This bedtime prayer is for asking God to watch over your body and your health as you go to sleep. Pray it in the last quiet minutes of the day, once the lights are low and before your mind starts running through tomorrow. You can read it aloud exactly as written, or use it as a starting point and put your own concerns into the words.
Bedtime Prayer for Good Health
Lord, thank you for this day and for the strength you gave me to get through it. My body has carried me from morning to night, and I ask you now to keep it well. Be near to me while I sleep. Guard my heart, my lungs, my sleep and my mind, and let my body rest the way you designed it to rest.
I bring to you the things I have been carrying: the ache in my back, the tiredness that will not lift, the test results I am waiting on, and the worry about my family members who are unwell. Where there is illness, heal it. Where there is weakness, strengthen it. Where I have been careless with my health, forgive me, and help me take better care of what you have given me. Give the doctors and nurses wisdom, and give those who are sick hope and peace. Thank you that you never sleep, and that you keep watch over us while we rest. Amen.
A Shorter Version to Pray in a Moment
Father, I am tired and ready to rest. Watch over my body tonight and keep me healthy while I sleep. Ease the pain I feel, calm my breathing, and let my mind settle. Thank you for today. Into your hands I place my health, my family and tomorrow. Amen.
Scriptures to Pray Alongside
Psalm 4:8
In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, the LORD alone, make me live in safety.
(WEB)
Read this slowly before you close your eyes. Thank God that your sleep is not something you have to earn or defend, and ask him to let you lie down in peace tonight.
Psalm 121:3-4
3 He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
(WEB)
Use this verse when you feel anxious about someone’s health. Pray that the Lord who never sleeps will keep watch over your loved ones as they rest.
Psalm 91:1-2
1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.”
(WEB)
Pray this as a statement of trust. Tell God you are choosing to rest in his shelter tonight, and ask him to be your refuge in body and mind.
Isaiah 40:29
He gives power to the weak. He increases the strength of him who has no might.
(WEB)
When you feel worn out, pray this verse back to God. Ask him to renew your strength so that you wake up with energy for what the new day brings.
3 John 1:2
Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be healthy, even as your soul prospers.
(WEB)
John prays for his friend’s health and prosperity. Use his words to pray for your own body, and for the body of someone you love who is struggling tonight.
How to Pray This Prayer
Choose a consistent time, such as after you brush your teeth or after you turn off the television. Sit or lie down in a comfortable spot with the lights dimmed, and keep your phone out of reach. Some people find it helpful to rest one hand on their chest or stomach as they pray, paying attention to their breathing as they say each line.
If you share a home, you might pray this prayer together with a spouse, a child, or a roommate, taking turns reading the lines. You can also pray it over someone who is sick by replacing “me” and “I” with their name and “they,” and sending them a text afterward to let them know you prayed for them.
A Blessing to Close
May the Lord keep you and your body in his care tonight. May he guard your sleep, steady your breathing, and carry your worries until morning. Rest well, knowing that the God who made you is awake and watching over you. Sleep in peace.
