The Power of Bedtime

FEB 27 / Sunday – Read Psalm 63:5-8 / Psalm 77:4-6, 11-14 (NLT) / Matt. 6:9-13

Overview: Ending the day focusing on God is a powerful way to prepare for sleep and the day to come.

28 / Mon – Bedtime routines  |  Read Isaiah 26:3 (New Living Translation)

Have you noticed what you put into your mind before you go to sleep can affect how you sleep? Medical researchers have found a link and give recommendations for better quality. Suggestions include ending all screen time an hour before bedtime, a warm shower, lower lighting, quiet music, refusing negative thoughts and reading something inspirational. How could prayer and reading the Bible at bedtime have a positive effect on your quality of sleep?

01 / Tue – Fear  |  Read Psalm 3:5 / Psalm 4:8

Fear of the dark can be a challenge for children at bedtime. A night light can help, but some may experience what is called night terrors. They wake up screaming with eyes wide open but are not actually awake. One mom found that playing quiet worship music helped her little girl calm down and wake up enough to be comforted, to realize everything was okay. Do you have fears of your own in the night? Could worship refocus your attention on God’s protection and sufficiency?

02 / Wed – Regrets  |  Read Rom. 8:28

Is insomnia a problem for you? When you can’t sleep, thoughts start racing around in your head. Maybe even regret, as you think about things you didn’t do or things you said and wished you had not. The devil uses these thoughts to torment you, if you allow it. Instead, think about the truth in Rom. 8 which is echoed in this quote from a highly-respected Bible teacher Jen Wilkin:  “God can use the outcome of any decision for his glory and our good. That is reassuring!

03 / Thu – When does tomorrow start?  |  Read Gen. 1:5 / Prov. 16:9 / Prov. 3:5-6

Traditionally, Jews believe the 24-hour day begins at sundown (based on the creation story) Do you make plans for the next day before you go to bed? Do you sometimes have trouble getting to sleep because of concerns about how your plans will go? If so, these proverbs help remind you who is ultimately in charge. Why not make it a part of your evening routine to put your next-day plans in God’s hands? Then you can go to sleep, confident that what’s important will get done.

04 / Fri – Sovereignty  |  Read Gen. 1:1 / Psalm 103:19

If you watch the TV series The Chosen (based on Jesus and those who followed him), you may notice the portrayal of Jewish prayer traditions – when they lay down to sleep, first thing when they awake, before they eat and drink. If you listen carefully, the prayers all start with these words, still used in Jewish prayers today, “Blessed are you, Lord our God, King of the universe, who…”  What a powerful way to start any prayer! It’s comforting to recognize God is sovereign over all things.

05 / Sat – Jesus gave us this  |  Read Matt. 6:9-13 (King James Version)

God is instantly available every time you go to him in prayer. Even when the words are memorized. The Lord’s Prayer can be a wonderful way to end your day. Even though the words may be familiar, pray them slowly and thoughtfully tonight. They contain rich insights. It begins with who God is. Then you ask for essential needs. The end is a reminder of his majesty and power. The effect of these words can fill your heart and mind with peace that continues even as you sleep.