Morris ClarkGod is always accessible to us through prayer, but many of us gravitate toward Him at both ends of our day, through morning prayer and night prayer.
Praying at night can help us in so many ways. It can comfort us after a long day. It can give us peace as we draw closer to sleep. It can help us begin the next day feeling closer to God.
If you don’t know the right words to say, let Hallow help with these short, simple night prayers, perfect for praying solo or with families and kids. Remember, the exact words you say matter much less than the desire of your heart to grow closer to God.
Get the Hallow app and pray each night, or check out the prayers below to get started.
Why Pray at Night?
Before we enter into the prayers themselves, let us consider why night time prayer is so important.
1. It brings closure to the day. You review what has happened, give thanks for the good, repent of the bad, and release the rest.
2. It prepares you for restful sleep. A mind that has been entrusted to God sleeps more peacefully than a mind still churning with anxiety.
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3. It protects you during the night. The Church teaches that we are vulnerable to spiritual attack while we sleep. Night prayers invoke God’s protection and the presence of our Guardian Angel.
4. It prepares you for death. Each night is a small death – a laying down of consciousness, a trust that you will wake again. Praying night prayers prepares your soul for the final sleep of death.
5. It is a tradition of the Church. From the earliest monastic communities to the family rosary before bed, night prayer has always been part of Catholic life.
The Traditional Examination of Conscience
Before you can repent, you must remember. The Examination of Conscience is a gentle review of your day, asking the Holy Spirit to show you where you have loved and where you have failed to love.
1. An Evening Examination of Conscience
Begin by placing yourself in the presence of God. Take a slow, deep breath. Then ask these questions:
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Did I pray today? Did I make time for God, or did I push Him to the margins?
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Did I love my family? Did I speak to them with patience and kindness, or with harshness and frustration?
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Did I do my work with integrity? Did I cut corners, waste time, or treat others unfairly?
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Did I guard my tongue? Did I speak well of others, or did I gossip, slander, or spread negativity?
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Did I control my desires? Did I entertain impure thoughts, lustful glances, or inappropriate words?
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Did I forgive? Is there anyone I am still holding a grudge against? Anyone I need to forgive before I sleep?
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Did I give thanks? Did I acknowledge the blessings of this day, or did I take them for granted?
2. A Shorter Examination for Busy Nights
If you are tired or pressed for time, use this shorter version:
Lord, I thank You for the gifts of this day. I am sorry for my sins – the things I have done and the things I have failed to do. Please forgive me. Help me to forgive others. And protect me through the night. Amen.
The Act of Contrition
After examining your conscience, you express sorrow for your sins. The Act of Contrition is a traditional prayer of repentance.
3. The Traditional Act of Contrition
O my God, I am heartily sorry for having offended You, and I detest all my sins because of Your just punishments, but most of all because they offend You, my God, who are all good and deserving of all my love. I firmly resolve, with the help of Your grace, to sin no more and to avoid the near occasion of sin. Amen.
4. A Simpler Act of Contrition
My Lord Jesus Christ, I am sorry for my sins because they have wounded Your Sacred Heart. Please forgive me. Help me to sin no more. Amen.
5. The Confiteor (I Confess)
I confess to Almighty God, to blessed Mary ever Virgin, to all the angels and saints, and to you, my brothers and sisters, that I have greatly sinned in my thoughts and in my words, in what I have done and in what I have failed to do, through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault. Therefore, I beg blessed Mary ever Virgin, all the angels and saints, and you, my brothers and sisters, to pray for me to the Lord our God. Amen.
The Traditional Night Prayers from the Liturgy of the Hours
The Church has a formal night prayer called Compline (from the Latin “completorium”—completion). These are the traditional prayers said by priests, religious, and many laypeople at the end of the day.
6. The Opening Verses
Lord, come to my assistance.
Let us make haste to help us.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
7. The Hymn Before the Close of Day (Te Lucis Ante Terminum)
Before the ending of the day,
Creator of the world, we pray
That with Your wonted favor, You
Would be our Guard and Keeper true.
From all ill dreams defend our eyes,
From nightly fears and fantasies;
Tread under foot our ghostly foe,
That no pollution we may know.
O Father, that we ask be done,
Through Jesus Christ, Your only Son;
Who, with the Holy Ghost and You,
Does live and reign and glory due. Amen.
8. The Psalmody (Psalm 91 – The Night Psalm)
You who dwell in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”
He will rescue you from the fowler’s snare,
from the destroying plague.
He will shelter you with His pinions,
and under His wings you may take refuge.
You shall not fear the terror of the night
nor the arrow that flies by day,
Nor the pestilence that prowls in the darkness
nor the scourge that lays waste at noon.
For He commands His angels with regard to you,
to guard you wherever you go.
With their hands they shall support you,
lest you strike your foot against a stone.
“Because he clings to Me, I will deliver him;
I will set him on high because he knows My name.
He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in distress.”
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
9. The Short Reading (1 Peter 5:8-9)
Be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith.
10. The Responsory
Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
For You have redeemed me, O Lord, God of truth.
I commend my spirit.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit.
Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
The Canticle of Simeon (Nunc Dimittis)
This is the song of Simeon from the Gospel of Luke, traditionally prayed at night as a preparation for death – the final “sleep” of the soul.
11. The Nunc Dimittis
Now, Master, You may let Your servant go
in peace, according to Your word,
for my eyes have seen Your salvation,
which You prepared in sight of all the peoples:
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and the glory of Your people Israel.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
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The Antiphon to Our Lady at the End of the Day
The Church concludes night prayer with an antiphon in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, depending on the liturgical season.
12. Alma Redemptoris Mater (Advent through Christmas)
Loving Mother of the Redeemer,
gate of heaven, star of the sea,
assist Your people who have fallen yet strive to rise again.
To the wonderment of nature You bore Your Creator,
yet remained a virgin after as before.
You who received Gabriel’s joyful greeting,
have pity on us poor sinners.
13. Ave Regina Caelorum (Christmas through Candlemas)
Hail, O Queen of heaven enthroned!
Hail, by angels mistress owned!
Root of Jesse, gate of morn,
whence the world’s true light was born:
Glorious Virgin, joy to thee,
loveliest whom in heaven they see:
Fairest thou, than all far transcend,
pray for us to Christ, our end.
14. Regina Coeli (Easter Season)
Queen of Heaven, rejoice, alleluia.
For He whom you were worthy to bear, alleluia,
has risen as He said, alleluia.
Pray for us to God, alleluia.
15. Salve Regina (Ordinary Time)
Hail, Holy Queen, Mother of mercy,
our life, our sweetness, and our hope.
To you do we cry,
poor banished children of Eve.
To you do we send up our sighs,
mourning and weeping in this valley of tears.
Turn then, most gracious advocate,
your eyes of mercy toward us,
and after this our exile,
show unto us the blessed fruit of your womb, Jesus.
O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary.
Prayers to the Guardian Angel
The Church teaches that each of us has a Guardian Angel who protects us, guides us, and prays for us. Night time is a traditional moment to pray to your angel.
16. The Traditional Guardian Angel Prayer
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom God’s love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.
17. A Longer Prayer to Your Guardian Angel at Night
Holy Guardian Angel, whom God has given to watch over me, I thank you for your protection through this day. Forgive me if I have grieved you by my sins. Guard me through the night. Protect me from the attacks of the enemy. Keep my mind free from impure thoughts and my heart free from fear. When I sleep, pray for me. And when I wake, lead me to do God’s will. Amen.
The Memorare (Prayer to Our Lady)
The Memorare is a beloved prayer of confidence in the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
18. The Memorare
Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary,
that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection,
implored your help, or sought your intercession was left unaided.
Inspired by this confidence,
I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother.
To you I come, before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful.
O Mother of the Word Incarnate,
despise not my petitions,
but in your mercy hear and answer me. Amen.
Prayer to St. Joseph for a Good Night
St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus and patron of a happy death, is a powerful intercessor for peaceful sleep.
19. Prayer to St. Joseph at Night
St. Joseph, you slept peacefully because you trusted in God’s protection. You guarded the Child Jesus through the night. Guard me tonight. Protect my home. Watch over my family. And when my final sleep comes, be with me and lead me safely to the arms of Jesus and Mary. Amen.
Prayers for Peaceful Sleep
These prayers ask God for restful, undisturbed, and holy sleep.
20. A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep
Lord Jesus, as I lay down to sleep, I place my soul and body into Your hands. Guard me through the dark hours. Keep my mind free from nightmares and my heart free from anxiety. Let me rest in the peace that only You can give. And when I wake, let me wake with gratitude, ready to serve You in a new day. Amen.
21. A Prayer for When You Cannot Sleep
Lord, sleep will not come. My mind is racing. My heart is anxious. I am tired but I cannot rest. Calm me, Lord. Quiet the noise in my head. Remind me that You are in control even when I am not. And if sleep does not come tonight, let me use these waking hours to pray, to think of You, and to find peace in Your presence. Amen.
22. A Prayer for Protection from Nightmares
Lord Jesus, You calmed the storm on the sea. Calm the storms in my mind as I sleep. Protect me from nightmares, from visions of fear, from the attacks of the enemy. Let my dreams be peaceful. Let my sleep be restful. And if I am afraid, let me call upon Your name and find that You are already there. Amen.
23. A Prayer for Children at Bedtime (for parents to pray)
Lord Jesus, bless my child as they sleep. Send Your angels to watch over their bed. Protect them from every harm – seen and unseen. Let them dream of good things. Let them wake rested and joyful. And let them grow to love You more each day. Amen.
A Short Family Night Prayer
This prayer is perfect for families to pray together before children go to bed.
24. Family Night Prayer
Lord Jesus, we thank You for this day. Thank You for the food we ate, the laughter we shared, and the love we gave each other. Forgive us for the ways we hurt each other today – for the harsh words, the impatience, the selfishness. Help us to forgive each other before we sleep. Bless our home. Protect us through the night. And let us wake tomorrow ready to love You and each other. Amen.
The Litany of a Happy Death
Each night is a rehearsal for death. This litany prepares the soul for the final sleep.
25. The Litany of a Happy Death
Lord, have mercy on us.
Christ, have mercy on us.
Lord, have mercy on us. Christ, hear us.
Christ, graciously hear us.
God the Father of Heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, Redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
From a sudden and unprovided death, deliver me, O Lord.
From the snares of the devil at my final hour, deliver me, O Lord.
From despair and loss of faith, deliver me, O Lord.
From a hardened and unrepentant heart, deliver me, O Lord.
By Your Sacred Heart, spare me, O Lord.
By Your wounds, spare me, O Lord.
By Your precious Blood, spare me, O Lord.
By Your death on the Cross, spare me, O Lord.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for me.
St. Joseph, patron of a happy death, pray for me.
St. Michael, defender in battle, pray for me.
My Guardian Angel, pray for me.
All you saints and angels, pray for me.
Lord Jesus, receive my soul.
Mary, mother of mercy, intercede for me.
St. Joseph, protect me at my final hour.
Let Us Pray:
O Lord Jesus Christ, who by Your precious death has opened the gates of heaven, grant that at my final hour I may receive the sacraments of Your Church, be absolved of my sins, and be received into Your eternal kingdom. Through Your mercy, O Lord, hear my prayer. Amen.
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Short Aspirations for the Night
These short prayers can be prayed as you are falling asleep.
26. Jesus, I trust in You.
27. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on me.
28. Mary, Mother of God, pray for me now and at the hour of my death.
29. St. Joseph, protect me through the night.
30. Angel of God, watch over me as I sleep.
31. Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.
32. Lord, if I die before I wake, I pray my soul You will take.
33. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give you my heart and my soul.
34. Lord, I accept whatever death You send me, whenever You send it.
35. Come, Lord Jesus.
A Short Night Prayer for Extremely Busy Nights
When you are exhausted and have only a minute, pray this.
36. A One-Minute Night Prayer
Lord, I am tired. Forgive my sins. Thank You for this day. Protect me through the night. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, I give You my heart and my soul. Into Your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit. Amen.
Prayers for the Faithful Departed at Night
It is a pious practice to pray for the souls in Purgatory before sleep.
37. Eternal Rest Prayer
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
38. A Prayer for the Holy Souls Before Sleep
Lord, as I prepare for sleep, I remember the souls in Purgatory who cannot rest until they are purified. Grant them rest this night. Release them from their suffering. Let the angels carry them home. And when I die, let me join them in the eternal rest of Your presence. Amen.
Blessings for Bedtime
These blessings can be prayed over yourself, your children, or your home.
39. A Blessing for Yourself Before Sleep
May the Lord bless me and keep me.
May the Lord make His face shine upon me and be gracious to me.
May the Lord lift up His countenance upon me and give me peace.
Through the night and into the morning, may I rest in the shadow of His wings. Amen.
40. A Blessing for a Child Before Sleep
May the Lord bless you and keep you, my child.
May the angels watch over your bed.
May you dream of good things and wake to a new day full of God’s love.
Sleep well, my darling. God is with you. Amen.
Family Night Prayers/Bedtime Prayers
Praying together as a family at night is a tremendous habit to build with your little ones. Any time you have a chance to pray with your kids, it’s absolutely worth the time, even after a long day.
Here are some prayers to say before bed with your kiddos that will cultivate a habit of nightly prayer in them.
41. God, I come to you tonight to pray. Thank you for my entire day. As I close my eyes, please give me rest. My heavenly Father, you are the best.
42. With my family gathered here tonight, I give You thanks for our family, for our home, and for the love that fills it. I also thank You for all my friends and other family members. I know sometimes I sin. I’m sorry. I love You, Lord, and ask for a good night of sleep and a good day tomorrow. Amen.
43. With my pillow by my head, I thank You Lord, life-giving Bread. My mind and body come to rest, be with me, Lord, my special Guest. It’s time for sleep, this time of night–thank you, Lord, who gives me light. I close my eyes until tomorrow. With you, dear God, I know no sorrow!
44. Instead of sheep, let’s count our blessings. (Child lists people and things that bless their lives.) Thank you God, for all of these. And thank you for a good night of sleep. Protect me tonight and be with me tomorrow. In Jesus’s name, I pray. Amen.
Conclusion
Each night, you are invited to lay down not only your body but also your anxieties, your regrets, your fears, and your plans. You are invited to trust that the God who never sleeps will watch over you until the morning.
So pray tonight. Examine your conscience. Repent of your sins. Commend your soul to God. Call upon your Guardian Angel. Ask Mary to pray for you. And then lay your head on your pillow with the confidence of a child who knows that their Father is awake and watching.
May the Lord grant you peaceful rest, protection from all evil, and the grace to wake tomorrow ready to love Him more.
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8
Amen.
Morris Clark