Have you experienced those nights when sleep won’t come and worry, concern, or fear consumes your thoughts? The bedtime routine is completed. The bed awaits. You lie down and arrange the covers in hopes of a peaceful night’s rest. Yet, thoughts keep racing through your mind. The questions of “what if?” and “what’s next?” and “what should I do?” prevent your body from settling. The answer is found in going to God in prayer. Powerful midnight prayers for revelation and breakthrough can happen when the situation is given to God.
God listens and hears the prayers of His people. At any time of day or night, we can pray and find comfort in knowing our words and thoughts are received by God. If the words won’t come, rest in His presence and remember God knows what is needed.
“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 minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7 NIV)
1. Prayer Before the Bedtime Routine
Dear God, as I prepare for sleep, I thank You for loving me and guiding me through this day. You know my worries and fears. I ask for Your peace to cover my body. Please quiet my mind and body so that rest, renewal, and restoration will come. Help me release anything that is not in my control and help me to know Your plan is working. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalms 4:8 NIV)
Children are sometimes taught a simple prayer for bedtime. This prayer has been shared for generations.
“Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray thee, Lord, my Soul to keep:
If I should die before I wake,
I pray thee, Lord, my Soul to take.”– The New England Primer, 1784
2. Prayer When Rest Doesn’t Come Easily
Father God, maker of Heaven and Earth and all creations, I come to You and seek Your peace. In the stillness of the night, my body longs for rest. My soul is weary of recent events. Personal struggles fill my thoughts with worry. My body needs rest, and yet, my mind won’t settle. My bones ache, my muscles have been overworked, and I feel depleted of energy and stamina. You have given us the Sabbath for rest. But, I have not followed that guideline. I keep working and pushing my limits until I can’t move any further without pain. Father, help me to rest. Bring sleep and comfort. Guide me in knowing when to pause and refresh. I need You. Thank You. Amen.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28 NIV)
3. Midnight Prayer to Calm the Body and Soul
Heavenly Father, I’ve been awake for hours. My body wants to sleep and rest, yet I lie here waiting for respite from the weary day. I’m asking for Your help. Please calm my body. Help me stop watching the clock to check how much longer it is until daylight. Fill me with the peace only You can provide. Calm my body and soul so that I may share time with You without worries and fears interrupting. The hour is late, and I’m ready to sleep. Fill my thoughts with peace and serenity and lead me to restful sleep. You are the Alpha and the Omega. You, Lord, are the Holy one in whom I place my trust. Thank you. Amen.
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (Proverbs 3:24 NIV)
“Nothing can calm our souls more or better prepare us for life’s challenges than time spent alone with God.” – Billy Graham
4. Prayer for Breakthrough
Almighty God, thank You for loving me. Thank You for forgiving me when I sin. Thank You for providing answers in Your timing and in Your way. I come to You now and seek a breakthrough for a concerning situation. There are answers, and I need your help finding them. I want to live according to the plan You have for my life. I am uncertain about particular areas and relationships. My doubts have made me realize that I’m trusting in the wrong places. I’ve been trying to rely on myself instead of reaching for You. Father, forgive me. Please give me a breakthrough and guide me to the answers needed. May my body rest now that I have given my concerns to You. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalms 9:9 NIV)
5. Prayer for Answers
Abba Father, thank You for listening and hearing the prayers of Your people. I seek answers that only You can provide. Midnight is here, and I am awake. The darkness of the world overwhelms me at times. I want to rest in Your love and glory. Help me remember that Your plan is working at every moment. Your timing and answers are always best. Whether the answer is yes, no, or not now, lead me to remember that You know best. I am human and don’t have all the answers. Only You know what is needed in every moment. Forgive me for trying to fix things before sleep arrives. Hear my prayer and answer as You have chosen.
Give my body rest. Cover me in Your protection and love. Father, I need You. May my eyes close and rest fill every part of me. Amen.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
“Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.” – Max Lucado
6. Prayer for When Sleep is Disturbed
Dear God, I have tried to rest and sleep. Yet, my body woke during the night, and panic filled my mind. I need revelation. I need a breakthrough in life situations. Finances, employment, family concerns, friends in need, world issues, and more keep invading my thoughts and disturbing my sleep. How can I help? What actions and words can I offer that will remedy any problem? I’m only one person, yet I want to offer help. Father, remind me that You are in control. I don’t have to handle things on my own. Please tell me how to share ideas without being judgemental or intrusive. Now that I have placed these concerns before You, please give me a peaceful sleep. Thank You, Father. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
“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 NIV)
7. Prayer for Revelation
Lord God Almighty, I thank You for this day and night. Thank You for the blessings You provide in every moment. I ask You to reveal what I am called to do in life. Am I fulfilling the plan You have for me, or am I living a life of selfishness? Please clear my confusion and show me how to love others as You love. Help me to lead others to You through my words and actions. Father, please give me wisdom, discernment, and revelation. Give me the words You want to share so that people may know You. Remind me that I don’t need to know all the answers in the world. You are the only One who holds that knowledge. May the Holy Spirit guide me to have a deeper relationship with You. Amen.
“For the lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’ And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:17 NIV)
8. Prayer for Wisdom
Lord, as I lay down and prepare for sleep, I ask for wisdom in all areas of my life. I want to live for You, dear Father. May everything I say and do shine the light of Christ. Give me wisdom in making decisions and choices. When sleep won’t come and the dark of night covers my surroundings, please guide me to find the strength and wisdom desperately needed. Remind me to pause and seek Your guidance. Remind me to show love and compassion to others. Give wisdom to everyone. May everyone want to know You better. May we all grow closer to You. Amen.
“How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16 NIV)
9. Prayer for Revelation and Breakthrough for Others
Lord God, we give thanks for Your love and mercy. Your children are hurting and need revelation and breakthroughs during these tough times. We ask for You to cover each person with Your hedge of protection. Please make Your presence known to everyone. Guide everyone to live for You and not for self. We don’t have the answers, but we know You have the answer to everything. We love You. Amen.
“If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” (James 1:5 NIV)
10. A Prayer of Thanksgiving
Jehovah Jireh, You are our provider. We thank You for creating us and calling us to be Your children. We give thanks for the mercies, love, and forgiveness You give. You comfort the weak, heal the sick, give strength to the weak, lift the brokenhearted, provide what we need, bring joy to those who are sad, and much more. Your mercies are new each morning. Thank You for prayer and the ability to share thoughts with You anytime. Thank You for the revelation and breakthrough. We love You. Amen.
“The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing.” (Psalms 23:1 NIV)
God knows what is needed for every one of His creations. Through prayer, we can build a strong relationship with the Father. There is nothing that we can say that He doesn’t already know. We can always pray for revelation and breakthroughs. Whether midnight or daylight, God is listening and hearing the prayers of His people.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/Denis Mamin
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father
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