Having trouble getting a good night’s sleep? Download Abide for Christian sleep meditations that use calming techniques and Scripture verses framed in soothing stories to lull you into a peaceful slumber.
Raise your hand if this has ever happened to you: You go from scrolling funny videos on your phone straight to bedtime. And then you spend the next hour or two staring at the bedroom ceiling. Tossing and turning, just wishing, hoping, and praying for sleep.
Or maybe you do all the right things before sleep—reducing blue light, turning off screens, meditating. But then you still can’t fall asleep. And your mind is filled with questions: Did I send those emails? What if I don’t meet that deadline? I’m sooo hungry—is 1 a.m. too late for a midnight snack?
In those sleepless moments, one of the few things that I find helpful is calling to mind one of my favorite psalms for peaceful rest (usually Psalm 23) and slowly reciting the verses to soothe myself to sleep. I’ll repeat it over and over, sometimes mulling over each part until I feel more and more at peace.
Reciting a comforting psalm is just one way to use Bible verses for sleep. You can also use spiritual songs or worship music as an effective sleep tactic. Think of these verses, hymns, or lyrics as God’s lullabies, getting you in the right head space and transforming your sleep environment into a safe haven for better zzz’s.
So how exactly can you create a more melodic sleep environment? Read on for ideas on how to make your sleep routine a littler dreamier.
Find Your Own Lullaby
There’s a reason lullabies are so effective in lulling babies to sleep—they have a calming effect. You can find your own version of a lullaby even as an adult. We’re not saying you have to play “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star” every night (unless you’d like to!). But you can find a song that has the same calming effect on you. After all, according to the Sleep Foundation, soothing music has been found to benefit sleep, regardless of age. (The Sleep Foundation recommends songs that are between 60 to 80 beats per minute.)
So pick your own lullaby and then make it a consistent part of your bedtime routine. That way whenever the song is played, your body knows it’s time for sleep!
Play a Little Worship Music
Similarly, music in general is a great addition to the bedtime routine and can really set the scene for sleep. In fact, according to the Sleep Foundation, music before bed can help you fall asleep faster and even lead to better sleep. Worship music is a great genre to consider since it’s typically soothing and all about God’s love. Two of my favorites? “On Eagle’s Wings,” inspired by Psalm 91, and “Pescador de Hombres” (Lord, You Have Come).
Meditate on Psalms for Peaceful Rest
If music before bedtime isn’t for you, consider meditating on a psalm. It couldn’t be easier to do. Pick a verse that you find comforting and simply go over it in your head, reflecting on what the words mean. You don’t have to memorize the whole psalm. Just a line or two will do. Try going through it quickly, then slowly. This is a great way to tune out the world outside and just be in the moment.
Find Your “Sleep Prayer”
It can also be helpful to have a soothing sleep phrase or prayer that you can say before bed. Again, you can meditate on it or mull it over. Choose something that brings you peace and reminds you that God is looking out for you, at all hours. For example, “God is with me, 24/7” or “Night and day, You watch over me.”
Best Psalms for Peaceful Sleep
Which psalms are best for sleep? Really, any that speak to you! But I’ve got a few beloved psalms to get you started. Try reading or singing these before bedtime.
“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep;
For You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” —Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
“The Lord watches over you—
the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day,
nor the moon by night.” —Psalm 121:5-6 (NIV)
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.” —Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV)
“God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.” —Psalm 46:1 (NIV)
“He will cover you with his feathers,
and under his wings you will find refuge;
his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” —Psalm 91:4 (NIV)
Now listen to a short segment from this sleep story from Abide based on Psalm 91. This sleep story will help you fall asleep to Bible reflection and prayer.
Try meditating over the psalms for peaceful rest as you listen to worship music. You could enjoy a night of healing and restorative sleep.
For more help to stress less and sleep better, check out the Abide app, where our 400+ Bible-based sleep stories all exist to help you experience the peace of Christ and get better rest. Use this link for 25% off a premium subscription, giving you access to all our sleep stories plus much more.
Diana Aydin is a writer and editor based in New York.
