A Prayer When You Cannot Sleep
For the 3 a.m. ceiling-staring hours — handing the night watch back to God.
The small hours magnify everything. This prayer is for the wide-awake — pray it lying down, as many times as needed, letting the words slow with your breathing.
The prayer
Father, I cannot sleep, and my mind is running loops. I stop, here, and hand you the night.
Every worry circling me is already known to you. I name them one by one and leave each in your hands — you will be up anyway.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety. Make that verse true of this bed, tonight.
Quiet my body, slow my thoughts, and let sleep come as your gift. And if it tarries, keep me company until morning. Amen.
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
He giveth his beloved sleep — and until it comes, you are watched over by the One who neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Keep this prayer with you
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