Lord Jesus, I thank you for the gift of today. For all the good that took place today. For the people I spent time with. For the work I was able to accomplish.
Thank you for all the ways you blessed me today. Especially those ways that I didn’t see or realize at the time.
Thank you, Lord, for your presence; for seeing me through the snares that the enemy set for me… for safely bringing me back to this moment with you, at the close of another day.
Forgive me Jesus for the ways that I failed today. For the ways that I did not love God above all else — in my thoughts, words, and deeds. Forgive me for the ways I did not love my neighbor or my family the way I ought.
Forgive any language that did not reflect holiness or charity. Forgive any motives that were focused on self. Forgive any envy, gluttony, greed, lust, pride, sloth, or wrath that I allowed to manifest today in my thoughts, words, or deeds.
Forgive me Jesus for not considering your sacrifice as much as I should have. Forgive me for the lukewarmness of my heart when it comes to your passion. Instill in me a more fervent gratitude for all that you’ve done for me.
As I lay my head to rest, I lay all these failings at your feet, and I surrender them to your mercy. Have mercy on me, Lord, a poor sinner. I know that I am not worthy to be in your presence but you invite me and call me anyway. Because you love me. You summon me this night to release it all into your hands so that I may rest peacefully. And so I do.
Receive it all, Jesus.
I surrender these failures to you because I do not want them in my life. I want to do better. To be better. But I need your help. I need your grace. So as I sleep tonight I beg you Lord to shed grace on my sleeping soul that I may wake with new commitment to your will.
I surrender to you all that I did not get done today. I surrender to you all my worries and fears. I surrender to you the distractions that try to pull me from this prayer. I give it all to you.
As I sleep Lord, renew the inner workings of my body and grant me a new, healthy tomorrow. Station your angels around my bed and around the beds of all those whom I love. Station angels around our home to protect us and grant us peaceful rest.
Lord, bless all those who do not have a place to lay their head tonight, all those who are homeless that they may find shelter and comfort. Bless all those who have anxiety and insomnia: may the Holy Spirit fill them and they find deep restorative sleep.
Bless all those going to bed in pain; relieve their discomfort. Bless all those who are going to bed lonely and grieving the loss of someone dear to them; let them feel you near.
Bless our town, our country, and our world this night as we sleep. Wake me tomorrow, Lord, to the newness of your glory. I pray all this in Jesus’ Name. Amen.