Good evening.
Now settle yourself into a comfortable position.
Take this time to rest in the presence of God,
Knowing that He is with you and He delights in your moments of stillness.
As you prepare for sleep,
Allow yourself to be cradled by His peace.
Adjust your position,
Take in a deep breath,
And then let go of the day's worries.
And when you are ready,
Gently close your eyes.
Feel your body relaxing into your bed as if being lovingly held in God's embrace.
Let His comfort surround you like a soft blanket.
And release any frustration or stress you may feel about being awake.
It's okay to feel what you feel.
God understands.
Be gentle with yourself as you rest in His care.
Now,
Bring your awareness to the rhythm of your breathing as you inhale and exhale.
Imagine breathing in God's peace and breathing out the cares of the day.
With each breath,
Feel yourself drawing closer to Him.
Allow the world to just fade away as you rest in His presence.
When your thoughts wander,
And they will,
That's okay.
Simply acknowledge them and then gently turn your focus back to your breath and to the Lord.
You might quietly say to yourself,
I rest in your peace,
Lord,
And I trust you with my tomorrow.
Repeat this as many times as you need,
Letting it sink deep into your heart.
Feel the tranquility that comes from surrendering to His care.
There's nothing else you need to do and nowhere else you need to be.
Simply rest in the assurance of His love.
And now,
Let's relax your body one area at a time,
Inviting God's peace into every part of you.
Feet.
Thank you,
Lord,
For carrying me through the day.
As I breathe out,
I release any tension in my feet.
Legs.
Lord,
I release all strain from my legs.
Thank you for giving me strength.
Hips and pelvis.
I surrender all burdens,
Trusting you to carry them.
Lower back and abdomen.
Lord,
Fill this area with your healing rest.
I release all tension.
Rib cage.
Thank you,
Lord,
For every breath.
I exhale and feel peace.
Chest and upper back.
I breathe in your love and let go of all heaviness.
Shoulders and arms.
Lord,
I lay my burdens at your feet.
I feel your presence lifting my spirit.
Hands.
Thank you,
Father,
For all the ways you use my hands to serve.
I release and relax them.
Neck and throat.
I breathe deeply,
Knowing you are my strength.
Face and head.
Lord,
I release all stress and all surrender to your perfect peace.
Take a long,
Deep breath in,
And as you exhale,
Feel your entire body relax in God's presence.
Rest in his love and let his peace cover you completely.
And as you drift into sleep,
Remember that the Lord watches over you.
His love is steadfast,
His mercy is unending,
And he gives his beloved rest.
Trust him to restore you tonight and guide you tomorrow.
Good night,
And may God bless you with sweet and restful sleep.
In Jesus' name we pray.
Amen.
