The Bible tells us prayer is the most effective way to fight our battles. When we cry out to the Lord, we can trust Him to defend us, protect us, and sustain us through the night. And the good news is that there is no wrong way to pray. It is simply a matter of talking to God honestly from the heart. He hears every word we speak and releases His power to bring the help we need and the answers we are seeking.  

Now take a moment to clear your mind and focus your thoughts on God. Acknowledge that He is your Rock that you can always count on to comfort you, sustain you, and uphold you through the night. He knows the weight of what you are carrying from today, and He is ready to lift your burdens and give you rest for your mind, body, and soul. Claim the promises in His Word as your own and rest in their truth. 

To You, LORD, I call; 
You are my Rock, 
do not turn a deaf ear to me. 
For if You remain silent, 
I will be like those who go down to the pit. 
Hear my cry for mercy 
as I call to You for help, 
as I lift up my hands 
toward Your Most Holy Place. 
Do not drag me away with the wicked, 
with those who do evil, 
who speak cordially with their neighbors 
but harbor malice in their hearts. 
Repay them for their deeds 
and for their evil work; 
repay them for what their hands have done 
and bring back on them what they deserve. 
Because they have no regard for the deeds of the LORD 
and what His hands have done, 
He will tear them down 
and never build them up again. 
Praise be to the LORD, 
for He has heard my cry for mercy. 
The LORD is my strength and my shield; 
my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. 
My heart leaps for joy, 
and with my song I praise Him. 
The LORD is the strength of His people, 
a fortress of salvation for His anointed one. 
Save Your people and bless Your inheritance; 
be their shepherd and carry them forever. 
PSALM 28 

ADORATION: Invite God's presence to be with you tonight as you sleep. Take delight in His hope. Take comfort in His strength. As His presence fills your room, feel your soul find rest. Know He will lift you and keep you upon His rock forever.  

CONFESSION: Think of a time when you took matters into your own hands rather than turn to the Lord for His help and strength. Ask for His forgiveness as well as help with turning to Him first in the future.  

THANKSGIVING: Praise God for all the ways He provides for you-as your help, your rescue, and your strength. Recall a time you felt the Lord's guidance in a tricky situation and the way He guided you through.  

SUPPLICATION: Father, be my stronghold and shield when I face opposition. Cover me with Your grace when I face trials. Be my Shepherd who carries me to safety in Your holy presence. In Your Son's great name, I pray. Amen. 

This is an excerpt from Sleep Psalms: Nightly Moments of Mindfulness and Rest from Pray.com – a new devotional journal now available for pre-order on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.