When You Can't Sleep: A Prayer for 3 AM Finding peace in the still of the night.
Some years ago, a woman wrote to me from a small town in the Midwest. She was struggling with insomnia, lying awake at 3 AM, feeling anxious and alone. She told me that she had tried everything to fall asleep, from warm milk to counting sheep, but nothing seemed to work. I remember her words, "I feel like I'm walking through a dark valley, with no light in sight."
The Bible says, "The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit" (Psalm 34:18). This is a promise for all who are struggling, including those who lie awake at night. I have found in my own life that when I am feeling overwhelmed, a simple prayer can bring peace. The Bible says, "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Philippians 4:6).
A counselor I knew once told me that he would often pray with his clients who were struggling with insomnia. He would pray, "Lord, you are the giver of sleep, and we ask that you would give us rest tonight." The Bible says, "He giveth his beloved sleep" (Psalm 127:2). Make no mistake, my friend, Christ is the answer to all our problems, including those sleepless nights.
I remember a time when I was on a crusade in a large city, and a man came forward to accept Christ. He told me that he had been struggling with insomnia for years, but after giving his life to Christ, he was able to sleep peacefully. He said, "I used to lie awake at night, worrying about my problems, but now I can rest in the knowledge that God is in control." The Bible says, "Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22).
My friend, if you are lying awake at 3 AM, I want you to know that you are not alone. Christ is with you, and he is willing to give you rest. The Bible says, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).
As you lie there, I want you to pray with me. Dear Heavenly Father, we come to you in the still of the night, seeking peace and rest. We ask that you would give us a quiet mind and a peaceful heart. Help us to trust in you, and to know that you are in control. We pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.