5 days
Rest for the Night
Five short readings for the end of the day, to lay down worry and sleep in peace.
Day 1
Lie down in peace
8In peace I will both lay myself down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety.
Psalms 4:8WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
The psalmist sleeps not because all is solved, but because God keeps him safe.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. Your word says you leave your peace with us, a peace the world cannot give. Would you quiet my anxious thoughts and steady me with your presence today. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Breathe out one worry as you lie down tonight.
Day 2
Your Keeper does not sleep
1I will lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? 2My help comes from Yahweh, who made heaven and earth. 3He will not allow your foot to be moved. He who keeps you will not slumber. 4Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5Yahweh is your keeper. Yahweh is your shade on your right hand. 6The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7Yahweh will keep you from all evil. He will keep your soul. 8Yahweh will keep your going out and your coming in, from this time forward, and forever more.
Psalms 121WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
You can sleep because the One watching over you never does.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. You are the keeper who neither slumbers nor sleeps, watching over your own. Would you watch over me, guard me from harm, and surround me with your care. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Entrust the night to the God who stays awake for you.
Day 3
Rest for your soul
28“Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
Matthew 11:28WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
The deepest rest is not sleep but a soul at ease with God.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. You draw near to the broken-hearted and promise comfort to those who mourn. Would you sit close to me in this sorrow, and let me feel that I do not grieve alone. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Bring one heavy thought to Jesus before you close your eyes.
Day 4
He gives sleep to those he loves
2It is vain for you to rise up early, to stay up late, eating the bread of toil; for he gives sleep to his loved ones.
Psalms 127:2WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
Rest is a gift received, not a reward earned by anxious striving.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. Your word says you leave your peace with us, a peace the world cannot give. Would you quiet my anxious thoughts and steady me with your presence today. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Leave one task unfinished tonight and trust it to tomorrow.
Day 5
Under his wings
1He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of Yahweh, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust.” 3For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler, and from the deadly pestilence. 4He will cover you with his feathers. Under his wings you will take refuge. His faithfulness is your shield and rampart.
Psalms 91:1-4WEBRead in contextRead the full chapter World English Bible
Reflection
To sleep in God’s shelter is to rest under wings that cover you.
A guided prayer inspired by today's Scripture
Heavenly Father, thank you that I can come to you just as I am. You are the keeper who neither slumbers nor sleeps, watching over your own. Would you watch over me, guard me from harm, and surround me with your care. I place this in your hands and choose to trust you with what I cannot control. In the name of Jesus, amen.
Faithful action
Picture yourself sheltered as you fall asleep.