Sometimes when we find ourselves awakened in the middle of the night, worry, fear, and struggles can press hard. Peace feels far away. It’s difficult to even think with clarity; too many thoughts and feelings are swirling around in the dark. And it’s in those very moments when we most need to pray, that often we can hardly find the words to speak.
But God knows. He understands. And He promises to be with us.
A few years ago when our family was walking through a very difficult trial, I found myself there. Night after night, I was awakened by this deep hurt and burden in my heart. In fact, it seemed worse at night. Because problems and difficult times can easily feel more intense in the middle of the darkness and quiet, when you can’t sleep, or you feel alone, and your mind becomes a battlefield.
I prayed, cried, and wrestled with my thoughts and fears. And truly, the only thing I found that brought peace and comfort to my soul was God’s Word.
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"His words are living, active, and powerful."
I would say out loud every single verse that came to my mind, praying His powerful reminders back to Him. Sometimes I would read chapter after chapter until sleep came again. I would awaken, the Bible still laying open, right over my heart. It didn’t make all our problems go away. It wasn’t a magical, instant solution. When I woke up, the difficulties were still there. But through time, I realized this: my mind, heart, and spirit were being renewed day by day, night by night. God’s peace, healing, and comfort were washing over me every time I spoke His words, believing them to be true.
His words are living, active, and powerful. They are the only thing that can bring us true peace in this life, whether it be through the brightness of day or in the darkest of night.
If you’ve found yourself there recently, struggling to sleep, or wrestling with worries and cares through the night, here’s a few powerful verses and a prayer to help you focus your heart and mind on God:
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A Prayer to Pray When You Can’t Sleep:
Dear God,
We’re in need of your peace and truth to soothe our hearts and spirits right now. When we find ourselves awake in the middle of the night, the pressing needs and worries we’re facing can feel so overwhelming. We ask for your Mighty Power to surround us. Thank you that you have set us free and you’re far greater than anything we face in this life. We lay our burdens before you, every single one, and we know that they’re much safer in your hands than our own. We surrender to you every anxious thought. We choose to find rest in you. We choose faith over fear. Thank you that you are our refuge and strength, a very present help in times of uncertainty or trouble.
We confess to you Lord, that sometimes our worries seem too big, we don’t see a way out of our current situation, and we can’t understand what you’re doing. But we know that you see the big picture and thank you that you are with us in it all. Help us to trust you more. Thank you for your reminders that you are faithful and sure. Thank you that through every weakness and hard place, your strength is displayed in our lives. We just can’t do it on our own. We’re weary, we’re hurting. But you can work miracles, in us, and through us. We know that you will turn this circumstance around for good somehow. We believe that you are fully able to bring us through this storm to the other side of the troubles we’ve faced, into a new season of healing and light. We choose to hope in you.
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"...your word reminds us over and over that we never have to be afraid."
Thank you for your promise that it’s your peace alone that will guard and protect our hearts and minds in Christ, as we pray about all that concerns us. In the dark, in the quiet, at these times we feel so alone, would you please refresh and renew our spirits in you again. Lord, we know that your word reminds us over and over that we never have to be afraid. We know that you are close and your protection and presence are powerful. We thank you for your covering and reminders that you have stationed your angels around us to guard us in all our ways. Thank you that you never sleep or slumber, for you are constantly watching over us, always aware, and we are safe and secure in you.
We pray for your blessings to surround us, that you would make every plan you’ve birthed in our hearts to succeed at just the right time. We pray that you would be opening doors, clearing pathways, closing the wrong roads, and setting up our way for tomorrow.
We love you Lord, and we thank you for your peace and presence in our lives. Thank you that you promise to go before us, that you’re covering us from behind, and you’re fighting our battles for us, even as we sleep.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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13 Verses to Bring Peace to Your Soul:
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things…and the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4:6-9
“Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord Himself, is the Rock eternal.”Isaiah 26:3-4
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Isaiah 41:10
"So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." Isaiah 41:10
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid, when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” Proverbs 3:24
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
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Matthew 11:28
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear…Be still, and know that I am God…the Lord Almighty is with us.” Psalm 46:1-2,10-11
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30
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Psalm 91:1
“…for he gives to his beloved sleep.” Psalm 127:2
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the LORD, ‘My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!’ He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge...” Psalm 91:1-2,4
"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:1-4
“The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still.” Exodus 14:14
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"May God lift all burdens of anxiety, fear, and worry from your shoulders."
Praying for peace and rest in the deepest part of your soul. May God lift all burdens of anxiety, fear, and worry from your shoulders. Where you've been filled with doubt, may He replace it with faith. Where you've been filled with racing thoughts, may He replace it with calm.
Whatever's pressing on our minds and hearts tonight, may God give us the strength to lay it down...again. All of our wrestling, and the stress we often carry, are useless. We can trust that He will take care of whatever concerns us. He knows the best way; His timing is perfect. And He is able. He's the storm-calmer, the peace-giver, the burden-lifter, the hope-bringer. Nothing is too difficult for Him.
For He alone is our peace.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog www.debbiemcdaniel.com.
This article is part of our Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Serenity Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Irish Blessings & Prayers
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
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Originally published Tuesday, 18 January 2022.
