A Breathing Prayer for Falling Asleep

Holy Spirit, breath of God,
You breathed life into me at the beginning.
Breathe Your peace into me now.

Breathing in: You are here.
Breathing out: the day is done.

Breathing in: You are my shepherd.
Breathing out: I have all I need.

Breathing in: Your mercy is new.
Breathing out: I let go of my mistakes.

Breathing in: You hold the ones I love.
Breathing out: I let go of my worry for them.

Breathing in: You are awake all night.
Breathing out: I can close my eyes.

Slower now. Quieter now.
Every breath is Your gift.
Let the last one before I sleep
be a quiet thank You.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this lying down, breathing in and out slowly with each pair of lines. If you are still awake when it ends, begin again from the top.

A Verse to Hold On To

"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life." — Job 33:4 (BSB)