An Evening Prayer for Taking Off the Day

Lord, piece by piece, I take off the day.

Shoes off, and my feet thank me.
Glasses on the nightstand.
My watch off, so time can stop counting for a while.
The day's clothes over the back of a chair.

I want to take off more than clothes tonight.
The roles I've worn all day —
the capable one, the patient one,
the one who has it all together.
The face I put on for other people.
The armor I wear when I'm afraid.

I don't need any of it with You.
I have nothing to prove here,
nothing to keep up.
I'm not impressive or important,
just Your beloved child,
and that is the best thing I will ever be.

Clothe me in Your peace instead.
Let me sleep in it tonight,
and wake up still wearing it.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this while you get ready for bed, as you undress and set your glasses and watch aside. It is a good one for an evening when you feel you have worn a brave face all day.

A Verse to Hold On To

"The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children." — Romans 8:16 (BSB)