I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. Psalm 3:5
Here is a prayer by John Calvin that demonstrates the truth of Psalm 3:5. This prayer reminds us of just how intimately connected God is to our lives. Imagine consistently, night after night, asking God for strength to honor him, even in your dreams! Notice too, the peace that can come with acknowledging our sins each day knowing that we are forgiven in Christ. In this way, your conscience, along with your body may enjoy rest!
“O Lord God, who has given man the night for rest, as you have created a day in which he may employ himself in labor, grant, I pray, that my body may so rest during this night that my mind cease not to be awake to you, nor my heart faint or be overcome with apathy, preventing it from adhering steadfastly to the love of you. While laying aside my cares to relax and relieve my mind, may I not, in the meanwhile, forget you, nor may the remembrance of your goodness and grace, which ought always to be deeply engraved on my mind, escape my memory. In like manner, also, as the body rests may my conscience enjoy rest.
Grant, moreover, that in taking sleep I may not give indulgence to the flesh, but only allow myself as much as the weakness of this natural state requires, to my being able thereafter to be more alert in your service. Be pleased to keep me so chaste and unpolluted, not less in mind that in body, and safe from all dangers, that my sleep itself may turn to the glory of your name. But since this day has not passed away without my having in many ways offended you through my proneness to evil, in like manner as all things are now covered by the darkness of the night, so let everything that is sinful in me lie buried in your mercy.
Hear me, O God, Father and Preserver, through Jesus Christ your Son. Amen.”
The short prayer can have a tremendous impact on your family. Read it carefully and thoughtfully. Ask God to help this be your prayer as you prepare for a night’s sleep.
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you this night.