about nightmares, sleep disorders, sleep habits (like sleepwalking), or any sudden medical problem that may attack us in our sleep. These worries can cause mental anxiety, making it difficult to have a restful night’s sleep. This is why it’s important to talk to God through a bedtime prayer for the family before we sleep: we’re asking God to be our strongest line of protection while we are resting. May this prayer bring us countless restful nights of safe sleeping and many peaceful mornings. Let God, His Holy Mother and His angels take care of our fears while we sleep the sleep of the just.