I have to admit, I’m the type of person who likes to pray throughout the day. It gives me peace and connection and comfort, especially when I’m in a state of gratitude.
But I’ve also come to realize that night prayer before sleep is an absolute must. It gives my mind a godly solace right before bed. My mind is the type that just thinks of a million things at once — some I don’t even know where they come from. But when I read my Bible and pray before bed, especially with my spouse, it’s very different. It brings grace, safety, and protection to our dwelling. And this has to be a disciplined effort. My prayers always begin with gratitude — that’s what I love most.
A Prayer of Gratitude and Protection
Thank you, Lord, for blessing this night just as You blessed this day. Thank You for protecting us and our families, and for bringing us home safely and at peace. You have always been our protector and provider. In the name of Jesus Christ, may Your Spirit protect all the vulnerable in this world — the ones who cannot speak for themselves. Protect the children of this world, the orphans, the single mothers, the ones suffocated by pain. May Your Spirit envelop this world.
Fighting the Sleepy Feeling and Tithing Our Time
I have to be honest with you again — it’s like when I pray, I get this sleepy feeling. It used to shame me, and sometimes it still does. But God is not just a night God, He’s an every hour, every day God. Just like we tithe our money, I believe we should tithe our time to the Lord. That’s why it gives me great satisfaction to enjoy constant prayer throughout the day, and my night prayer is the last thing I want my mental state to be before I sleep.
I also mentioned earlier that when I pray, I have a million thoughts — and some, I hate to admit, are not good thoughts. It used to really bother me. But I’ve come to understand that the enemy wants to distract you from praying by trying to manipulate your mind into thinking these kinds of thoughts. I no longer stop or dwell on whatever comes into my mind — I just let it fade away in the name of Jesus Christ. And knowing the Word of God, when this kind of thought happens, you use the Word of God to fight the enemy.
You Don’t Need to Be Eloquent
You don’t need to be a word master or a pastor to understand your heart. Just because you’re not eloquent doesn’t mean God isn’t impressed. A quiet heart and mind, and a meditative night prayer, is about releasing the day.
I also want to say that praying by yourself is powerful. As a Christian, you have the power to intercede for your family, your loved ones, our leaders, and our nations. It’s a Christian’s superpower.