Catholic Prayer for Sleep
For centuries, Catholics have closed the day with Compline, the Church's official night prayer, asking God for a peaceful sleep and a peaceful death whenever it may come. A Catholic prayer for sleep draws on that tradition—recognized short prayers like the Hail Mary or an Act of Contrition, along with the ancient custom of examining the day before letting it go. You don't need to be in a monastery or even fully awake to pray this way; Compline was built for tired people at the end of a long day.
Below you'll find both a short traditional-style blessing in the spirit of Compline and original prayers written for tonight, whatever kind of day you've had. Other Christian traditions—Orthodox Compline and the Episcopal Night Prayer—share this same rhythm of ending the day in God's hands, a reminder that this practice is older and wider than any one of us.
A Short Catholic Prayer for Sleep
Lord, watch over me as I sleep tonight. Forgive me for the ways I fell short today, and grant me rest in Your peace. Keep me safe until morning, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
A Traditional Night Blessing
May the all-powerful Lord grant us a restful night and a peaceful death. Amen.
A Prayer of Examination Before Sleep
Father, before I close my eyes, I look back over this day with You. Thank You for its gifts, even the small ones I almost missed. Forgive me for where I fell short—for words spoken carelessly, for patience I didn't have, for love I withheld. Help me release what I cannot fix tonight and trust You with what comes tomorrow. Let Mary, our Mother, watch over my sleep, and let the angels guard this house until morning. Amen.
A One-Line Prayer to Whisper
Lord, into Your hands I commend my spirit tonight; grant me a peaceful rest. Amen.
A Longer Catholic Night Prayer
Heavenly Father, as this day comes to a close, I bring it all before You—the moments I handled well and the ones I wish I could take back. Thank You for the gift of another day of life, for the people who walked through it with me, and for Your patience with my many failings. I ask forgiveness for my sins, known and unknown, and I offer this day, imperfect as it was, back to You. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me now and watch over my rest tonight. Guardian angel, stand near my bed and keep me safe from harm, in body and in soul, until the light of morning. Lord Jesus, quiet my mind from the worries that like to visit at night—tomorrow's tasks, unfinished conversations, fears I can't quite name. Let me set them down at Your feet instead of carrying them into my sleep. Grant rest to my body and peace to my soul. And should I not wake again in this life, receive me into Your eternal rest, as You have promised those who trust in You. Into Your hands, Lord, I commend my spirit, tonight and always. Amen.
Scripture to pray
In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.— Psalm 4:8
Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.— Luke 23:46
Frequently asked questions
What is the traditional Catholic prayer for sleep?
The traditional Catholic night prayer is called Compline, or Night Prayer, the final prayer of the Church's daily Liturgy of the Hours, which includes an examination of conscience, psalms, and a closing blessing asking for a restful night. Many Catholics also simply pray a Hail Mary, an Act of Contrition, or ask their guardian angel for protection before bed.
What prayer do Catholics say before bed?
Catholics commonly pray a short Act of Contrition, a Hail Mary, or the Guardian Angel prayer before bed, often alongside a brief review of the day and its blessings and shortcomings. There is no single required prayer—the goal is simply to end the day in conversation with God.
Do Orthodox and Episcopal Christians have a similar night prayer?
Yes, Orthodox Christians pray Compline and Episcopalians pray Compline from the Book of Common Prayer, both sharing the same ancient rhythm of ending the day with confession, psalms, and a prayer for peaceful rest. The wording differs between traditions, but the heart of the practice—commending the day and the night to God—is shared across all three.