Welcome,
Dear friend.
As you prepare to rest tonight,
Let your heart grow still.
You've carried enough for today.
This is your time to let go,
To breathe,
And to find peace in God's presence.
Take a deep breath in,
And slowly let it go.
Feel the air move gently through you,
Like the Spirit of God breathing life into your soul.
With each breath,
You are safe.
With each breath,
You are held.
Tonight,
You are invited to rest in God's love.
The same love that carried you through the day will watch over you as you sleep.
You are never alone.
God is here,
Whispering peace to your heart.
Imagine yourself walking beside quiet waters.
The soft sound of a stream flows gently at your feet.
The air is cool,
The sky overhead painted with the first stars of the evening.
The world is calm.
Your soul feels calm.
The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
Picture yourself lying down in a green meadow.
The grass is soft beneath you,
And a warm breeze moves across your face.
The shepherd watches over you,
Making sure you have all that you need.
You are safe.
You are loved.
You are at rest.
Let every thought from today drift away.
Any worry,
Any task undone.
Any burden that still lingers,
Set it down at the feet of Jesus.
He whispers,
Come to me,
All who are weary and burdened,
And I will give you rest.
Now,
Let your body relax.
Feel your shoulders grow heavy,
Sinking into comfort.
Your arms release,
Your legs rest.
Your mind begins to soften,
Like the sky fading gently from twilight into night.
As you breathe,
Remember,
God never sleeps,
But he gives his beloved rest.
You can close your eyes,
Knowing his angels stand guard around you.
The one who spoke galaxies into being also watches over your dreams.
Let scripture soothe your spirit.
He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on him.
You are kept in peace.
You are surrounded by his goodness.
Your heart is at ease.
Imagine drifting on gentle waves.
The water rocking you slowly,
Steadily,
Peacefully.
The stars above remind you of God's promises.
Too many to count,
And every one of them true.
Now,
Hear this blessing as you drift into sleep.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May his face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May he lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
You are deeply loved.
You are held by God's everlasting arms.
Sleep now in his presence.
Rest now in his peace.
Good night,
Beloved child of God.
