Quieting God,
I ask for your gentle strength to
cover my fears tonight.
I’m afraid of the darkness,
afraid of the uncontrollable,
afraid of the unthinkable.
I’m afraid of tomorrow.
How will I make it through the day?
How will I care for people who depend on me?
How will I perform to meet expectations
when I cannot think clearly
(or fall asleep on the job)?
I despair I will never sleep again,
caught in the fear coiling around my heart
and anxiety compressing my mind.
I ask, Soothing One,
that your presence
would fill me with holy calm.
That you would lift this pressure
and deepen my breathing.
I ask that your Spirit of peace
would whisper your truth in my ears,
reminding me I need not be afraid.
The fears feel so convincing and so real….
in my heart and in this world.
Though the fears may not dissipate,
your assurance strengthens me to face them.
To name them for the small things they are
in comparison to the Great One within me.
Regardless of how I feel come morning,
you will not leave me to face the day alone.
For the simple acts of living and loving,
of sleeping and trusting,
I need your holy comfort, God.
I feel my body sink into this bed
as my heart sighs into your hands.
All will be well.
Amen.
“I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.”
Psalm 4:8
From Ash & Starlight, Prayers for the Chaos & Grace of Daily Life by Arianne Braithwaite Lehn
Please tuck this prayer away for the times when YOU find it difficult to sleep.
SLEEP IN PEACE TONIGHT. GOD IS BIGGER THAN ANYTHING YOU WILL FACE TOMORROW!
