20 Prayers for Bad Dreams (Resting in God’s Peace Through the Night)

Nighttime should be a sanctuary of peace—a time of rest and renewal. But for many, sleep can become a battlefield where bad dreams, nightmares, or spiritual attacks disrupt rest. If you’ve ever woken up shaken, sweating, or fearful after a disturbing dream, you’re not alone. The Bible has much to say about peace, protection, and the power of prayer—even while we sleep.

In this article, we’ll explore prayers for bad dreams that invite God’s peace and presence into your rest, offer uplifting Scriptures to calm your soul, and provide spiritual tools to help you sleep soundly. Whether you’re praying for yourself or for a loved one, let these words be your nighttime covering.

20 Prayers for Bad Dreams

Find rest beneath the shadow of the Almighty.

1. Prayer to Sleep in God’s Peace

Heavenly Father,
I lay down tonight trusting in You.
Take away the fear that bad dreams bring.
Cover me with Your peace and let no evil disturb my rest.
In Jesus’ name, I sleep in safety.
Amen.

2. Prayer Against Nightmares

Lord Jesus,
Drive away every nightmare and shadow of fear.
Let my dreams be touched by heaven,
Not haunted by the enemy.
You are my refuge through the watches of the night.
Amen.

3. Prayer for a Child Who Has Bad Dreams

Dear God,
My child is afraid of the dark and the dreams they’ve seen.
Wrap them in Your love like a blanket of light.
Let angels stand guard around their bed.
Replace fear with joy, and terror with trust.
Amen.

4. Prayer Based on Psalm 91

Father,
Because I dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
No terror of night shall harm me.
Let Your angels guard me as I sleep.
Cover me with Your wings.
I rest in Your promises tonight.
Amen.
(Psalm 91:1,5,11)

5. Prayer to Break Spiritual Oppression in Sleep

Mighty God,
I rebuke every unclean spirit that tries to torment me at night.
In the name of Jesus, I speak peace over my dreams.
Let every demonic influence flee.
I claim victory over fear.
Amen.

6. Prayer for Dreamless Rest

Lord,
If dreams trouble me, then grant me dreamless rest.
Let my mind be still, my heart at ease.
Take away the images that disturb and replace them with silence and serenity.
Amen.

7. Prayer for Healing Night Trauma

Father of Comfort,
These bad dreams are rooted in real wounds.
Heal my memories and restore my soul.
Let my nights no longer reflect pain,
But peace from Your throne.
Amen.

8. Prayer for Peace of Mind Before Sleep

Lord,
I surrender every anxious thought before I sleep.
Cleanse my heart and mind from fear and heaviness.
Let Your peace rule over my thoughts and dreams.
I rest in You.
Amen.

9. Prayer for God to Guard My Sleep

Faithful Protector,
Stand watch while I sleep.
Let no evil cross the threshold of my dreams.
May Your Spirit dwell even in my subconscious.
I belong to You, even in slumber.
Amen.

10. Prayer to Replace Fear with Faith

Dear Lord,
When bad dreams come, fear follows.
But I will not fear, for You are with me.
I choose faith over fear, even in the night.
Let Your Word be the gatekeeper of my dreams.
Amen.

11. Midnight Prayer After a Nightmare

Jesus,
I wake in darkness, shaken by what I’ve seen.
But even now, I turn to You.
Comfort me. Be near to me.
Let Your peace wash over me and calm every storm.
Amen.

12. Prayer for Children Afraid of the Dark

Abba Father,
Hold my child through the night.
Let angels fill the room and light chase out the shadows.
Bring sweet sleep and smiles by morning.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.

13. Prayer for Teens Battling Night Fears

God of Strength,
You know the battles young hearts face.
When bad dreams try to take hold,
Let truth rise up.
Speak identity, hope, and courage into the night.
Amen.

14. Prayer Based on Philippians 4:6–7

Lord,
I will not be anxious about what I may dream.
Instead, I give thanks and make my request known to You:
Guard my heart and mind with peace beyond understanding.
Amen.
(Philippians 4:6–7)

15. Prayer for Victims of Abuse and Trauma

Merciful Lord,
Nightmares bring back memories I long to forget.
Heal me in body, mind, and spirit.
Rewrite my dreams with truth and light.
I trust You to restore my nights.
Amen.

16. Prayer for Pregnant Mothers Experiencing Bad Dreams

God of Life,
In this season of carrying new life,
I ask for peaceful dreams and restful sleep.
Let no fear dwell in my nights.
Surround both me and my child with peace.
Amen.

17. Prayer to Cast Down Imaginations

Lord,
I take every thought captive.
Let no lie, illusion, or fear rise up in the night.
I cast down vain imaginations and claim peace in Christ.
I dream under Your authority.
Amen.

18. Prayer to Dream God’s Dreams

Father,
If I must dream, let me dream of You.
Show me glimpses of heaven, whispers of Your will.
Let my soul be refreshed, not tormented, in sleep.
I welcome divine rest.
Amen.

19. Prayer from a Parent for a Teen with Night Terrors

Lord of All Peace,
My child suffers in sleep.
I plead the blood of Jesus over their bed, mind, and dreams.
Let Your light fill the room and restore what darkness has stolen.
They are Yours. Guard them tonight.
Amen.

20. Final Night Blessing Before Sleep

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for another day.
As I lay down to sleep, I ask for protection over my dreams.
Let no evil visit, let no fear remain.
Your Word is my pillow, Your love my blanket.
Goodnight, Lord—I rest in You.
Amen.

Understanding the Impact of Bad Dreams

Bad dreams are more than just mental images. They can:

• Heighten anxiety or stress
• Affect physical rest and productivity
• Trigger spiritual fear or oppression
• Cause emotional instability during the day

Though science explains nightmares as the result of stress, trauma, or certain medications, as Christians, we also recognize that the enemy can try to disrupt our peace through the night (1 Peter 5:8). But we are not powerless. God has given us authority through prayer and His Word.

What Does the Bible Say About Sleep and Protection?

God’s Word is filled with promises that speak directly to our need for peace and safety while we sleep. Here are a few of them for meditation:

Psalm 4:8 (NIV): “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”

Proverbs 3:24 (NIV): “When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”

Psalm 91:5 (NLT): “Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night, nor the arrow that flies in the day.”

Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV): “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

These verses remind us that God watches over us 24/7. His presence doesn’t stop when the lights go out. He is still Lord over the night.

Scripture Meditations for Nighttime

Here are a few short Bible verses you can memorize, repeat aloud, or write beside your bed:

• Isaiah 26:3 – “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
• Psalm 121:4 – “Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
• Psalm 23:1-2 – “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures…”

Practical Prayer Tips Before Sleep

1. Set a peaceful environment – Light worship music or Scripture audio can calm your mind.
2. Avoid negative media – Violent shows or stressful conversations before bed can impact your dreams.
3. Speak out loud – Declare God’s Word and promises. The enemy cannot stand the spoken Word.
4. Use anointing oil – Anoint your bed or forehead with oil and pray Psalm 91.
5. Create a bedtime prayer routine – Consistency brings comfort and invites God’s peace.

Final Encouragement

If this devotional helped you or someone you love, please share this post, bookmark it for your nighttime routine, or send it to a friend in need. Let’s cover one another in prayer and trust God for peaceful, restorative rest.

🕊️ “He gives His beloved sleep.” — Psalm 127:2 (NKJV)