A Prayer While Locking Up for the Night (Psalm 127)

Doors locked. Stove off.
Windows shut. Lights turned low.
I'm doing my rounds for the night, Lord.

I do these things every night,
and I'm glad to do them.
But they are not what really keeps this house safe.
Unless You guard the house,
all my locking and checking is in vain.

So I give You the keys tonight.
Be the watchman on the walls.
Keep out whatever should be kept out.
Keep in what is precious —
the people, the memories, the peace.

And when my rounds are done,
give me what You give to those You love.
Not one more trip to check the door,
but sleep, deep and sweet, as a gift.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

When to Pray This

Pray this as you make your last rounds of the evening, with a hand on the door or the light switch. Say a line at each door and window if you like. It suits anyone who is the last one up in the house.

A Verse to Hold On To

"Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain." — Psalm 127:1 (BSB)