Christian Guided Meditation For Deep Sleep To Help Let Go of Pain, Depression, Anxiety and Insomnia

[Music] welcome to this abide bedtime story where you will be guided into a deep and peaceful sleep hearing words of peace and comfort from the bible i'm james seawood instead of your mind being filled with anxiety you will be encouraged to think about the things that are true and lovely honorable and pure excellent and worthy of praise let god speak to your heart as you hear his word so settle deeply into your bed let your head rest heavily on your pillow as you relax every muscle in your body take a deep slow breath hold it for a moment and then release it feeling the tension of your day fade away feel the comfort of your warm covers the peacefulness of this moment don't let in any distractions tell them to go away this is your time to be with the lord as he guides you into deep sleep without worry or concern keep breathing deeply and slowly as you listen letting your body ease into sleep father god i bring this child of yours before you today and ask you for your favor i already know that you love them deeply and i ask that you would give them that assurance as well i pray that as they sleep their dreams would be of those things that are honorable and lovely and worthy of praise keep away all distractions concerns and stresses so that they can rest peacefully may the sound of my voice telling them of the wonders of you and your world lull them quickly into sleep that lasts the whole night through and is refreshing and rejuvenating i ask these things knowing that your desire is for them to live abundantly in you it's in the name of jesus that i pray amen your purpose on this earth is to enjoy god and to serve him forever to dwell on his excellent greatness to fill your mind and heart with his word anything else you are given to do will be fueled by these things philippians chapter 4 verse 8 in the amplified bible says finally believers whatever is true whatever is honorable and worthy of respect whatever is right and confirmed by god's word whatever is pure and wholesome whatever is lovely and brings peace whatever is admirable and of good refute if there is any excellence if there is anything worthy of praise think continually on these things center your mind on them and implant them in your heart your time tonight will be spent letting your mind dwell on these things first here are some things that are true told by the scriptures romans chapter 8 verse 28. and we know that for those who love god all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose all things that's a promise god will work all things together for good first john chapter 1 verse 9 if we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness faithful and just that's who god is if he says he will do something you can be sure that he will do it if you have confessed your sins you are cleansed from all unrighteousness john chapter 3 verse 16 for god so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him should not perish would have eternal life oh beloved rest in that truth he loves you so much lord god your word is trustworthy let this precious child dwell on these things as they sleep tonight write them on their heart bind your truths to them so they live and breathe them day in and day out let them hear only words of truth your word is truth amen now let those things that are honorable dwell in your mind let's turn to the sermon on the mount from matthew chapter 5 to see behavior that is honorable to god jesus said you have heard that it was said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth but i say to you do not resist the one who is evil but if anyone slaps you on the right cheek turn to him the other also and if anyone would sue you and take your tunic let him have your cloak as well and if anyone forces you to go one mile go with him two miles give to the one who begs from you and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you you have heard that it was said you shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy but i say to you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you so that you may be sons of your father who is in heaven for he makes his son rise on the evil and on the good and sends rain on the just and on the unjust for if you love those who love you what reward do you have do not even the tax collectors do the same and if you greet only your brothers what more are you doing than others do not even the gentiles do the same [Music] let these honorable things dwell in your thoughts jesus you don't ask us to do anything that you don't then enable us to do so as this child of yours thinks about doing honorable things help them to know that they are not doing them alone in their own strength but by the power and might of your holy spirit dwelling within them and we will thank you and praise you for that power in your name amen let your mind dwell on that which is just deuteronomy chapter 10 verse 18. he executes justice for the fatherless and the widow and loves the sojourner giving him food and clothing and chapter 32 verse 4 of that same book the rock his work is perfect for all his ways are justice a god of faithfulness and without iniquity just and upright is he give justice to the weak and the fatherless maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute [Music] god is a god of justice it is in his very nature to be just let your mind dwell on these things lord god thank you for your justice that we can always know that you will do the right thing whether we see it today or years from today we can trust that you will follow through on your word help this child of yours tonight as they dwell on your justice give them hope and courage in the name of jesus amen think about those things that are pure 12 6 is a perfect place to start the words of the lord are pure words like silver refined in a furnace on the ground purified seven times let the words of god fill your dreams as you hear him speak to you his words are pure psalm 19 verse 8 the precepts of the lord are right rejoicing the heart the commandment of the lord is pure enlightening the eyes first timothy chapter 1 verse 5 the aim of our charge is love that issue is from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith [Music] when the temple of god was being built everything was to be made of those things that were pure there were to be no impurities in the temple now you are the temple of god the holy spirit dwells in you dwell on the lord and keep your heart pure holy lord there is nothing pure aside from you so i pray that his beloved child listening tonight will guard their heart from all impurities as they dwell on your word that is true just and pure thank you for promising them your strength in the name of jesus i pray amen here is what god considers lovely that you should dwell on it psalm 84 verse 1. how lovely is your dwelling place o lord of hosts isaiah chapter 52 verse 7 how lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news who announces peace and brings good news of happiness who announces salvation and says to zion your god reigns [Music] maybe you've thought about the fact that the feet of those who bring the news of jesus are lovely but they are dwell on those messengers on those who proclaim the messiah the savior of the world jesus you are the messiah you are the savior of the world and those who would speak about you to others are lovely to dwell on i pray that this precious one listening tonight will be one who has the lovely feet of a messenger of your gospel grant them peace as they dwell on the loveliness of your dwelling and the telling of the good news in your name amen in the new testament the early church fathers were directed to appoint people who had good reputations they were devoted to the lord and to their families they were ones who were worthy of being looked up to they would fulfill their duties in the church well proverbs 22 verse 1 says a good name is to be chosen rather than great riches and favor is better than silver or gold first timothy chapter 5 verses 9 through 10 describes a widow who could be given help by the church it says let a widow be enrolled if she is not less than 60 years of age having been the wife of one husband and having a reputation for good works if she has brought up children has shown hospitality has washed the feet of the saints has cared for the afflicted and has devoted herself to every good work let your mind dwell on what it's like to know a person such as this loves to serve others is hospitable cares for the afflicted let the peace such a person brings envelop your heart father we praise you for your gifts that allow us to serve others and to serve you i ask your blessing on this beloved child as they sleep tonight that you would bring to their mind that which is of good repute that they would dwell on that and not on those who do not honor you it's all for the sake of jesus amen here is what is excellent and should fill your thoughts psalm 150 verse 2 praise him for his mighty deeds praise him according to his excellent greatness titus chapter 3 verse 8 the saying is trustworthy and i want you to insist on these things so that those who have believed in god may be careful to devote themselves to good works these things are excellent and profitable for people hebrews chapter 8 verse 6 but as it is christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better since it is enacted on better promises excellent greatness excellent works a more excellent covenant think upon these things [Music] dear heavenly father there is so much excellence in your name and your character and your mighty works help this loved one tonight to dwell on the excellent greatness of your name and the excellent ministry of our lord jesus as they rest in you tonight it's in the matchless name of jesus that we pray amen and now we will close with the words of revelation chapter 5 verse 11 through 13 which tells us why the lord jesus above all else is worthy of praise [Music] then i looked and i heard around the throne in the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands saying with a loud voice worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing and i heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea and all that is in them saying to him who sits on the throne and to the lamb be blessing and honor in glory and might forever and ever amen and amen sleep in peace dear one dwelling on the things of god tonight we're going to meditate on the very best news of all the gospel the good news that jesus has saved you from sin and death you can rest secure for all eternity because of what jesus has done for you and there is no better way to find peace than in the gospel there is no better way to fall asleep than resting easy in god's promises in a few minutes i'm going to read to you from the letter that paul wrote to the church in galatia some christians there were confused about the gospel they thought they had to earn god's love paul's goal in this letter is to make it abundantly clear that god's love and salvation are gifts of grace not things that can be earned but before i read from galatians take a moment to get comfortable let your mind and body and soul rest adjust your pillow turn out the lights and make sure your blankets are just right know that god is with you know that jesus has already accomplished your salvation and the victory belongs to him know that the holy spirit is ready to comfort you and to pray on your behalf as you sleep with your mind at ease let's focus on your breath breathe in god's peace and breathe out the worries of the day practice exhaling a bit longer than you inhale inhale for a count of four and then exhale for six breathe in two three four and exhale two three four five six good again breathe in two three four and exhale two 3 4 5 6. let's pray heavenly father you are all that is good and all good gifts come from you thank you for sending your son jesus to take on human flesh to live and die as one of us and to conquer death by rising again thank you for inviting us into this resurrection life thank you for your grace in bringing us into your family you've given us gifts we could never earn or deserve we are so grateful god as this child sleeps tonight may your spirit minister to them may they experience deep rest and true renewal may they find their security in the promise that you are with them and that nothing can separate them from your love it's in the name of jesus we pray amen relax and let your breathing stay slow and steady as i read parts of galatians 2 and 3 in the new living translation when i tried to keep the law it condemned me so i died to the law i stopped trying to meet all its requirements so that i might live for god my old self has been crucified with christ it is no longer i who live but christ lives in me so i live in this earthly body by trusting in the son of god who loved me and gave himself for me i do not treat the grace of god as meaningless for if keeping the law could make us right with god then there was no need for christ to die i live in this earthly body by trusting in the son of god tell jesus that you live in trust jesus i live in this earthly body by trusting in you paul writes for you are all children of god through faith in christ jesus and all who have been united with christ in baptism have put on christ like putting on new clothes there is no longer jew or gentile slave or free male and female for you are all one in christ jesus and now that you belong to christ you are the true children of abraham you are his heirs and god's promise to abraham belongs to you you are a child of god and god's promises are for you let me pray for you god we praise you for the redemption you've brought through jesus we praise you for your generosity and grace and love thank you for bringing us into the family together and making us one in christ bring peace and unity to your people god in the next chapter paul writes but when the right time came god sent his son born of a woman subject to the law god sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us as his very own children and because we are his children god has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts prompting us to call out abba father now you are no longer a slave but god's own child and since you are his child god has made you his heir the holy spirit lives in you you can call god father because jesus has set you free and brought you into the family and while every human family you've known has been imperfect and may have hurt you god's love is perfect picture yourself coming home to this parent the joy in their eyes when they see you the solid hug the readiness to listen the food on the table waiting for you clean laundry new clothes see yourself totally at rest enjoying the presence of a parent who loves you perfectly who doesn't demand anything from you who doesn't accuse who isn't too busy a parent you can never disappoint a parent whose love will never fail let yourself relax into this perfect love you are completely safe here held secure by a parent who sings over you with joy and who will never leave listen to god singing to you now enter more deeply into this love [Music] let me read those words again this time in the new revised translation for through the law i died to the law so that i might live to god i have been crucified with christ and it is no longer i who live but it is christ who lives in me and the life i now live in the flesh i live by faith in the son of god who loved me and gave himself for me i do not nullify the grace of god for if justification comes through the law then christ died for nothing as many of you as were baptized into christ have clothed yourself with christ there is no longer jew or greek there is no longer slave or free there is no longer male and female for all of you are one in christ jesus and if you belong to christ then you are abraham's offspring heirs according to the promise when the fullness of time had come god sent his son born of a woman born under the law in order to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as children because you are children god has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts crying abba father so you are no longer a slave but a child and if a child then also an heir through god [Music] god you are the giver of grace the giver of all good things help your child now to fix their thoughts on you to trust you and to rest in the truth that through jesus they have been saved let these words guide your breath breathing in abba breathing out father inhaling abba and exhaling father [Music] holy spirit dwell richly in this child tonight abide in them as they abide in you may this child sleep in your peace tonight and rise up in the morning ready to seek you again sink deeply into sleep as i read the truth from galatians one final time it is no longer i who live but christ lives in me so i live in this earthly body by trusting in the son of god who loved me and gave himself for me the gospel teaches us that salvation is a gift through faith in jesus who loved us and gave himself for us rest tonight in the assurance that you belong to god gracious and powerful god thank you for sending your son jesus to be our savior thank you for his perfect life and sinless death thank you for his victory over the grave thank you that he has brought us into your family god i ask now that you would be with your child as they sleep through this night give them peaceful dreams restore their spirit and wake them in the morning to a new day that you have made that they may rejoice and be glad in it that they may experience your fresh mercies that they may work to help usher in your kingdom on earth in the name of the father son and holy spirit amen heavenly father you are all that is good and all good gifts come from you thank you for sending your son jesus to take on human flesh to live and die as one of us and to conquer death by rising again thank you for inviting us into this resurrection life thank you for your grace in bringing us into your family you've given us gifts we could never earn or deserve we are so grateful god as this child sleeps tonight may your spirit minister to them may they experience deep rest and true renewal may they find their security in the promise that you are with them and that nothing can separate them from your love it's in the name of jesus we pray amen relax and let your breathing stay slow and steady as i read parts of galatians 2 and 3 in the new living translation when i tried to keep the law it condemned me so i died to the law i stopped trying to meet all its requirements so that i might live for god my old self has been crucified with christ it is no longer i who live but christ lives in me so i live in this earthly body by trusting in the son of god who loved me and gave himself for me i do not treat the grace of god as meaningless for if keeping the law could make us right with god then there was no need for christ to die [Music] i live in this earthly body by trusting in the son of god [Music] tell jesus that you live in trust jesus i live in this earthly body by trusting in you paul writes for you are all children of god through faith in christ jesus and all who have been united with christ in baptism have put on christ like putting on new clothes there is no longer jew or gentile slave or free male and female for you are all one in christ jesus and now that you belong to christ you are the true children of abraham you are his heirs and god's promise to abraham belongs to you you are a child of god and god's promises are for you let me pray for you [Music] god we praise you for the redemption you've brought through jesus we praise you for your generosity and grace and love thank you for bringing us into the family together and making us one in christ bring peace and unity to your people god in the next chapter paul writes but when the right time came god sent his son born of a woman subject to the law god sent him to buy freedom for us who were slaves to the law so that he could adopt us as his very own children and because we are his children god has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts prompting us to call out abba father now you are no longer a slave but god's own child and since you are his child god has made you his heir the holy spirit lives in you you can call god father because jesus has set you free and brought you into the family and while every human family you've known has been imperfect and may have hurt you god's love is perfect picture yourself coming home to this parent the joy in their eyes when they see you the solid hug the readiness to listen the food on the table waiting for you clean laundry new clothes see yourself totally at rest enjoying the presence of a parent who loves you perfectly who doesn't demand anything from you who doesn't accuse who isn't too busy a parent you can never disappoint a parent whose love will never fail [Music] let yourself relax into this perfect love you are completely safe here held secure by a parent who sings over you with joy and who will never leave listen to god singing to you now enter more deeply into this love let me read those words again this time in the new revised translation for through the law i died to the law so that i might live to god i have been crucified with christ and it is no longer i who live but it is christ who lives in me and the life i now live in the flesh i live by faith in the son of god who loved me and gave himself for me i do not nullify the grace of god for if justification comes through the law then christ died for nothing as many of you as were baptized into christ have clothed yourself with christ there is no longer jew or greek there is no longer slave or free there is no longer male and female for all of you are one in christ jesus and if you belong to christ then you are abraham's offspring heirs according to the promise when the fullness of time had come god sent his son born of a woman born under the law in order to redeem those who were under the law so that we might receive adoption as children and because you are children god has sent the spirit of his son into our hearts crying abba father so you are no longer a slave but a child and if a child then also an heir through god god you are the giver of grace the giver of all good things help your child now to fix their thoughts on you to trust you and to rest in the truth that through jesus they have been saved let these words guide your breath breathing in abba breathing out father inhaling abba and exhaling father so [Music] holy spirit dwell richly in this child tonight abide in them as they abide in you may this child sleep in your peace tonight and rise up in the morning ready to seek you again sink deeply into sleep as i read the truth from galatians one final time it is no longer i who live but christ lives in me so i live in this earthly body by trusting in the son of god who loved me and gave himself for me the gospel teaches us that salvation is a gift through faith in jesus who loved us and gave himself for us rest tonight in the assurance that you belong to god gracious and powerful god thank you for sending your son jesus to be our savior thank you for his perfect life and sinless death thank you for his victory over the grave thank you that he has brought us into your family god i ask now that you would be with your child as they sleep through this night give them peaceful dreams restore their spirit and wake them in the morning to a new day that you have made that they may rejoice and be glad in it that they may experience your fresh mercies that they may work to help usher in your kingdom on earth in the name of the father son and holy spirit amen please take a few moments to make yourself comfortable settle your head on the soft pillow pull the warm covers around you and take a few slow deep breaths invite the holy spirit to be with you his presence is what we seek tonight he is your comforter your counselor and your constant blessing of peace ask the holy spirit to cover you and your entire household as you sleep as jesus said i will ask the father and he will give you another helper that he may be with you forever that is the spirit of truth holy spirit be our helper be our truth be our comfort tonight breathe deeply of god's presence in the room with gratefulness and praise find rest in him [Music] he is with you he watches over you he loves you feel the security of his peace around you tonight's sleep story is centered on the holy spirit your comforter counselor and constant blessing of peace feel the calm serenity of his covering over you with your eyes closed and your body fully relaxed breathe softly steadily if the spirit leads you rage your arms gently as a symbol of releasing your day to the lord [Music] all thoughts plans worries and concerns let them go now lower your arms gently to your side sink deeper into the bed feeling your whole body relax please allow me to pray over you heavenly father by the power of your spirit please wash over this beloved listener tonight [Music] wash over them like a soft falling reign of peace comforting soothing and consonant please lord cover them with gentleness and love lead them into calm and tranquil sleep without interruption draw them into your holy presence as their comforter counselor and constant blessing of peace in the precious name of your son jesus i pray amen psalm 23 is one of the most familiar bible passages of all time the imagery draws us to quiet pastures still waters and comfort for our souls it is a psalm of affirmation from david to the god of his heart you lord are my shepherd i will never be in need you let me rest in fields of green grass you lead me to streams of peaceful water and you refresh my life you are true to your name and you lead me along the right paths [Music] i may walk through valleys as dark as death but i won't be afraid you are with me and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe you treat me to a feast while my enemies watch you honor me as your guest and you fill my cup until it overflows [Music] your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life and i will live forever in your house lord find peace and rest in david's beautiful prayer tonight the holy spirit leads you to a quiet pasture a field of soft grass cushions your feet it feels cool and silky and you find yourself leisurely walking in the peaceful pasture of the lord linger here take your time slow down soak in the presence of god's spirit streams of water flowed nearby bubbling rippling ebbing and flowing over the glistening rocks the cool water is fresh clean and clear you can see the bottom of the stream tiny pebbles capture the sun's light and shimmer in the cool clear water you dip your hand into the stream and allow the water to flow between your fingers hear the sound of rushing waters as the holy spirit flows over your soul he refreshes your life be refreshed he settles your heart be settled he comforts your soul be comforted holy god we soak in the presence of your holy spirit tonight fully deeply and securely we remain in the fold of your loving protection there is no place we'd rather be your name emmanuel god with us gives us such joy and assurance that you are with us please lord surround this beloved child in total comfort and unfailing love guide them into dreams of sweet fellowship with you through every hour of the night lead them to the quiet meadows of your peace and provision refresh them in your love in the name of jesus i pray do you know that the holy spirit who lives in you also leads you in the way you should go when you come to the crossroads of life he is the one who leads you down every right path you can trust him you can follow him without hesitation you can remain in step with him always as deuteronomy chapter 13 verse 4 says you shall follow the lord your god and fear him and you shall keep his commandments listen to his voice serve him and cling to him follow him fear him only keep his commandments listen to his voice serve him and cling to the lord your god you are true to your name and you lead me along the right paths i may walk through valleys as dark as death but i won't be afraid you are with me and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe god is true to his name rest in that promise tonight jehovah jireh the lord provides jehovah roth the lord heals jehovah shalom the lord is peace feel his peace now lord god thank you for staying true to your name thank you for being our provider our healer and our peace let these names wash over this listener tonight as a healing bomb jehovah jireh jehovah roth jehovah shalom from head to toe flow over them through them and around them with your spirit in the precious name of jesus amen your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life and i will live forever in your house lord as the kindness and love of the spirit settles over you you are assured that he is with you always there is no doubt no fear no restlessness each day if your life is led by the hand of god follow him abide in him for all eternity you will be surrounded with perfect peace safe secure and steadfast in him you will dwell in the house of the lord forever and ever your true home your sanctuary rest in the sanctuary of god's unfailing love holy spirit you are welcome here as you fill the entire universe beyond the limits of our imagination you also fill the innermost places of our hearts how can this be your ways are unfathomable to us we are in constant awe and wonder of who you are please make yourself known to us lead us in the way we should go direct our path that we might not stumble show us the clear path and give us peace for the journey in the name of jesus our lord [Music] you lord are my shepherd i will never be in need you let me rest in fields of green grass you lead me to streams of peaceful water and you refresh my life hear the good shepherd calling your name he knows you he loves you he will always look for you and find you follow his voice hear his gentle call stay close to the good shepherd and you shall not get lost he assures you that you will never be in want as you remain in the pasture of his presence fields of peace and streams of gladness await those who put their trust in him you can trust in him you can depend on him he is with you holy god please hear the quiet breath of this listener was resting in your presence [Music] hear the gentle beating of their heart a cadence of steadfast love for you they live and move and have their being remain with them tonight every hour every minute every second remain with them work through their bodies heart mind and soul restoring them and renewing each cell of their being the holy spirit flow through them as a stream of water living water for it is in the name of jesus the true and living water i pray silk in the spirit rest in his love abide in his presence tonight invite the holy spirit to be with you his presence is what we seek tonight he is your comforter your counselor and your constant blessing of peace ask the holy spirit to cover you and your entire household as you sleep as jesus said i will ask the father and he will give you another helper that he may be with you forever that is the spirit of truth holy spirit be our helper be our truth be our comfort tonight [Music] breathe deeply of god's presence in the room with gratefulness and praise find rest in him he is with you he watches over you he loves you feel the security of his peace around you tonight's sleep story is centered on the holy spirit your comforter counselor and constant blessing of peace feel the calm serenity of his covering over you with your eyes closed and your body fully relaxed breathe softly steadily if the spirit leads you rage your arms gently as a symbol of releasing your day to the lord all thoughts plans worries and concerns let them go [Music] now lower your arms gently to your side sink deeper into the bed feeling your whole body relax please allow me to pray over you heavenly father by the power of your spirit please wash over this beloved listener tonight [Music] wash over them like a soft falling reign of peace comforting soothing and constant please lord cover them with gentleness and love lead them into calm and tranquil sleep without interruption [Music] draw them into your holy presence as their comforter counselor and constant blessing of peace in the precious name of your son jesus i pray amen psalm 23 is one of the most familiar bible passages of all time the imagery draws us to quiet pastures still waters and comfort for our souls it is a psalm of affirmation from david to the god of his heart you lord are my shepherd i will never be in need you let me rest in fields of green grass you lead me to streams of peaceful water and you refresh my life you are true to your name and you lead me along the right paths i may walk through valleys as dark as death but i won't be afraid you are with me and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe you treat me to a feast while my enemies watch you honor me as your guest and you fill my cup until it overflows your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life and i will live forever in your house lord find peace and rest in david's beautiful prayer tonight the holy spirit leads you to a quiet pasture a field of soft grass cushions your feet it feels cool and silky and you find yourself leisurely walking in the peaceful pasture of the lord linger here take your time slow down soak in the presence of god's spirit streams of water flowed nearby bubbling rippling ebbing and flowing over the glistening rocks the cool water is fresh clean and clear you can see the bottom of the stream [Music] tiny pebbles capture the sun's light and shimmer in the cool clear water you dip your hand into the stream and allow the water to flow between your fingers hear the sound of rushing waters as the holy spirit flows over your soul he refreshes your life be refreshed he settles in your heart be settled he comforts your soul be comforted holy god we soak in the presence of your holy spirit tonight fully deeply and securely we remain in the fold of your loving protection there is no place we'd rather be your name emmanuel god with us gives us such joy and assurance that you are with us please lord surround this beloved child in total comfort and unfailing love guide them into dreams of sweet fellowship with you through every hour of the night lead them to the quiet meadows of your peace and provision refresh them in your love in the name of jesus i pray do you know that the holy spirit who lives in you also leads you in the way you should go when you come to the crossroads of life he is the one who leads you down every right path you can trust him you can follow him without hesitation you can remain in step with him always as deuteronomy chapter 13 verse 4 says you shall follow the lord your god and fear him and you shall keep his commandments listen to his voice serve him and cling to him follow him fear him only keep his commandments listen to his voice serve him and cling to the lord your god you are true to your name and you lead me along the right paths i may walk through valleys as dark as death but i won't be afraid you are with me and your shepherd's rod makes me feel safe god is true to his name rest in that promise tonight jehovah jireh the lord provides jehovah roth the lord heals jehovah shalom the lord is peace feel his peace now lord god thank you for staying true to your name thank you for being our provider our healer and our peace let these names wash over this listener tonight as a healing bomb jehovah jireh jehovah roth jehovah shalom from head to toe flow over them through them and around them with your spirit in the precious name of jesus amen your kindness and love will always be with me each day of my life and i will live forever in your house lord as the kindness and love of the spirit settles over you [Music] you are assured that he is with you always there is no doubt no fear no restlessness each day if your life is led by the hand of god follow him abide in him for all eternity you will be surrounded with perfect peace safe secure and steadfast in him you will dwell in the house of the lord forever and ever your true home your sanctuary rest in the sanctuary of god's unfailing love holy spirit you are welcome here as you fill the entire universe beyond the limits of our imagination you also fill the innermost places of our hearts how can this be your ways are unfathomable to us we are in constant awe and wonder of who you are please make yourself known to us lead us in the way we should go direct our path that we might not stumble show us the clear path and give us peace for the journey in the name of jesus our lord you lord are my shepherd i will never be in need you let me rest in fields of green grass you lead me to streams of peaceful water and you refresh my life hear the good shepherd calling your name he knows you he loves you he will always look for you and find you follow his voice hear his gentle call stay close to the good shepherd and you shall not get lost he assures you that you will never be in want as you remain in the pasture of his presence fields of peace and streams of gladness await those who put their trust in him you can trust in him you can depend on him he is with you holy god please hear the quiet breath of this listener was resting in your presence hear the gentle beating of their heart a cadence of steadfast love for you they live and move and have their being remain with them tonight every hour every minute every second remain with them work through their bodies heart mind and soul restoring them and renewing each cell of their being the holy spirit flow through them as a stream of water living water for it is in the name of jesus the true and living water i pray silk in the spirit rest in his love abide in his presence tonight as you ready yourself for sleep tonight nestle in your bed lay your head gently onto your pillow and begin to breathe deeply and slowly feel your muscles relax in your neck and your shoulders down through your abdomen to your legs and your toes every part of you is relaxing still and quiet i will tell you a story tonight of a man who lived his whole life in faithfulness to god believing that he would see god's salvation knowing that he had a plan to redeem his people a man who had seen the goodness of the lord even through the hard times in his life a man who never doubted that the prophecies of old would be fulfilled [Music] as you continue to breathe deeply breathing in peace and rest breathing out worry fear and unsettledness let me pray for you sovereign god thank you for being faithful thank you for your promises throughout time because you have kept everyone tonight as i sleep i pray that you would remind me of your love for me and all that you will fulfill in my life because you have said that you will complete that which you've started in me thank you for never leaving me alone in the precious name of jesus whom we honor tonight amen [Music] now simeon was an old man he had spent his life in devotion to jehovah he was righteous and devout keeping all the law as he would sit in prayer every day three times a day reciting those familiar words of his people he waited an expectancy for the lord to reveal something to him he prayed for it with all his heart one day when simeon was younger in the fervency of his prayers the spirit of god came upon him in the quiet of his heart he heard that beloved voice you will see my consolation the still soft voice said you will not die before you see my christ simeon fell to his face in worship of his god his heart overflowed with joy he did not know when this would happen in his joy he chuckled to himself jehovah rarely gave anyone a timeline but he was at peace he knew it would happen he would continue in expectant waiting and watching and then one day when he was very old he was praying when the spirit of the lord told him to go to the temple in jerusalem where he lived he didn't hesitate for a moment only pausing long enough to pull on his coat for it was quite cool that day somehow he knew something was going to happen today could it be as he arrived in the temple courtyard all seemed normal he looked around wondering but saw nothing out of the ordinary just people coming to worship god in this magnificent place as they had for generations so he continued into the temple but then he stopped just in front of him was a young woman holding a tiny baby and the man by her side was gazing at the infant in wonder and love that's not so very unusual people came to dedicate their infants as the law commanded all the time yet simeon knew he just knew something was different he approached the small family gently meeting the mother's eyes she looked at him with a question on her brow and then simeon looked at the baby as soon as he saw the baby's face he knew his heart leapt in his breast his breath caught this was him tears began coursing down his cheeks he held out his arms and the young mother gently placed the child in them even though the old man was a stranger to her she feared no evil from him a song formed on simeon's lips sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel and then he looked at the young parents standing in awe of what they had just heard simeon say then simeon blessed them and said to the mother behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in israel and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through his own soul also so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed as simeon placed the baby back in his mother's arms he saw that her eyes too were brimming with tears she silently nodded to the old man looked at her husband and then at her beloved child just a week old yet ancient of days the tears fell on his soft face simeon watched them walk away with great peace in his heart yet sadness for what that young mother would endure in the coming years then he started back home [Music] as you wait on the lord to answer your prayers and with great expectancy know that he is faithful simeon believed it with his whole heart [Music] every time simeon prayed he expected god to answer he devoted himself to prayer to study of the scriptures to following the law are you walking with jesus god's consolation his promise not only to his people but to all people god is faithful he will do what he says he will do he is our hope and our salvation like simeon we can watch and wait to see what god is going to do he doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we expect but he always answers rest now relax more deeply into the bed continuing to breathe deeply as you sense the lord's presence breathe out expectation and breathe in expectancy will move watch for it wait for it remember our scripture the words of simeon after seeing jesus sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel heavenly father sovereign god we worship you because of your faithfulness to us you never take your eyes off of us you bring us peace thank you for sending jesus to save us from our sins to bring us into relationship with you now let us sleep in peace because we know that you always hear us and are always with us and that you are always faithful amen i will tell you a story tonight of a man who lived his whole life in faithfulness to god believing that he would see god's salvation knowing that he had a plan to redeem his people a man who had seen the goodness of the lord even through the hard times in his life a man who never doubted that the prophecies of old would be fulfilled as you continue to breathe deeply breathing in peace and rest breathing out worry fear and unsettledness let me pray for you sovereign god thank you for being faithful thank you for your promises throughout time because you have kept everyone tonight as i sleep i pray that you would remind me of your love for me and all that you will fulfill in my life because you have said that you will complete that which you've started in me thank you for never leaving me alone in the precious name of jesus whom we honor tonight amen now simeon was an old man he had spent his life in devotion to jehovah he was righteous and devout keeping all the law as he would sit in prayer every day three times a day reciting those familiar words of his people he waited an expectancy for the lord to reveal something to him he prayed for it with all his heart one day when simeon was younger in the fervency of his prayers the spirit of god came upon him in the quiet of his heart he heard that beloved voice you will see my consolation the still soft voice said you will not die before you see my christ simeon fell to his face and worship of his god his heart overflowed with joy he did not know when this would happen in his joy he chuckled to himself jehovah rarely gave anyone a timeline but he was at peace he knew it would happen he would continue in expectant waiting and watching [Music] and then one day when he was very old he was praying when the spirit of the lord told him to go to the temple in jerusalem where he lived he didn't hesitate for a moment only pausing long enough to pull on his coat for it was quite cool that day somehow he knew something was going to happen today could it be [Music] as he arrived in the temple courtyard all seemed normal he looked around wondering but saw nothing out of the ordinary just people coming to worship god in this magnificent place as they had for generations so he continued into the temple but then he stopped just in front of him was a young woman holding a tiny baby and the man by her side was gazing at the infant in wonder and love that's not so very unusual people came to dedicate their infants as the law commanded all the time yet simeon knew he just knew something was different he approached the small family gently meeting the mother's eyes she looked at him with a question on her brow and then simeon looked at the baby [Music] as soon as he saw the baby's face he knew his heart leapt in his breast his breath caught this was him [Music] tears began coursing down his cheeks he held out his arms and the young mother gently placed the child in them even though the old man was a stranger to her she feared no evil from him a song formed on simeon's lips sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel and then he looked at the young parents standing in awe of what they had just heard simeon say then simeon blessed them and said to the mother behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in israel and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through his own soul also so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed as simeon placed the baby back in his mother's arms he saw that her eyes too were brimming with tears she silently nodded to the old man looked at her husband and then at her beloved child just a week old yet ancient of days the tears fell on his soft face simeon watched them walk away with great peace in his heart yet sadness for what that young mother would endure in the coming years then he started back home as you wait on the lord to answer your prayers and with great expectancy know that he is faithful simeon believed it with his whole heart every time simeon prayed he expected god to answer he devoted himself to prayer to study of the scriptures to following the law are you walking with jesus god's consolation his promise not only to his people but to all people god is faithful he will do what he says he will do he is our hope and our salvation like simeon we can watch and wait to see what god is going to do he doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we expect but he always answers rest now relax more deeply into the bed continuing to breathe deeply as you sense the lord's presence [Music] breathe out expectation and breathe in expectancy god will move watch for it wait for it remember our scripture the words of simeon after seeing jesus sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel heavenly father sovereign god we worship you because of your faithfulness to us you never take your eyes off of us you bring us peace thank you for sending jesus to save us from our sins to bring us into relationship with you now let us sleep in peace because we know that you always hear us and are always with us and that you are always faithful [Music] amen [Music] as you ready yourself for sleep tonight nestle in your bed lay your head gently onto your pillow and begin to breathe deeply and slowly feel your muscles relax in your neck and your shoulders down through your abdomen to your legs and your toes every part of you is relaxing still and quiet i will tell you a story tonight of a man who lived his whole life in faithfulness to god believing that he would see god's salvation knowing that he had a plan to redeem his people a man who had seen the goodness of the lord even through the hard times in his life a man who never doubted that the prophecies of old would be fulfilled as you continue to breathe deeply breathing in peace and rest breathing out worry fear and unsettledness let me pray for you sovereign god thank you for being faithful thank you for your promises throughout time because you have kept everyone tonight as i sleep i pray that you would remind me of your love for me and all that you will fulfill in my life because you have said that you will complete that which you've started in me thank you for never leaving me alone in the precious name of jesus whom we honor tonight amen now simeon was an old man he had spent his life in devotion to jehovah he was righteous and devout keeping all the law as he would sit in prayer every day three times a day reciting those familiar words of his people he waited an expectancy for the lord to reveal something to him he prayed for it with all his heart one day when simeon was younger in the fervency of his prayers the spirit of god came upon him in the quiet of his heart he heard that beloved voice you will see my consolation the still soft voice said you will not die before you see my christ simeon fell to his face in worship of his god his heart overflowed with joy he did not know when this would happen in his joy he chuckled to himself jehovah rarely gave anyone a timeline but he was at peace he knew it would happen he would continue in expectant waiting and watching and then one day when he was very old he was praying when the spirit of the lord told him to go to the temple in jerusalem where he lived he didn't hesitate for a moment only pausing long enough to pull on his coat for it was quite cool that day somehow he knew something was going to happen today could it be as he arrived in the temple courtyard all seemed normal he looked around wondering but saw nothing out of the ordinary just people coming to worship god in this magnificent place as they had for generations so he continued into the temple but then he stopped just in front of him was a young woman holding a tiny baby and the man by her side was gazing at the infant in wonder and love that's not so very unusual people came to dedicate their infants as the law commanded all the time yet simeon knew he just knew something was different he approached the small family gently meeting the mother's eyes she looked at him with a question on her brow and then simeon looked at the baby as soon as he saw the baby's face he knew his heart leapt in his breast his breath caught this was him tears began coursing down his cheeks he held out his arms and the young mother gently placed the child in them even though the old man was a stranger to her she feared no evil from him a song formed on simeon's lips sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel and then he looked at the young parents standing in awe of what they had just heard simeon say then simeon blessed them and said to the mother behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in israel and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through his own soul also so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed as simeon placed the baby back in his mother's arms he saw that her eyes too were brimming with tears she silently nodded to the old man looked at her husband and then at her beloved child just a week old yet ancient of days the tears fell on his soft face simeon watched them walk away with great peace in his heart yet sadness for what that young mother would endure in the coming years then he started back home as you wait on the lord to answer your prayers and with great expectancy know that he is faithful simeon believed it with his whole heart every time simeon prayed he expected god to answer he devoted himself to prayer to study of the scriptures to following the law are you walking with jesus god's consolation his promise not only to his people but to all people god is faithful he will do what he says he will do he is our hope and our salvation like simeon we can watch and wait to see what god is going to do he doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we expect but he always answers rest now relax more deeply into the bed continuing to breathe deeply as you sense the lord's presence breathe out expectation and breathe in expectancy god will move watch for it wait for it [Music] remember our scripture the words of simeon after seeing jesus sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel heavenly father sovereign god we worship you because of your faithfulness to us you never take your eyes off of us you bring us peace thank you for sending jesus to save us from our sins to bring us into relationship with you now let us sleep in peace because we know that you always hear us and are always with us and that you are always faithful amen [Music] i will tell you a story tonight of a man who lived his whole life in faithfulness to god believing that he would see god's salvation knowing that he had a plan to redeem his people a man who had seen the goodness of the lord even through the hard times in his life a man who never doubted that the prophecies of old would be fulfilled as you continue to breathe deeply breathing in peace and rest breathing out worry fear and unsettledness let me pray for you sovereign god thank you for being faithful thank you for your promises throughout time because you have kept everyone tonight as i sleep i pray that you would remind me of your love for me and all that you will fulfill in my life because you have said that you will complete that which you've started in me thank you for never leaving me alone in the precious name of jesus whom we honor tonight amen now simeon was an old man he had spent his life in devotion to jehovah he was righteous and devout keeping all the law as he would sit in prayer every day three times a day reciting those familiar words of his people he waited an expectancy for the lord to reveal something to him he prayed for it with all his heart one day when simeon was younger in the fervency of his prayers the spirit of god came upon him in the quiet of his heart he heard that beloved voice you will see my consolation the still soft voice said you will not die before you see my christ simeon fell to his face and worship of his god his heart overflowed with joy he did not know when this would happen in his joy he chuckled to himself jehovah rarely gave anyone a timeline but he was at peace he knew it would happen he would continue in expectant waiting and watching and then one day when he was very old he was praying when the spirit of the lord told him to go to the temple in jerusalem where he lived he didn't hesitate for a moment only pausing long enough to pull on his coat for it was quite cool that day somehow he knew something was going to happen today could it be as he arrived in the temple courtyard all seemed normal he looked around wondering but saw nothing out of the ordinary just people coming to worship god in this magnificent place as they had for generations so he continued into the temple but then he stopped just in front of him was a young woman holding a tiny baby and the man by her side was gazing at the infant in wonder and love that's not so very unusual people came to dedicate their infants as the law commanded all the time yet simeon knew he just knew something was different he approached the small family gently meeting the mother's eyes she looked at him with a question on her brow and then simeon looked at the baby as soon as he saw the baby's face he knew his heart leapt in his breast his breath caught this was him tears began coursing down his cheeks he held out his arms and the young mother gently placed the child in them even though the old man was a stranger to her she feared no evil from him a song formed on simeon's lips sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel and then he looked at the young parents standing in awe of what they had just heard simeon say then simeon blessed them and said to the mother behold this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in israel and for a sign that is opposed and a sword will pierce through his own soul also so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed as simeon placed the baby back in his mother's arms he saw that her eyes too were brimming with tears she silently nodded to the old man looked at her husband and then at her beloved child just a week old yet ancient of days the tears fell on his soft face simeon watched them walk away with great peace in his heart yet sadness for what that young mother would endure in the coming years then he started back home as you wait on the lord to answer your prayers and with great expectancy know that he is faithful simeon believed it with his whole heart every time simeon prayed he expected god to answer he devoted himself to prayer to study of the scriptures to following the law are you walking with jesus god's consolation his promise not only to his people but to all people god is faithful he will do what he says he will do he is our hope and our salvation like simeon we can watch and wait to see what god is going to do he doesn't always answer our prayers in the way we expect but he always answers rest now relax more deeply into the bed continuing to breathe deeply as you sense the lord's presence breathe out expectation and breathe in expectancy god will move watch for it wait for it remember our scripture the words of simeon after seeing jesus sovereign lord as you have promised you now dismiss your servant in peace for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people a light of revelation to the gentiles and for glory to your people israel father sovereign god we worship you because of your faithfulness to us you never take your eyes off of us you bring us peace thank you for sending jesus to save us from our sins to bring us into relationship with you now let us sleep in peace because we know that you always hear us and are always with us and that you are always faithful amen welcome to this abide bedtime story safe harbor life sometimes takes us into choppy waters hanging on for dear life we find ourselves off course in need of a safe harbor that may be where you are tonight in need of rest and a word from the lord in your dreams and psalm 107 assures us tonight our destiny will be a place that is safe from the harms of the world like a protected cove you can feel totally comfortable peaceful and anchored in god's protection our scripture involves israel's restoration from exile in babylon just like you may need tonight they were in need of safe harbor every ship has treasure of some kind and you are no different you are precious cargo as you prepare for sleep [Music] know that you are anchored in the waters of freedom and have a carte blanche invitation to explore the depths of god with a great liberty and no you are welcome here before our voyage begins place yourself in the comfort of your bed or a place where you can sleep relax each part of your body close your eyes for the next few moments focus only on your breath if your mind wanders on the events of your day and it probably will gently pull it back in feel your breath going in and out notice the way your arms are resting on the bed your feet feel the coolness of the soft sheets allow god to nurture you so you can get the rest your mind and body need before setting sail any good captain needs to have all the necessary tools otherwise his ship could sail right into unfriendly waters and never reach the harbor the christian sailor uses scripture and prayer as a nautical guide [Music] with that let's turn to prayer if you are anxious still your heart we pause to remember that we are invited into the presence of god and to commune with him [Music] it's the same god who created the universe and hung the stars who guided the sailors of old come home to the deep presence of the lord [Music] father i come before you now help me to continue my journey and trust knowing that you will never fail me and that your divine purpose in my life cannot be stopped by the enemy of this world i pray that you will give me a very real sense of your presence and all that is going on in my life and what i am going through equip my body my vessel for the days and weeks ahead i pray that you will fill my sails with your peace and will open my eyes to know that you are with me despite the fierce storm that is all around me help me to look to you and only you for strength and shelter lord help me to know that my hope and my safe harbor are found in you and your protection as i prepare for sleep please relax my body send me thoughts that will quiet and calm my mind and reassure my spirit that you and your angels are watching and singing over me please send your angels into my dreams with messages that will help me become healthier give me the faith oh lord give me the faith i need to trust that you will intervene in any situation i present to you in prayer thank you for always being present with me and for loving me unconditionally and completely knowing that i can confidently rest in a relationship with you oh lord hear the cries of my heart i pray these things in jesus name amen and amen and with that prepare to hear the words from psalm 107 may you open your heart to the possibility that the lord may have something specifically to say to you as you sleep in psalm 107 we find a group who gets caught in a storm while on a business trip at sea imagine you are part of this group of fishermen [Music] psalm 107 23-32 describes the scene some went down to the sea and ships doing business on the great waters they saw the deeds of the lord his wondrous works in the deep for he commanded and raised the stormy wind which lifted up the waves of the sea they mounted up to heaven they went down to the depths their courage melted away in their evil plight [Music] they reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wit's end as you look around you see boats headed in different directions some are headed out to sea while the others are headed for port others seem to be merely drifting going one way and then another oblivious to the changing conditions stormy clouds begin to roll in blocking the bright sun it silently looms over your crew in anticipation you scramble across the teetering deck to your assigned position shadows swallow the last rays of light and thunder crackles through the air rain begins to pour furiously drowning any sight of certainty monstrous waves of contrasting shades slam your boat the waves break around the rocks in the shallows their foamy crests becoming chaotic lace over the blue mesmerized by the swirling tides the movement of the water choreographs your thoughts as you call upon the lord our passage continues then they cry out to the lord in their trouble and he delivered them from their distress he made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed as things around you calm down you notice that some of the other ships reflect the wear and tear from weathering the storm others though are not damaged they are taking pleasure cruises or are bound for their own predetermined destinations you are thankful you've crossed the rough waters the waves have subsided yet the air is damp and foggy through the fog a glimmer of light shines dimly the golden beam slowly rotates it's a lighthouse navigating weary captains and their crew to a safe harbor this beacon of hope has stood strong and weathered the storm the psalmist writes then they were glad that the waters were quiet and he brought them to their desired haven let them thank the lord for his steadfast love for his wondrous works to the children of man [Music] let them extol him in the congregation of the people and praise him in the assembly of the elders they rejoiced when the waves grew quiet then he guided them to the harbor they longed for let them give thanks to the lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the counsel of the elders as you drift further into a deep sleep allow the gratitude in your heart that god has delivered you to safety flow out to him while your cargo has bounced around you are a little rattled but you've survived the worst of it you are in one piece you slowly steer your boat deeper into the harbor where you can see more clearly nestled in a small inlet as a mooring perfect for your long anticipated respite you know that if boats are not secured they can drift away if a storm occurs at night so you make sure your tie lines are tight now that you and your fellow fishermen are securely anchored may restful sleep come your way you feel a gentle rock of your vessel from side to side tiny waves gently move along the outside of your boat your soul finds comfort god's hand protects you he has delivered you through the storm i invite you now to say in your spirit that you are open to hear the truth of god's word a word that might be a word from him in your inmost being through your sleeping hours [Music] he stilled the storm to a murmur and the waves of the sea were hushed they rejoiced when the waves grew quiet then he guided them to the harbor they longed for let them give thanks to the lord for his faithful love in his wonderful works for all humanity let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the council of the elders while on the depths of the sea they saw the deeds of the lord the sailors observed firsthand the power and fury of nature he describes a powerful storm the ship of your heart is filled with treasure filled with thoughts of god which are more valuable than the greatest pearl the finest cut diamond or any other priceless treasure man could possibly find or conceive of so as you traverse the seas of life and in times of trouble and turmoil do not focus on the evil at hand or possible evil to come as matthew and luke remind rest and be anchored in the rock of my heart an anchor which cannot slip focus on me and you will stay afloat god is your safe harbor of consistent hope and endless love invite him into the deepest parts of you and he will anchor you to a place where all things work together for good crawl up into the ship of his heart and let him show you how he sees things in this troubled day jesus thank you for being our safe harbor as you drift further and further to sleep rest in his loving arms when the storms rage and the winds blow when the waves are high when our very hearts are shaken strength and courage seem to melt away remember the one and only the one whom the wind and waves obey the lord most high who can calm any storm he speaks peace be still in jesus name amen before setting sail any good captain needs to have all the necessary tools otherwise his ship could sail right into unfriendly waters and never reach the harbor the christian sailor uses scripture and prayer as a nautical guide with that let's turn to prayer if you are anxious still your heart we pause to remember that we are invited into the presence of god and to commune with him it's the same god who created the universe [Music] and hung the stars who guided the sailors of old come home to the deep presence of the lord father i come before you now help me to continue my journey and trust knowing that you will never fail me and that your divine purpose in my life cannot be stopped by the enemy of this world i pray that you will give me a very real sense of your presence and all that is going on in my life and what i am going through equip my body my vessel for the days and weeks ahead i pray that you will fill my sails with your peace and will open my eyes to know that you are with me despite the fierce storm that is all around me help me to look to you and only you for strength and shelter lord help me to know that my hope and my safe harbor are found in you and your protection as i prepare for sleep please relax my body send me thoughts that will quiet and calm my mind and reassure my spirit that you and your angels are watching and singing over me please send your angels into my dreams with messages that will help me become healthier give me the faith oh lord give me the faith i need to trust that you will intervene in any situation i present to you in prayer thank you for always being present with me and for loving me unconditionally and completely knowing that i can confidently rest in a relationship with you oh lord hear the cries of my heart i pray these things in jesus name amen and amen and with that prepare to hear the words from psalm 107 may you open your heart to the possibility that the lord may have something specifically to say to you as you sleep in psalm 107 we find a group who gets caught in a storm while on a business trip at sea imagine you are part of this group of fishermen psalm 107 23-32 describes the scene some went down to the sea and ships doing business on the great waters they saw the deeds of the lord his wondrous works in the deep [Music] for he commanded and raised the stormy wind which lifted up the waves of the sea they mounted up to heaven they went down to the depths their courage melted away in their evil plight they reeled and staggered like drunkards and were at their wit's end as you look around you see boats headed in different directions some are headed out to sea while the others are headed for port others seem to be merely drifting going one way and then another oblivious to the changing conditions stormy clouds begin to roll in blocking the bright sun it silently looms over your crew in anticipation you scramble across the teetering deck to your assigned position shadows swallow the last rays of light and thunder crackles through the air rain begins to pour furiously drowning any sight of certainty monstrous waves of contrasting shades slam your boat the waves break around the rocks in the shallows their foamy crests becoming chaotic lace over the blue mesmerized by the swirling tides the movement of the water choreographs your thoughts as you call upon the lord our passage continues [Music] then they cry out to the lord in their trouble and he delivered them from their distress he made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed as things around you calm down you notice that some of the other ships reflect the wear and tear from weathering the storm others though are not damaged they are taking pleasure cruises or are bound for their own predetermined destinations you are thankful you've crossed the rough waters the waves have subsided yet the air is damp and foggy through the fog a glimmer of light shines dimly the golden beam slowly rotates it's a lighthouse navigating weary captains and their crew to a safe harbor this beacon of hope has stood strong and weathered the storm the psalmist writes then they were glad that the waters were quiet and he brought them to their desired haven let them thank the lord for his steadfast love for his wondrous works to the children of man let them extol him in the congregation of the people and praise him in the assembly of the elders they rejoiced when the waves grew quiet then he guided them to the harbor they longed for let them give thanks to the lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the counsel of the elders as you drift further into a deep sleep allow the gratitude in your heart that god has delivered you to safety flow out to him while your cargo has bounced around you are a little rattled but you've survived the worst of it you are in one piece you slowly steer your boat deeper into the harbor where you can see more clearly nestled in a small inlet as a mooring perfect for your long anticipated respite you know that if boats are not secured they can drift away if a storm occurs at night so you make sure your tie lines are tight now that you and your fellow fishermen are securely anchored may restful sleep come your way you feel a gentle rock of your vessel from side to side tiny waves gently move along the outside of your boat your soul finds comfort god's hand protects you he has delivered you through the storm [Music] i invite you now to say in your spirit that you are open to hear the truth of god's word a word that might be a word from him in your inmost being through your sleeping hours he stilled the storm to a murmur and the waves of the sea were hushed they rejoiced when the waves grew quiet then he guided them to the harbor they longed for let them give thanks to the lord for his faithful love and his wonderful works for all humanity let them exalt him in the assembly of the people and praise him in the counsel of the elders [Music] while on the depths of the sea they saw the deeds of the lord the sailors observed firsthand the power and fury of nature he describes a powerful storm the ship of your heart is filled with treasure filled with thoughts of god which are more valuable than the greatest pearl the finest cut diamond or any other priceless treasure man could possibly find or conceive of so as you traverse the seas of life and in times of trouble and turmoil do not focus on the evil at hand or possible evil to come as matthew and luke remind rest and be anchored in the rock of my heart an anchor which cannot slip focus on me and you will stay afloat god is your safe harbor of consistent hope and endless love invite him into the deepest parts of you and he will anchor you to a place where all things work together for good crawl up into the ship of his heart and let him show you how he sees things in this troubled day jesus thank you for being our safe harbor as you drift further [Music] and further to sleep rest in his loving arms when the storms rage and the winds blow when the waves are high when our very hearts are shaken strength and courage seemed to melt away remember the one and only the one whom the wind and waves obey the lord most high who can calm any storm he speaks peace be still in jesus name amen [Music] tonight you will be lulled to sleep while experiencing the glory of god in the heavens and knowing that the words of god are just all his ways are pure all his judgments are righteous his words are to be desired more than gold and they are sweeter than honey everyone has seen the sky it spreads over our heads in both daytime and nighttime you don't hear it speak it doesn't have words yet the glory of god is proclaimed in its very existence the word of god on the other hand often speaks loudly and clearly in our hearts and minds we hear it preached we listen to it read and psalm 19 reminds us that every word of it is true and can be trusted as you ready yourself for sleep tonight settle into your bed in your most comfortable position let your muscles relax as you begin taking deep steadying breaths pay attention to the sensations in your body and release the tension you feel in your feet in your legs in your back in your shoulders and your neck as you continue to breathe deeply and slowly repeat these words silently may my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you o lord my rock and my redeemer let all the cares of the day melt away as you rest release the pressure as you trust the lord with what concerns you keep your breathing slow and steady let me pray for you god you are our rock and our redeemer our firm foundation thank you for being with this child of yours as they sleep tonight thank you for reminding them that you are mighty yet gentle everywhere at once yet close by their side may the picture of this psalm comfort them and relax them tonight so that they might enjoy a peaceful and restful sleep it's in jesus name that i pray amen imagine that it is dawn and you are up early enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee its deep roasted scent filling your nose the steam warming your face [Music] you sit at your kitchen table and gaze out the window at the pinkening sky all is still in your home and your heart is at peace a few wispy clouds stroll by carrying the colors of the rising sun like cotton candy held by a child early birds flit across the expanse searching for a small pool of water in which to take their morning bath there are still a few stars visible in the brightening sky and a thin crescent moon still glows dimly but the awakening sun will soon overcome its light as you ready yourself for your day you take for granted that the sun will make its way across the sky it's not something you have to think about every day it makes its course across the expanse by the time the rest of your household has risen the colors of the sunrise have faded and the golden glow warming the morning air as ascended beyond the tops of the trees whose strong branches stretched like arms toward the warmth the rest of your morning is spent indoors working at your job or going to school or taking care of your family being in the place god has given you you glance occasionally out the window seeing the changing shadows the gathering and disturbing of the clouds perhaps your cat has followed a sun beam in your house from window to window and you envy its carefree life or you see kids playing in the park across from your office running and chasing a ball in the bright green grass their caregiver watching and calling encouragement of their play when midday rolls up to your door you step outside to greet it again taking for granted that you will see the sun at its peak in the bright blue sky you sit for a few moments in the bright sunshine closing your eyes and turning your face to feel the full warmth a gentle breeze with the hint of the coolness to come ruffles your hair a quick shadow darts past as a small cloud momentarily scuttles by you linger for a time but duty calls and you head back inside still feeling the sun's warmth like a hug as you go high noon races toward dusk as your day dwindles and your journey home begins with the sun descending toward the western horizon the wispy clouds have returned and now they carry the orange magenta and purple strains of the setting sun [Music] the sight is magnificent you never tire of seeing its beauty the rays spreading out the splendor across the sky soon stars begin to pop out of the deepening blue constellations become barely discernible planets glow brightly the air cools as the sun disappears below the horizon sinking quickly hiding its face until it starts its journey again in the morning throughout the day you have been told the story of god's majesty simply by watching the sky the heavens are telling the glory of god they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship day and night they keep on telling about god without a sound or word silent in the skies their message reaches out to all the world [Music] the sun lives in the heavens where god placed it it moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race the sun crosses the heavens from end to end and nothing can hide from its heat inside your house where it's warm and comfortable you sit in a rose-colored armchair take off your shoes and settle in to spend some time alone on the sturdy brown table beside you sits your bible it's soft leather cover worn by years of use next to it is a pile of work you brought home that you could get some extra money for if you completed it tonight the thought is tempting and then you think about that carton of ice cream just sitting there in your freezer its sweetness entices you the thought of that icy goodness causes your taste buds to burst in anticipation and then you glance again in your bible you remember how the words it contains have fed your soul time and time again verses burst into your mind like the taste buds had in your mouth psalm chapter 27 verse 13 i believe that i shall look upon the lord in the land of the living hebrews chapter 13 verse 5 keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have for he has said i will never leave you nor forsake you john chapter 10 verse 10 [Music] the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy i came that they may have life and have it abundantly psalm chapter 48 verse 1 great is the lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our god his holy mountain beautiful in elevation is the joy of all the earth mount zion and the far north the city of the great king your heart quickens as the spirit of god brings these words to your mind psalm chapter 42 verse 1 as a deer pants for flowing streams so pants my soul for you oh god romans chapter 8 verse 38 and 39 for i am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of god in christ jesus our lord romans chapter 5 verse 8 god demonstrates his own love for us in this while we still were sinners christ died for us [Music] on and on the life-giving words of god fill you up you forget about the extra work beside you you forget about the ice cream in the freezer in your hand is all you need his promises are true his words are life-giving god's laws are perfect they protect us make us wise and give us joy and light god's laws are pure eternal just they are more desirable than gold they are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb for they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them your eyes close with contentment your worries are in god's hands your heart is at peace as you end your day with the lord you open your heart to his gaze you want every part of you to be seen cleansed and available to him you want every thought and every action to be pleasing to him but how can i ever know what sins are lurking in my heart cleanse me from these hidden faults and keep me from deliberate wrongs help me to stop doing them only then can i be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime may my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you o lord my rock and my redeemer heavenly father i pray for this child of yours tonight as they sleep may your watchful eye be ever upon them in love and grace [Music] tomorrow may they experience the awesomeness of your glory whenever they look at the sky if they wake before the dawn let them see your glory in the sun rise as they go about their day may they see your wonders in the sun and the clouds in the evening may the sunset remind them of your love and great compassion and may the stars speak silently to them of your majesty and your intimacy for you know them each by name as they sleep give them peaceful satisfying dreams and when they are awake may your holy trustworthy words be ever in their thoughts i pray this in the name of jesus amen tonight you will be lulled to sleep while experiencing the glory of god in the heavens and knowing that the words of god are just all his ways are pure all his judgments are righteous his words are to be desired more than gold and they are sweeter than honey everyone has seen the sky it spreads over our heads in both the daytime and nighttime you don't hear it speak it doesn't have words yet the glory of god is proclaimed in its very existence the word of god on the other hand often speaks loudly and clearly in our hearts and minds we hear it preached we listen to it read and psalm 19 reminds us that every word of it is true and can be trusted as you ready yourself for sleep tonight settle into your bed in your most comfortable position let your muscles relax as you begin taking deep steadying breaths pay attention to the sensations in your body and release the tension you feel in your feet in your legs and your bag in your shoulders and your neck as you continue to breathe deeply and slowly repeat these words silently may my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you o lord my rock and my redeemer let all the cares of the day melt away as you rest release the pressure as you trust the lord with what concerns you keep your breathing slow and steady let me pray for you god you are our rock and our redeemer our firm foundation thank you for being with this child of yours as they sleep tonight thank you for reminding them that you are mighty yet gentle everywhere at once yet close by their side may the picture of this psalm comfort them and relax them tonight so that they might enjoy a peaceful and restful sleep it's in jesus name that i pray amen imagine that it is dawn and you are up early enjoying a freshly brewed cup of coffee its deep roasted scent filling your nose the steam warming your face you sit at your kitchen table and gaze out the window at the pinkening sky all is still in your home and your heart is at peace a few wispy clouds stroll by carrying the colors of the rising sun like cotton candy held by a child early birds flit across the expanse searching for a small pool of water in which to take their morning bath there are still a few stars visible in the brightening sky and a thin crescent moon still glows dimly but the awakening sun will soon overcome its light as you ready yourself for your day you take for granted that the sun will make its way across the sky it's not something you have to think about every day it makes its course across the expanse by the time the rest of your household has risen the colors of the sunrise have faded and the golden glow warming the morning air as ascended beyond the tops of the trees whose strong branches stretch like arms toward the warmth the rest of your morning is spent indoors working at your job or going to school or taking care of your family being in the place god has given you you glance occasionally out the window seeing the changing shadows the gathering and disturbing of the clouds perhaps your cat has followed a sun beam in your house from window to window and you envy its carefree life or you see kids playing in the park across from your office running and chasing a ball in the bright green grass their caregiver watching and calling encouragement of their play when midday rolls up to your door you step outside to greet it again taking for granted that you will see the sun at its peak in the bright blue sky you sit for a few moments in the bright sunshine closing your eyes and turning your face to feel the full warmth a gentle breeze with the hint of the coolness to come ruffles your hair a quick shadow darts past as a small cloud momentarily scuttles by [Music] you linger for a time but duty calls and you head back inside still feeling the sun's warmth like a hug as you go high noon races toward dusk as your day dwindles and your journey home begins with the sun descending toward the western horizon the wispy clouds have returned and now they carry the orange magenta and purple strains of the setting sun the sight is magnificent you never tire of seeing its beauty the rays spreading out the splendor across the sky soon stars begin to pop out of the deepening blue constellations become barely discernible planets glow brightly the air cools as the sun disappears below the horizon sinking quickly hiding its face until it starts its journey again in the morning throughout the day you have been told the story of god's majesty simply by watching the sky the heavens are telling the glory of god they are a marvelous display of his craftsmanship day and night they keep on telling about god without a sound or word silent in the skies their message reaches out to all the world the sun lives in the heavens where god placed it it moves out across the skies as radiant as a bridegroom going to his wedding or as joyous as an athlete looking forward to a race the sun crosses the heavens from end to end and nothing can hide from its heat inside your house where it's warm and comfortable you sit in a rose-colored armchair take off your shoes and settle in to spend some time alone on the sturdy brown table beside you sits your bible it's soft leather cover worn by years of use next to it is a pile of work you brought home that you could get some extra money for if you completed it tonight the thought is tempting and then you think about that carton of ice cream just sitting there in your freezer its sweetness entices you the thought of that icy goodness causes your taste buds to burst in anticipation and then you glance again in your bible you remember how the words it contains have fed your soul time and time again verses burst into your mind like the taste buds had in your mouth psalm chapter 27 verse 13 i believe that i shall look upon the lord in the land of the living hebrews chapter 13 verse 5 keep your life free from love of money and be content with what you have for he has said i will never leave you nor forsake you john chapter 10 verse 10 the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy i came that they may have life and have it abundantly psalm chapter 48 verse 1 great is the lord and greatly to be praised in the city of our god his holy mountain beautiful in elevation is the joy of all the earth mount zion and the far north the city of the great king your heart quickens as the spirit of god brings these words to your mind psalm chapter 42 verse 1 as a deer pants for flowing streams so pants my soul for you oh god romans chapter 8 verse 38 and 39 for i am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of god in christ jesus our lord romans chapter 5 verse 8 god demonstrates his own love for us in this while we still were sinners christ died for us on and on the life-giving words of god fill you up you forget about the extra work beside you you forget about the ice cream in the freezer in your hand is all you need his promises are true his words are life-giving god's laws are perfect they protect us make us wise and give us joy and light god's laws are pure eternal just they are more desirable than gold they are sweeter than honey dripping from a honeycomb for they warn us away from harm and give success to those who obey them your eyes close with contentment your worries are in god's hands your heart is at peace as you end your day with the lord you open your heart to his gaze want every part of you to be seen cleansed and available to him you want every thought and every action to be pleasing to him but how can i ever know what sins are lurking in my heart cleanse me from these hidden faults and keep me from deliberate wrongs help me to stop doing them only then can i be free of guilt and innocent of some great crime may my spoken words and unspoken thoughts be pleasing even to you o lord my rock and my redeemer heavenly father i pray for this child of yours tonight as they sleep may your watchful eye be ever upon them in love and grace tomorrow may they experience the awesomeness of your glory whenever they look at the sky if they wake before the dawn let them see your glory in the sunrise as they go about their day may they see your wonders in the sun and the clouds in the evening may the sunset remind them of your love and great compassion and may the stars speak silently to them of your majesty and your intimacy for you know them each by name as they sleep give them peaceful satisfying dreams and when they are awake may your holy trustworthy words be ever in their thoughts i pray this in the name of jesus amen [Music] if you fall asleep before this time of meditation is over don't worry it will stop automatically and you will fall asleep listening to prayers and the sweet word of god how beautiful is that if you don't fall asleep then simply and softly tap the replay button and you can join me again if you like but before we begin i want you to get into a comfortable place take care of any physical distractions such as noise or light and find a temperature and a place to lie down that is most comfortable for you you might take this moment too to choose some music on abide music that's peaceful for you or you may choose to simply listen in silence so when you're ready i want you to close your eyes and relax as you listen to my voice just relax and let me guide you through prayer and the word of god one reason you may be having trouble falling asleep is worry and anxiety so as we begin let me lead you in your first prayer of surrender and forgiveness as you hear this prayer from psalm 51 just feel yourself relaxing falling back and surrendering yourself into the loving and forgiving arms of jesus releasing the weight of your worldly cares as you focus on the lightness of the gospel the good news of the death burial and resurrection of your lord and savior jesus christ so let me pray for you now o peaceful and heavenly father you give this one here your child sleep for the refreshing of their soul and their body grant this one this gift tonight i pray keep them in that perfect peace which you have promised to them whose mind is fixed on you and give them such a sense of your presence that in these moments of silence they may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love through you o peaceful and loving father be merciful to this one oh god because of your constant love because of your great mercy wipe away their anxiety wash away all evil and make them clean from their sin tonight tonight let them hear the sounds of joy and gladness create in them tonight a pure heart oh god give them again the joy that comes from your salvation god grant them this one piece so they can sleep soundlessly and awaken with a renewed spirit ready to face the day ahead in jesus name amen [Music] so take a moment now to just feel the embrace of jesus feel jesus whispering his love and care for you tonight as you sleep as you continue to relax i want you to begin pacing your breathing as i read scripture to you so i read the first part of a passage i want you to very slowly breathe in and then as i read the second part of the passage i want you to breathe out listen as i read from psalm chapter 46 breathe in slowly now as i read god is our refuge and strength now breathe out slowly as i read and a very present help in your times of trouble pace your breathing in and out slowly again as i pray over you from deuteronomy chapter 31 breathe in be strong and courageous and now breathe out do not fear or be in dread and end slowly for it is the lord your god and now out who goes with you in he will not leave you and out or forsake you so in the darkness now feel the presence of christ feel the strength of his arms around you feel the tenderness of his hands as they rest on your head just relax now into his presence [Music] pace your breathing slowly again as i pray from luke chapter 12. breathing in slowly and don't be concerned about what to eat or what to drink don't worry about such things [Music] these things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers [Music] but your father already knows your needs so seek the kingdom of god above all else and he will give you everything you need so don't be afraid little one for it gives your father great happiness to give you the kingdom so dear peaceful father bless this one tonight bless them give them your peace smile upon them and give them your rest tonight in jesus name amen continue to pace your breathing slowly as i pray from lamentations chapter 2. lord god hear my cry out in the night at the beginning of the night watch help me pour out my heart like water before you help me lift my hands to you tonight [Music] dear peaceful father take the burdens of this your child tonight their burdens can seem so heavy at times but tonight help them feel lighter more free content safe and loved in your arms as you take their burdens in jesus name amen so pace your breathing again as i pray from psalms chapter 3 and 4. i lay down and sleep safely in peace with a tranquil heart i will lie down and sleep for i am alone with you o lord help me dwell in safety and confidence and trust in you [Music] so dear peaceful father give this child tonight restful sleep and let this time of quiet meditation bring them peace relaxation and sleep in your arms lord fill this night with your radiance for them may they sleep in peace in your name amen pace your breathing as i pray god's word over you when you lie down you will not be afraid when you lie down your sleep will be sweet when you lie down no one will make you afraid many will rejoice with you when you lay down you will be at peace and you will sleep for the lord keeps you safe when you lay down to sleep behold there is an angel with you that this your sleep will be pleasant to you [Music] dear peaceful father you have given this your child an example of gentleness and humility a task that is easy and a burden that is light accept my prayers to give them the rest that will strengthen them to be of more faithful service to you in jesus name amen continue to pace your breathing as i pray from psalm chapter 62 for god alone my soul waits in silence i quietly submit to him for my hope is from him he alone is my rock he alone is my salvation he alone is my fortress he alone is my defense i will not be shaken i will not be discouraged on god alone my salvation rests on god alone does my glory rest god is my rock god is my unyielding strength my refuge is in god alone i trust confidently in him at all times so oh god help me tonight help me sleep help me pour out my soul be my refuge dear peaceful and restful heavenly father send restful sleep and refresh the tired body of this your child tonight may your help renew this one keep them held tight in your strong arms as you give them peace be with this one throughout the night in jesus name amen [Music] pace your breathing as i pray from isaiah chapter 26 god will keep you in perfect and constant peace tonight god will make your mind steadfast committed and focused on him tonight trust god tonight with your sleep take refuge in god's loving arms tonight as you seek sleep be confident in the arms of your savior tonight trust confidently in god forever for god is your fortress god is your shield god is your banner god is everlasting he is your protector tonight he is your rock for all time [Music] dear peaceful and restful father bring this one your child rest and sleep tonight keep them from tossing keep them from turning lord god you never sleep lord god you never slumber so watch over this your child tonight as they sleep bring peace to their churning mind comfort their mind from spinning and soothe their heart calm them tonight give them sweet rest in your arms in jesus name amen pace your breathing again as you listen as i pray from psalm chapter 91 god is covering you tonight god is completely protecting you with his strength you are protected under his wings tonight you can find rest under his wings tonight you can find refuge in the loving arms of god tonight [Music] god's faithfulness is your shield tonight god's faithfulness is a wall protecting you from harm so that you can rest tonight in god's presence tonight in god's arms you have no need of fear tonight you are in the presence and resting in the arms of the creator of the universe tonight dear peaceful and restful father let this resting child feel your wings over them tonight as they rest let this sleeping child feel the shield of your arms protecting them from fear and harm tonight let this peaceful soul feel the wall protecting them from harm tonight the wall built lovingly by you the creator of the universe the creator that sits down now by the side of this child as they sleep in jesus name amen [Music] pace your breathing as you listen to the story from luke chapter eight breathe slowly and deeply as you imagine yourself in this boat jesus and his disciples are all around you you hear jesus tell you to prepare prepare to cross over the sea of galilee you watch as jesus falls asleep jesus your savior curls up in the boat to sleep you crawl over and sit down next to him you lean on him as your savior rests the wind begins to hit your face you feel the spray from the waves then you begin to feel water at your feet you wake up your master who is sleeping you see the look of peace in his eyes you are in awe of that peace then jesus waves his hand perhaps without even taking his eyes off of you and you feel the wind stop the waves are gone and jesus whispers to you my child have faith in me my child believe in me you feel yourself falling asleep in his arms as his peace surrounds you dear peaceful and restful father give this child tonight your faith give this child tonight your peace no wind in their face no mist from the waves no water at their feet just let them hear your peaceful voice let them hear your loving voice your powerful and protecting voice a voice that can calm storms a voice that brings peace a voice that brings rest sleep [Music] so pace your breathing as you listen to the word of god being prayed softly over you breathe slow and deep as you hear god's words for you tonight as you lay down to sleep do not be afraid tonight as you lay down tonight let your sleep be sweet in peace god will be with you tonight as you sleep you are not alone god is with you and you will be safe as you sleep tonight god will give you his beloved peaceful sleep tonight god will give you sleep god will give you slumber he will fold your hands as you rest you will lie down to rest tonight you will rest peacefully you will wake up in the morning fresh for the lord sustains and cares for you [Music] in the darkness now feel the presence of christ feel the strength of his arms around you feel the tenderness of his hands as they rest on your head just relax now into his presence pace your breathing slowly again as i pray from luke chapter 12 breathing in slowly and don't be concerned about what to eat or what to drink don't worry about such things these things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers but your father already knows your needs so seek the kingdom of god above all else and he will give you everything you need [Music] so don't be afraid little one for it gives your father great happiness to give you the kingdom [Music] dear peaceful father thank you for your peace for your care for your love for your mercy and your salvation as this child of yours finds sleep tonight as they sleep let them feel your presence over them let them sleep under your wings tonight and it is in the name of jesus i pray over them amen [Music] [Music] so if you fall asleep before this time of meditation is over don't worry it will stop automatically and you will fall asleep listening to prayers and the sweet word of god how beautiful is that if you don't fall asleep then simply and softly tap the replay button and you can join me again if you like but before we begin i want you to get into a comfortable place take care of any physical distractions such as noise or light and find a temperature and a place to lie down that is most comfortable for you you might take this moment too to choose some music on abide music that's peaceful for you or you may choose to simply listen in silence so when you're ready i want you to close your eyes and relax as you listen to my voice just relax and let me guide you through prayer and the word of god one reason you may be having trouble falling asleep is worry and anxiety so as we begin let me lead you in your first prayer of surrender and forgiveness as you hear this prayer from psalm 51 just feel yourself relaxing falling back and surrendering yourself into the loving and forgiving arms of jesus releasing the weight of your worldly cares as you focus on the likeness of the gospel the good news of the death burial and resurrection of your lord and savior jesus christ so let me pray for you now o peaceful and heavenly father you give this one here your child sleep for the refreshing of their soul and their body grant this one this gift tonight i pray keep them in that perfect peace which you have promised to them whose mind is fixed on you and give them such a sense of your presence that in these moments of silence they may enjoy the blessed assurance of your love through you [Music] oh peaceful and loving father be merciful to this one oh god because of your constant love because of your great mercy wipe away their anxiety wash away all evil and make them clean from their sin tonight tonight let them hear the sounds of joy and gladness create in them tonight a pure heart o god give them again the joy that comes from your salvation god grant them this one piece so they can sleep soundlessly and awaken with a renewed spirit ready to face the day ahead in jesus name [Music] amen take a moment now to just feel the embrace of jesus [Music] feel jesus whispering his love and care for you tonight as you sleep as you continue to relax i want you to begin pacing your breathing as i read scripture to you [Music] [Music] as i read the first part of a passage i want you to very slowly breathe in and then as i read the second part of the passage i want you to breathe out listen as i read from psalm chapter 46 breathe in slowly now as i read god is our refuge and strength now breathe out slowly as i read and a very present help in your times of trouble pace your breathing in and out slowly again as i pray over you from deuteronomy chapter 31 breathe in be strong and courageous and now breathe out do not fear or be in dread and end slowly for it is the lord your god and now out who goes with you in he will not leave you and out or forsake you [Music] in the darkness now feel the presence of christ feel the strength of his arms around you feel the tenderness of his hands as they rest on your head just relax now into his presence pace your breathing slowly again as i pray from luke chapter 12. breathing in slowly and don't be concerned about what to eat or what to drink don't worry about such things these things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers but your father already knows your needs so seek the kingdom of god above all else and he will give you everything you need so don't be afraid little one for it gives your father great happiness to give you the kingdom [Music] so dear peaceful father bless this one tonight bless them give them your peace smile upon them and give them your rest tonight in jesus name amen continue to pace your breathing slowly as i pray from lamentations chapter 2. lord god hear my cry out in the night at the beginning of the night watch help me pour out my heart like water before you help me lift my hands to you tonight dear peaceful father take the burdens of this your child tonight their burdens can seem so heavy at times but tonight help them feel lighter more free content safe and loved in your arms as you take their burdens in jesus name amen [Music] [Music] pace your breathing again as i pray from psalms chapter 3 and 4. i lay down and sleep safely in peace with a tranquil heart i will lie down and sleep for i am alone with you o lord help me dwell in safety and confidence and trust in you [Music] dear peaceful father give this child tonight restful sleep and let this time of quiet meditation bring them peace relaxation and sleep in your arms lord fill this night with your radiance for them may they sleep in peace in your name [Music] amen pace your breathing as i pray god's word over you when you lie down you will not be afraid when you lie down your sleep will be sweet when you lie down no one will make you afraid many will rejoice with you when you lay down you will be at peace and you will sleep for the lord keeps you safe when you lay down to sleep behold there is an angel with you that this your sleep will be pleasant to [Music] you dear peaceful father you have given this your child an example of gentleness and humility a task that is easy and a burden that is light accept my prayers to give them the rest that will strengthen them to be of more faithful service to you in jesus name amen continue to pace your breathing as i pray from psalm chapter 62 for god alone my soul waits in silence i quietly submit to him for my hope is from him he alone is my rock he alone is my salvation he alone is my fortress he alone is my defense i will not be shaken i will not be discouraged on god alone my salvation rests on god alone does my glory rest god is my rock god is my unyielding strength my refuge is in god alone i trust confidently in him at all times so oh god help me tonight help me sleep help me pour out my soul be my refuge dear peaceful and restful heavenly father send restful sleep and refresh the tired body of this your child tonight may your help renew this one keep them held tight in your strong arms as you give them peace be with this one throughout the night in jesus name amen [Music] pace your breathing as i pray from isaiah chapter 26 god will keep you in perfect and constant peace tonight god will make your mind steadfast committed and focused on him tonight trust god tonight with your sleep take refuge in god's loving arms tonight as you seek sleep be confident in the arms of your savior tonight trust confidently in god forever for god is your fortress god is your shield god is your banner god is everlasting he is your protector tonight he is your rock for all time dear peaceful and restful father bring this one your child rest and sleep tonight keep them from tossing keep them from turning lord god you never sleep lord god you never slumber so watch over this your child tonight as they sleep bring peace to their churning mind comfort their mind from spinning and soothe their heart calm them tonight give them sweet rest in your arms in jesus name amen [Music] pace your breathing again as you listen as i pray from psalm chapter 91 god is covering you tonight god is completely protecting you with his strength you are protected under his wings tonight you can find rest under his wings tonight you can find refuge in the loving arms of god tonight god's faithfulness is your shield tonight god's faithfulness is a wall protecting you from harm so that you can rest tonight in god's presence tonight in god's arms you have no need of fear tonight you are in the presence and resting in the arms of the creator of the universe tonight [Music] [Music] dear peaceful and restful father let this resting child feel your wings over them tonight as they rest let this sleeping child feel the shield of your arms protecting them from fear and harm tonight let this peaceful soul feel the wall protecting them from harm tonight the wall built lovingly by you the creator of the universe the creator that sits down now by the side of this child as they sleep in jesus name amen pace your breathing as you listen to the story from luke chapter 8. breathe slowly and deeply as you imagine yourself in this boat jesus and his disciples are all around you you hear jesus tell you to prepare prepare to cross over the sea of galilee you watch as jesus falls asleep jesus your savior curls up in the boat to sleep you crawl over and sit down next to him you lean on him as your savior rests the wind begins to hit your face you feel the spray from the waves then you begin to feel water at your feet you wake up your master who is sleeping you see the look of peace in his eyes you are in awe of that peace then jesus waves his hand perhaps without even taking his eyes off of you and you feel the wind stop the waves are gone and jesus whispers to you my child have faith in me my child believe in me you feel yourself falling asleep in his arms as his peace surrounds you your peaceful and restful father give this child tonight your faith give this child tonight your peace no wind in their face no mist from the waves no water at their feet just let them hear your peaceful voice let them hear your loving voice your powerful and protecting voice a voice that can calm storms a voice that brings peace a voice that brings rest sleep [Music] so pace your breathing as you listen to the word of god being prayed softly over you breathe slow and deep as you hear god's words for you tonight as you lay down to sleep do not be afraid tonight as you lay down tonight let your sleep be sweet in peace god will be with you tonight as you sleep you are not alone god is with you and you will be safe as you sleep tonight god will give you his beloved peaceful sleep tonight god will give you sleep god will give you slumber he will fold your hands as you rest you will lie down to rest tonight you will rest peacefully you will wake up in the morning fresh for the lord sustains and cares for you in the darkness now feel the presence of christ feel the strength of his arms around you feel the tenderness of his hands as they rest on your head just relax now into his presence [Music] pace your breathing slowly again as i pray from luke chapter 12. breathing in slowly and don't be concerned about what to eat or what to drink don't worry about such things these things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers but your father already knows your needs so seek the kingdom of god above all else and he will give you everything you need so don't be afraid little one for it gives your father great happiness to give you the kingdom [Music] dear peaceful father thank you for your peace for your care for your love for your mercy and your salvation as this child of yours finds sleep tonight as they sleep let them feel your presence over them let them sleep under your wings tonight and it is in the name of jesus i pray over them amen [Music] [Music] so [Music] do you feel restless do you feel unsettled are you longing for peace tonight you will hear words from the apostle paul that beckon your heart to find peace rest and comfort you will be reminded that christ has made a way for you to find everlasting peace you will be invited to rest in that peace tonight as you sleep as you lay down find a comfortable position no matter what this day held it has come to a close and god invites you to release it and enter into the blessed rest that he gives his beloved as you sleep let your shoulders relax with your eyes closed release any pressure that's tensing you up and prepare to sleep take a slow deep breath holding it for a moment before exhaling slowly take another deep breath let the pressures weights and uncertainties that you are worried about fall away tonight your heavenly father invites you to rest as you sleep father god thank you for protecting your child through another day as they lay down to sleep i ask that you would lead them to the peace and rest that comes from knowing you and being in your presence be near to your child tonight jesus let the words that come from your holy scriptures lead them to sleep in peace and wake in joy we look to you for our hope you are our everlasting peace in jesus name amen children have the most wonderful imagination when they play their whole world transforms to them any item or location can morph in an instant simply because the child's mind decided it was time to have an adventure maybe the days of careless play seem miles away from where you currently find yourself often children will play castle with kings and queens or maybe even a court jester their backyard transforms and with all the power of a monarch they rule over an imaginary world maybe you wish you could go back to the days where the only thing you had to worry about was having enough time to play creatively in this way it can be easy sometimes to wish that life were as simple as it was back then when you could just imagine something and suddenly the world around you changed things are surely different now but maybe the invitation remains to imagine and see the world around you change what if god's invitation to you through his word was even more profound than your wildest childlike imagination that you could find something more than a temporary whimsical escape from the world around you and find a more lasting mindset change in his letters to the colossian church the apostle paul writes let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts let the peace of christ rule in your hearts imagine approaching the most majestic castle you have seen it from a distance but finally you have the opportunity to experience whatever might be inside you slowly walk up to the gate only to find the guards have been expecting you they open the massive brass gate and you walk through you're no longer on a normal sidewalk the ground beneath you has changed to an intricate brick design feel the freedom of acceptance as you walk toward the front doors notice the array of flowers and the perfectly manicured bushes lean in to smell the roses admire the variety of blues yellows whites and reds filling the flower bed walk closer to the front door preparing to enter and finally see what's inside as you reach the door you encounter more guards but they too seem to be expecting you notice the ornate design of the front doors taller than any you've seen before open the door and walk through to find a still more majestic entry look up to see the height of the ceilings notice the extravagance of the staircases one to the right and one to the left you've entered a place with a monarch a king or queen that rules over the space and all the space outside of it but the ruler isn't what you imagined it isn't a person it's peace let the peace of christ rule in your hearts for peace to rule means that peace leads the conversation peace initiates peace responds peace makes the decisions peace has the final word christ gives you the invitation to surrender to peace lay down your anger and let peace rule let go of your bitterness and let peace rule stop striving and let peace rule you belong in a palace of peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another the invitation of jesus is not simply to let peace have the final say it is through thankfulness to let the word of christ dwell among you richly letting peace have the final say changes what happens in the palace of your life letting the word of christ dwell among you is to fill the room with truth tellers and promise keepers to dwell is to remain to live to stay in a space run to the richness of the word of christ and you will find bomb for your weary soul you will find truth flowing from the heart of god you will find the promises of jesus spoken of old and preserved for us in the holy scriptures though we long for the goodness of god most spaces are filled not with truth or truth tellers instead of letting outside lesser voices have the loudest voice let the word of christ dwell in you ritually wander deeper into the palace turn the corner to find another majestic great room admire the colors woven into the rug deep greens gold and soft reds smell the incense burning permeating every room look at the curtains perfectly hung and pulled back to the side draw closer to the window and look outside at the luscious green grass and the bright blue sky imagine you turn the corner and find a grand piano positioned perfectly in the great room listen as the words of christ that dwell among you turn to songs of blessing sung throughout the palace let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts walk back to the front room and wander up the stairs listen to the sound of your feet on the tile as you ascend the stairs wander into each and every room you find each more elaborate than the last imagine you have filled these rooms with truth tellers truth dwelling among you peace reigning around you truth to guide you peace to sustain you this is the invitation of christ let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts we are all longing for peace we are looking for it in so many different places desperate to see this peace reign over our families workplaces relationships and the world we are longing for the truth of the word of christ to dwell among us the beauty is found in the promise given to you as you walk with jesus choose to lean on the peace that comes from him as you fall asleep tonight and as you wake in the morning to begin a new day choose peace remember the message of jesus and let that dwell in your mind and heart instead heavenly father i ask again that your peace would permeate tonight as your beloved sleeps you are our hope of peace in a broken and hurting world and we look to you bless your child tonight may your message dwell richly in them leading them to delight and rest in your promises we love you jesus amen find peace tonight as you rest in the loving arms of the god who delights to bless you care for you and lead you sleep well tonight and may you wake to know the lord's love for you deeper and deeper as you lay down to sleep tonight we want your spirit to find rest and peace by listening to stories that come from pictures and stories that we find in god's word do you feel restless do you feel unsettled are you longing for peace tonight you will hear words from the apostle paul that beckon your heart to find peace rest and comfort you will be reminded that christ has made a way for you to find everlasting peace you will be invited to rest in that peace tonight as you sleep as you lay down find a comfortable position no matter what this day held it has come to a close and god invites you to release it and enter into the blessed rest that he gives his beloved as you sleep let your shoulders relax with your eyes closed release any pressure that's tensing you up and prepare to sleep take a slow deep breath holding it for a moment before exhaling slowly take another deep breath let the pressures weights and uncertainties that you are worried about fall away tonight your heavenly father invites you to rest as you sleep father god thank you for protecting your child through another day as they lay down to sleep i ask that you would lead them to the peace and rest that comes from knowing you and being in your presence be near to your child tonight jesus let the words that come from your holy scriptures lead them to sleep in peace and wake and joy we look to you for our hope you are our everlasting peace in jesus name amen children have the most wonderful imagination when they play their whole world transforms to them any item or location can morph in an instant simply because the child's mind decided it was time to have an adventure maybe the days of careless play seem miles away from where you currently find yourself often children will play castle with kings and queens or maybe even a court jester their backyard transforms and with all the power of a monarch they rule over an imaginary world maybe you wish you could go back to the days where the only thing you had to worry about was having enough time to play creatively in this way it can be easy sometimes to wish that life were as simple as it was back then when you could just imagine something and suddenly the world around you changed things are surely different now but maybe the invitation remains to imagine and see the world around you change what if god's invitation to you through his word was even more profound than your wildest childlike imagination that you could find something more than a temporary whimsical escape from the world around you and find a more lasting mindset change in his letters to the colossian church the apostle paul writes let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts let the peace of christ ruling your hearts imagine approaching the most majestic castle you have seen it from a distance but finally you have the opportunity to experience whatever might be inside you slowly walk up to the gate only to find the guards have been expecting you they open the massive brass gate and you walk through you're no longer on a normal sidewalk the ground beneath you has changed to an intricate brick design feel the freedom of acceptance as you walk toward the front doors notice the array of flowers and the perfectly manicured bushes lean in to smell the roses admire the variety of blues yellows whites and reds filling the flower bed walk closer to the front door preparing to enter and finally see what's inside as you reach the door you encounter more guards but they too seem to be expecting you notice the ornate design of the front doors taller than any you've seen before open the door and walk through to find a still more majestic entry look up to see the height of the ceilings notice the extravagance of the staircases one to the right and one to the left you've entered a place with a monarch a king or queen that rules over the space and all the space outside of it but the ruler isn't what you imagined it isn't a person it's peace let the peace of christ rule in your hearts for peace to rule means that peace leads the conversation peace initiates peace responds peace makes the decisions peace has the final word christ gives you the invitation to surrender to peace lay down your anger and let peace rule let go of your bitterness and let peace rule stop striving and let peace rule you belong in a palace of peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another the invitation of jesus is not simply to let peace have the final say it is through thankfulness to let the word of christ dwell among you richly letting peace have the final say changes what happens in the palace of your life letting the word of christ dwell among you is to fill the room with truth tellers and promise keepers to dwell is to remain to live to stay in a space run to the richness of the word of christ and you will find balm for your weary soul you will find truth flowing from the heart of god you will find the promises of jesus spoken of old and preserved for us in the holy scriptures though we long for the goodness of god most spaces are filled not with truth or truth tellers instead of letting outside lesser voices have the loudest voice let the word of christ dwell in you ritually wander deeper into the palace turn the corner to find another majestic great room admire the colors woven into the rug deep greens gold and soft reds smell the incense burning permeating every room look at the curtains perfectly hung and pulled back to the side draw closer to the window and look outside at the luscious green grass in the bright blue sky imagine you turn the corner and find a grand piano positioned perfectly in the great room listen as the words of christ that dwell among you turn to songs of blessing sung throughout the palace let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts walk back to the front room and wander up the stairs listen to the sound of your feet on the tile as you ascend the stairs wander into each and every room you find each more elaborate than the last imagine you have filled these rooms with truth tellers truth dwelling among you peace reigning around you truth to guide you peace to sustain you this is the invitation of christ let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts we are all longing for peace we are looking for it in so many different places desperate to see this peace reign over our families workplaces relationships and the world we are longing for the truth of the word of christ to dwell among us the beauty is found in the promise given to you as you walk with jesus choose to lean on the peace that comes from him as you fall asleep tonight and as you wake in the morning to begin a new day choose peace remember the message of jesus and let that dwell in your mind and heart instead heavenly father i ask again that your peace would permeate tonight as your beloved sleeps you are our hope of peace in a broken and hurting world and we look to you bless your child tonight may your message dwell richly in them leading them to delight and rest in your promises we love you jesus amen find peace tonight as you rest in the loving arms of the god who delights to bless you care for you and lead you sleep well tonight and may you wake to know the lord's love for you deeper and deeper do you feel restless do you feel unsettled are you longing for peace tonight you will hear words from the apostle paul that beckon your heart to find peace rest and comfort you will be reminded that christ has made a way for you to find everlasting peace you will be invited to rest in that peace tonight as you sleep as you lay down find a comfortable position no matter what this day held it has come to a close and god invites you to release it and enter into the blessed rest that he gives his beloved as you sleep let your shoulders relax with your eyes closed release any pressure that's tensing you up and prepare to sleep take a slow deep breath holding it for a moment before exhaling slowly take another deep breath let the pressures weights and uncertainties that you are worried about fall away tonight your heavenly father invites you to rest as you sleep father god thank you for protecting your child through another day as they lay down to sleep i ask that you would lead them to the peace and rest that comes from knowing you and being in your presence be near to your child tonight jesus let the words that come from your holy scriptures lead them to sleep in peace and wake in joy we look to you for our hope you are our everlasting peace in jesus name amen [Music] children have the most wonderful imagination when they play their whole world transforms to them any item or location can morph in an instant simply because the child's mind decided it was time to have an adventure maybe the days of careless play seem miles away from where you currently find yourself often children will play castle with kings and queens or maybe even a court jester their backyard transforms and with all the power of a monarch they rule over an imaginary world maybe you wish you could go back to the days where the only thing you had to worry about was having enough time to play creatively in this way it can be easy sometimes to wish that life were as simple as it was back then when you could just imagine something and suddenly the world around you changed things are surely different now but maybe the invitation remains to imagine and see the world around you change what if god's invitation to you through his word was even more profound than your wildest childlike imagination that you could find something more than a temporary whimsical escape from the world around you and find a more lasting mindset change in his letters to the colossian church the apostle paul writes let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts let the peace of christ rule in your hearts imagine approaching the most majestic castle you have seen it from a distance but finally you have the opportunity to experience whatever might be inside you slowly walk up to the gate only to find the guards have been expecting you they open the massive brass gate and you walk through you're no longer on a normal sidewalk the ground beneath you has changed to an intricate brick design feel the freedom of acceptance as you walk toward the front doors notice the array of flowers and the perfectly manicured bushes lean in to smell the roses admire the variety of blues yellows whites and reds filling the flower bed walk closer to the front door preparing to enter and finally see what's inside as you reach the door you encounter more guards but they too seem to be expecting you notice the ornate design of the front doors taller than any you've seen before open the door and walk through to find a still more majestic entry look up to see the height of the ceilings notice the extravagance of the staircases one to the right and one to the left you've entered a place with a monarch a king or queen that rules over the space and all the space outside of it but the ruler isn't what you imagined it isn't a person it's peace let the peace of christ rule in your hearts for peace to rule means that peace leads the conversation peace initiates peace responds peace makes the decisions peace as the final word christ gives you the invitation to surrender to peace lay down your anger and let peace rule let go of your bitterness and let peace rule stop striving and let peace rule [Music] you belong in a palace of peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another the invitation of jesus is not simply to let peace have the final say it is through thankfulness to let the word of christ dwell among you richly letting peace have the final say changes what happens in the palace of your life letting the word of christ dwell among you is to fill the room with truth-tellers and promise keepers to dwell is to remain to live to stay in a space run to the richness of the word of christ and you will find bomb for your weary soul you will find truth flowing from the heart of god you will find the promises of jesus spoken of old and preserved for us in the holy scriptures though we long for the goodness of god most spaces are filled not with truth or truth tellers instead of letting outside lesser voices have the loudest voice let the word of christ dwell in you richly wander deeper into the palace turn the corner to find another majestic great room admire the colors woven into the rug deep greens gold and soft reds smell the incense burning permeating every room look at the curtains perfectly hung and pulled back to the side draw closer to the window and look outside at the luscious green grass and the bright blue sky imagine you turn the corner and find a grand piano positioned perfectly in the great room listen as the words of christ that dwell among you turn to songs of blessing sung throughout the palace let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts [Music] walk back to the front room and wander up the stairs listen to the sound of your feet on the tile as you ascend the stairs wander into each and every room you find each more elaborate than the last imagine you have filled these rooms with truth tellers truth dwelling among you peace reigning around you truth to guide you peace to sustain you this is the invitation of christ let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts we are all longing for peace we are looking forward in so many different places desperate to see this peace reign over our families workplaces relationships and the world we are longing for the truth of the word of christ to dwell among us the beauty is found in the promise given to you as you walk with jesus choose to lean on the peace that comes from him as you fall asleep tonight and as you wake in the morning to begin a new day choose peace remember the message of jesus and let that dwell in your mind and heart instead heavenly father i ask again that your peace would permeate tonight as your beloved sleeps you are our hope of peace in a broken and hurting world and we look to you bless your child tonight may your message dwell richly in them leading them to delight and rest in your promises we love you jesus amen find peace tonight as you rest in the loving arms of the god who delights to bless you care for you and lead you sleep well tonight and may you wake to know the lord's love for you deeper and deeper as you lay down to sleep tonight we want your spirit to find rest and peace by listening to stories that come from pictures and stories that we find in god's word do you feel restless do you feel unsettled are you longing for peace tonight you will hear words from the apostle paul that beckoned your heart to find peace rest and comfort you will be reminded that christ has made a way for you to find everlasting peace you will be invited to rest in that peace tonight as you sleep as you lay down find a comfortable position no matter what this day held it has come to a close and god invites you to release it and enter into the blessed rest that he gives his beloved as you sleep let your shoulders relax with your eyes closed release any pressure that's tensing you up and prepare to sleep take a slow deep breath holding it for a moment before exhaling slowly [Music] take another deep breath let the pressures weights and uncertainties that you are worried about fall away tonight your heavenly father invites you to rest as you sleep father god thank you for protecting your child through another day as they lay down to sleep i ask that you would lead them to the peace and rest that comes from knowing you and being in your presence be near to your child tonight jesus let the words that come from your holy scriptures lead them to sleep in peace and wake and joy we look to you for our hope you are our everlasting peace in jesus name amen children have the most wonderful imagination when they play their whole world transforms to them any item or location can morph in an instant simply because the child's mind decided it was time to have an adventure maybe the days of careless play seem miles away from where you currently find yourself often children will play castle with kings and queens or maybe even a court jester their backyard transforms and with all the power of a monarch they rule over an imaginary world maybe you wish you could go back to the days where the only thing you had to worry about was having enough time to play creatively in this way it can be easy sometimes to wish that life were as simple as it was back then when you could just imagine something and suddenly the world around you changed things are surely different now but maybe the invitation remains to imagine and see the world around you change what if god's invitation to you through his word was even more profound than your wildest childlike imagination that you could find something more than a temporary whimsical escape from the world around you and find a more lasting mindset change in his letters to the colossian church the apostle paul writes let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts let the peace of christ rule in your hearts imagine approaching the most majestic castle you have seen it from a distance but finally you have the opportunity to experience whatever might be inside you slowly walk up to the gate only to find the guards have been expecting you they open the massive brass gate and you walk through you're no longer on a normal sidewalk the ground beneath you has changed to an intricate brick design feel the freedom of acceptance as you walk toward the front doors notice the array of flowers and the perfectly manicured bushes lean in to smell the roses admire the variety of blues yellows whites and reds filling the flower bed walk closer to the front door preparing to enter and finally see what's inside as you reach the door you encounter more guards but they too seem to be expecting you notice the ornate design of the front doors taller than any you've seen before open the door and walk through to find a still more majestic entry look up to see the height of the ceilings notice the extravagance of the staircases one to the right and one to the left you've entered a place with a monarch a king or queen that rules over the space and all the space outside of it but the ruler isn't what you imagined it isn't a person it's peace let the peace of christ rule in your hearts for peace to rule means that peace leads the conversation peace initiates peace responds peace makes the decisions peace has the final word christ gives you the invitation to surrender to peace lay down your anger and let peace rule let go of your bitterness and let peace rule stop striving and let peace rule you belong in a palace of peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one the invitation of jesus is not simply to let peace have the final say it is through thankfulness to let the word of christ dwell among you richly letting peace have the final say changes what happens in the palace of your life letting the word of christ dwell among you is to fill the room with truth tellers and promise keepers to dwell is to remain to live to stay in a space run to the richness of the word of christ and you will find balm for your weary soul you will find truth flowing from the heart of god you will find the promises of jesus spoken of old and preserved for us in the holy scriptures though we long for the goodness of god most spaces are filled not with truth or truth tellers instead of letting outside lesser voices have the loudest voice let the word of christ dwell in you richly wander deeper into the palace turn the corner to find another majestic great room [Music] admire the colors woven into the rug deep greens gold and soft reds smell the incense burning permeating every room look at the curtains perfectly hung and pulled back to the side draw closer to the window and look outside at the luscious green grass and the bright blue sky imagine you turn the corner and find a grand piano positioned perfectly in the great room listen as the words of christ that dwell among you turn to songs of blessing sung throughout the palace let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts walk back to the front room and wander up the stairs listen to the sound of your feet on the tile as you ascend the stairs wander into each and every room you find each more elaborate than the last imagine you have filled these rooms with truth tellers truth dwelling among you peace reigning around you truth to guide you peace to sustain you this is the invitation of christ let the peace of christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body you were called to peace and be thankful let the word of christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms hymns and songs from the spirit singing to god with gratitude in your hearts we are all longing for peace we are looking for it in so many different places desperate to see this peace reign over our families workplaces relationships and the world we are longing for the truth of the word of christ to dwell among us the beauty is found in the promise given to you as you walk with jesus choose to lean on the peace that comes from him as you fall asleep tonight and as you wake in the morning to begin a new day choose peace remember the message of jesus and let that dwell in your mind and heart instead heavenly father i ask again that your peace would permeate tonight as your beloved sleeps you are our hope of peace in a broken and hurting world and we look to you bless your child tonight may your message dwell richly in them leading them to delight and rest in your promises we love you jesus amen find peace tonight as you rest in the loving arms of the god who delights to bless you care for you and lead you sleep well tonight and may you wake to know the lord's love for you deeper and deeper this story is designed to take you on a journey through god's word in a way that brings you peace and comfort as you lay down to sleep i wonder if you could wake up anywhere in the world where would you hope to be perhaps dozens of favorite spots might come to mind it might be the piece of a mountain cabin tucked away from the busyness of life a place where you can sit outside in the cool morning breeze and listen to the birds welcoming a new day or it might be near the ocean with the sound of the waves washing ashore or maybe by the dribbling of a stream on your favorite hike it might be the simple sound of your morning coffee slowly dripping into the pot as beautiful as each of these ideas may be psalm 84 invites you to consider that the dwelling place of god is the loveliest and sweetest destination you could ever find for it is there in the dwelling place of god that you encounter his fullness and experience his treasured presence as you settle into your bed for a good night's sleep relax your shoulders and take a slow deep breath as you find a comfortable position point your toes and arch your back letting your muscles have one final stretch before you set them to rest and allow your body to restore itself while you sleep take a quick inventory of the events and emotions that you felt throughout the day don't dwell too long on any thought acknowledge it and then send it on its way let your heart be at peace as your day comes to a close take another slow deep cleansing breath breathing in through your nose and slowly releasing it through your mouth if there are burdens from this day let them lift from your mind one by one give your anxieties to god and declare that you trust in him [Music] god may your child rest in your loving arms tonight close your eyes and take one last deep breath find comfort in the words of the prophet isaiah who says you will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you all whose thoughts are fixed on you as you fall asleep tonight find rest in god and receive his everlasting perfect peace as you sleep heavenly father as your beloved child lies down to sleep may they rest in your arms help them to trust you with their life and give them the perfect peace that you promise to those who fix their thoughts on you i ask tonight for your favor and protection as they sleep guard their thoughts and their dreams tonight bring stillness to their mind in peace to their heart as they go to bed be present in their dreams let them dream of your dwelling place and find comfort in your presence may they trust in you loving and gracious father amen with your eyes closed and your mind free from worry or concern let the words of psalm 84 wash over you how lovely is your dwelling place oh lord of hosts my soul longs yes faints for the courts of the lord my heart and flesh sing for joy to the living god even the sparrow finds a home in the swallow a nest for herself where she may lay her young at your altars o lord of hosts my king and my god blessed are those who dwell in your house ever singing your praise to dwell is to remain it is a place where you have the freedom and feel the safety to stay the dwelling place of god is such a beautiful thought to consider a place where god's presence would choose to dwell is a place of rest peace ultimate freedom in the old testament the temple also called the tabernacle was the dwelling place of god in fact the very words used in this psalm mean tabernacle it was here in this place that the people of god could find rest and freedom in the ability to connect with him it is where the priests of god would meet with him on behalf of all the people it is where sin was forgiven and freedom was found it was their refuge it must have been quite lovely indeed let your soul find this same refuge in the presence of god tonight psalm 84 is one of the psalms that come from the sons of korah the sons of korah were a family of singers a lineage of people dedicated to giving praise to god in the temple the songs they would sing have been preserved in god's word and have continued to be sung by his people for thousands of years you may have sung along with the sons of korah without even knowing they wrote verses such as psalm 42 as the deer pants for streams of water so my soul longs after god in psalm 46 god is our refuge and strength an ever-present help and trouble therefore we will not fear though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging there is a river whose streams make glad the city of god the holy place where the most high dwells these treasured words of the sons of korah have given god's people an opportunity to sing his praises and glorify his name no matter what their circumstances god thank you for preserving the songs of the sons of korah in the psalms how lovely it is to sing along with them joining the chorus of your people for generations and in psalm 84. they give you a picture of how precious and dear the dwelling place of god truly is it is where god's presence can be found it is abundant and rich and accessible to his people how lovely indeed the dwelling place of god looks different for god's people now than it did thousands of years ago and so for the people of israel who did not have personal access to the presence of god like believers do now the temple was everything for people without constant access to god they needed something they could count on the temple as the dwelling place of god was their safety and salvation many traveled annually from wherever they lived to visit the temple imagine that you are on such a journey a journey to the most wonderful peaceful place imaginable you are making your way to the dwelling place of god a place where you can sing along with the sons of korah and give worship in praise to god as the deer pants for streams of water so my soul longs after god let your soul long after god as you fall asleep tonight and as you long imagine now that you are making your way along the sandy path you are walking through the city towards the beloved lovely temple of god feel the heat of the sun as you walk along the path begin the journey up the mountain towards the temple feel the drip of sweat on your brow exhaustion from the long journey allow the longing you feel to be in his courts in the lovely dwelling place of god to bring you endurance to finish the journey the place you most long to be is drawing nearer with every step imagine who may have joined you on this journey look around you as you seek the presence of god with the ones you love hear the collective song of those journeying with you together singing the songs of the sons of korah and join them as they sing how lovely is your dwelling place o lord of hosts my soul longs yes faints for the courts of the lord you are drawing near the courts of the lord are close and getting closer your journey will be worth it even the sparrow finds a home in the swallow and nest for herself where she may lay her young at your altars o lord of hosts my king and my god consider the birds that come to the altar of god they too find a refuge in his presence though the sparrow and swallow can explore the expanse of the sky they return to his altar they return to the temple they return to his dwelling place and we the children of god though we come and go in many aspects of our lives we return to god our refuge and find safety in his dwelling place oh heavenly father thank you for caring for your child even more than the way you care for the birds of the air we see the way you know and provide for them and in that we find rest and comfort that you will care for and provide for your child as they rest right now look up at the sky and admire these birds known by god and cared for by him as you come ever closer to the temple feel the sandy path beneath your feet change to harden dirt well trodden roads look at the greenery increasing around you admire the variety of the trees you see see the tall full body of the deep green cedars and cypress trees pause in the shade of the umbrella-like occasions pause in the shade of the umbrella-like acacious giving you a respite on your journey admire the twisted roots of the juniper trees smell the scent of the olive trees let it draw you closer step closer to admire the radiance of the wildflowers see the stark white against the bright green stems the bright yellow the richness of the red the blue that mirrors the sky listen to the sound of the birds listen to their song and sing along how lovely is your dwelling place o lord of hosts blessed are those whose strength is in you and whose heart are the highways to zion as they go through the valley of baca they make it a place of springs the early rain also covers it with pools they go from strength to strength each one appears before god and zion the valley of baca represents a valley of weeping as you journey towards the dwelling place of god you know that you have come through the valley your journey was long and arduous but you have come through it feel the victory of making your way through the valley feel the relief of making it level ground let the burdens of your weeping lift and leave them in the hands of your god for your heart is on the highway to zion you are drawing near to his temple your morning will be turned to dancing just as he will make the valley of weeping into a place of springs find rest in this [Music] and god's promise to you and sing unto him how lovely is your dwelling place o lord of hosts god thank you for carrying your precious child through the valleys of their life we know that you do not abandon us in times of trouble you journey with us and give us strength would you set the heart of your child on the highway to zion turn their affections towards you we rest in you oh god for a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere i would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my god than dwell in the tents of wickedness for the lord god is a sun and shield the lord bestows favor and honor no good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly o lord of hosts blessed is the one who trusts in you for a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere how lovely must a place be for one single day as a door holder to be better than a thousand days anywhere else how marvelous to imagine a place so peaceful in healing and refreshing to long for just a moment consider again the one place in the world you would most like to wake up to it might be special to you as your childhood home the place you grew up loving with memories in every room you might long for the comfort of knowing who you share that space with [Music] or you may long to wake up in a foreign city you once visited and the thought of waking up and strolling along streets that hold treasured memories of a long-awaited vacation fills your heart with joy and anticipation just imagining it puts you back in that city listening to the sound of a foreign language reach into your pocket and feel the coins that look nothing like the money you carry at home walk along the river and admire the gondolas floating by with people laughing enjoying one another smell the fresh bread coming from the bakery across the street the anatomy of longing is the wonder that there are places that evoke in you a sense of safety peace wonder and joy heavenly father we want to sing in agreement that just one day in your presence is better than a thousand elsewhere help your child to treasure your presence as they find rest in you yes the places we long to return to here on earth are lovely indeed but if one day is better than a thousand how much more beautiful is the place that holds the presence of god imagine now that you are approaching the temple listen to the changing sound of your steps as you move from the sandy gravel that has led you along the majority of this journey to granite you long anticipated reaching feel as it changes to the hard stone beneath your feet as you draw near notice the sounds that are changing from the few voices of those journeying with you to the sound of a bustling crowd in the temple courts oh listen to the sound of singing as many sing praises to god they have finally arrived listen to the chatter coming from the courts hear the diversity of language in the voices of many who have come from near and far seeking along with you to meet god in his dwelling place look at the variety of people who have traveled to this precious place see mothers with babies swaddled to their chests and little hands holding theirs as they walk see the joy in the eyes of the gray-haired men and women after longing all their lives they have made it see the fathers holding tight to their little ones as they make their way through the crowd see friends laugh together as they agree the journey was well worth it and with many from all over join their song together they sing how lovely is your dwelling place oh lord of hosts that place you most long to be it is nothing compared to the wonder of god's presence for the safety peace wonder and joy that you long for is found most fully in his presence find safety in the comfort of a god who sees you and protects you peace in a god who is for you and near to you find wonder in the majesty of a god more extravagant than you could ever imagine find joy and a god who delights in you and brings you good things for his name's sake for even one thousand days and your most treasured destination could not compare to the majesty found in the temple of god how lovely is his dwelling place for even the most celebrated position or greatest honor pales in comparison to that of a doorkeeper in the temple of god for the doorkeeper is immersed in his presence the doorkeeper is surrounded by his nearness the doorkeeper is resting secure in the peace that surpasses all understanding enter into his presence and find this peace in the old testament the temple that we've been talking about was the actual dwelling place of god the place where his presence would abide but things are different now things are different because when jesus came on the scene everything changed and when jesus ascended into heaven he promised to leave us his holy spirit as a believer in our glorious lord jesus christ you are now the dwelling place of god because the holy spirit dwells within you salvation was won by jesus on the cross and he sent the promised holy spirit to dwell within you your access to the dwelling place of god is not predicated on an arduous journey to the temple it does not depend on your ability to be in the right place at the right time instead your access to the dwelling place of god is promised to you by a gracious father for the same spirit that raised christ from the dead now dwells in you oh how lovely it is no longer a journey you must make it's just a reality for you to recognize you are the dwelling place of god what a profound shift the god of heaven came near to us in the person of jesus and now he dwells in us through the holy spirit how lovely is your dwelling place oh lord of hosts how profound that you choose to dwell in your beloved father god it is a privilege beyond what we can comprehend and i pray that your child will recognize the gift of the holy spirit in dwelling within them we cling to your presence knowing that in you we find rest peace grace and joy to carry us through our days no matter what your journey looks like day by day matter what fills your schedule what relationships you have or what work you do you have access to the presence of god here and now find rest in the promise that the presence of god is no longer a destination for you to reach only by an arduous journey but rather the presence of god is a treasured companion through all of your journeying for all of your days take a deep breath as you give thanks for the profound gift god has given you not only in his son jesus but in his promised holy spirit [Music] find rest in the joy accessible to you as you journey through the valleys and peaks of your life sing praise for the promise that you do not have to endure the pain of your journey alone the holy spirit your companion journeys with you to bring you strength to give you peace to establish you in hope and to sustain you with love thank god for this gift and ask him to make you aware of his presence as you sleep tonight and throughout your day tomorrow ask him to wake you with a sensitivity to his spirit that will carry you through whatever tomorrow holds god we rest in the peace offered to us by your holy spirit now receive this blessing from number six 24-26 the lord bless you and keep you the lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you the lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace sleep peacefully in christ tonight as you dream of his dwelling place rest in the profound gift of being known and loved by the god of all creation find delight in the safety peace wonder and joy that you experience in his presence for his dwelling place is a promise and it is lovely indeed the lord sustains and protects you as you sleep he is a shield guarding you throughout the night he is the reason you have no fear that's god's promise to you and it was god's promise to king david 3 000 years ago too david was in danger and on the run yet in the midst of this he knew god would protect and provide for him he rested in god's peace [Music] david wrote i lie down in sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me as you prepare to enjoy this bedtime story get comfortable and enjoy the moment after all you're receiving one of god's greatest gifts sleep feel your head sinking into the pillow stretch out your left arm then your right arm then your legs savor the sensation of your bed and your sheet and your blanket if something is not right then simply pause the story and continue it when you're ready choose a relaxing background sound on the abide app if you fall asleep during the story that's great the app will turn off on its own join with me as i pray [Music] dear father you are the source of peace the god of sleep and the reason that we live you pour out your blessings on us each day with food and shelter thank you for our many blessings the day's work is done lord now it is time to focus on rest in your kingdom i ask that you will bless your servant with pleasant dreams help them to wake up ready to spread hope and joy wherever they go it's in your son's name that i pray amen king david wrote psalm 3 after he and his court had fled jerusalem in the middle of the night tragically his jealous son absalom was leading a rebellion that was trying to dethrone david [Music] eventually they even tried to kill him but in the midst of this king david's faith remained strong let's take a journey back in time to 1000bc and experience david's peace and joy in a story based on psalm 3 and 2nd samuel you'll see how god provided for him and you'll be encouraged by knowing that the same god who provided for and protected david does the same for you as we enter our scene in ancient israel a reddish orange sun is rising in the east just over the distant dusty hills it's beautiful the temperature is cool but not cold there's a slight breeze blowing in from the north you can smell the distinct aroma of lilies in the air you're a member of king david's royal court and you are tired even a little worried you fled jerusalem in the middle of the night but why didn't god put david in power doesn't god protect his anointed everyone including king david is grieving you don't know what the future holds everyone is also hungry in the rush to escape jerusalem most of the food was left behind david has ordered everyone to stop walking for a moment you spot him in the crowd at 60 years old his face has aged since he took the throne 30 years ago still these wrinkles look more like wrinkles of wisdom than worry [Music] people closest to him say he's a man after god's own heart [Music] he prays often and even now as you stare at him he appears to be deep in contemplation and prayer perhaps asking the lord for guidance suddenly he opens his eyes and speaks let's keep walking he says [Music] you put one foot in front of another wishing you could rest a little longer but you trust your king as david and the rest of the royal court slowly descends the mount of olives a stranger appears guiding two donkeys the animals are loaded down with the stranger's goods this man has blue eyes a long black beard and a tall wooden staff as you get closer you realize it's ziba a former servant of king saul my king zeba says addressing david i heard about your trouble i bring provisions your eyes quickly study the goods loaded on the donkeys it's enough food to feed king david's cord several times over when your heart is filled with joy god has provided a servant counts the food there's 200 loaves of bread 100 bunches of raisins 100 summer fruits including apples and pomegranates and a skin of wine hallelujah someone exclaims king david and zeba speak for a few minutes and then one of his servants passes out the bread then the raisins then the fruit you take a large bite of a juicy red apple and savor the flavor [Music] just might be the best food you've ever had and it gives you much needed energy a few moments ago you were dejected but now you are filled with optimism the living god the god of abraham isaac and jacob has once again taken care of his people david speaks to the group we need to keep moving but first let's worship the living god who has provided this food david begins singing he's written a new psalm to god lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people king david often writes music but this song has special meaning to you and the others it encourages you it gives you hope king david looks at you and the others in your party urging you to join him as he sings his new psalm again lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people you sleep well that night knowing god is guarding you [Music] several days have passed since zeba delivered his provisions since then you've traveled by foot far from jerusalem and across a variety of landscapes in israel over dry barren land through a lush green forest and just the other night across the jordan river you had forgotten how beautiful the land of israel is no wonder your ancestors labeled it a land flowing with milk and honey no wonder they called it the promised land still you miss your hometown of jerusalem you've prayed each day for god's deliverance but so far god has chosen to let king david live a life on the run perhaps god is teaching david a spiritual lesson god is teaching you something too today king david has led you to a small town maha naim which is filled with his allies and once again you're hungry and thirsty and tired the food zeb abroad is running out perhaps we can fish somewhere around here a friend says we can't another person replies the river is at least a day's journey behind us you have heard stories of your ancestors complaining in the wilderness how they begged moses to take them back to egypt how they grumbled about the taste of manna how they blamed god for abandoning them [Music] you're trying your best to have strong faith in god a faith worthy of testing you remember zeba bringing you food perhaps god will perform another miracle yahweh you pray quietly you are the god of abraham isaac and jacob you brought my ancestors into this land you've protected us you've provided for us again and again thank you lord you are worthy of worship please don't abandon your servant david please lord provide for us once again you are our source of strength you are the reason we live amen about two hours have passed it's the middle of the day and you've been told king david is seeking god's direction for the next move while you wait you watch two brown squirrels chasing one another up and down an oak tree these squirrels are battling for an acorn an acorn you could eat if only you had enough water and time to prepare it the entire tree in fact is filled with these bitter nuts that would make you sick if not cooked well you tell yourself at least the squirrels have enough food just then you hear the unmistakable sound of a sheep and another sheep and a third one walking alongside them are three men who are guiding not only the sheep but also five donkeys we heard you were hungry and thirsty one of the men says to the king you survey their gifts they've brought more food than zeba did you see wheat and barley and flour and beans and lentils and honey even even cheese it's so much that it's weighing down the donkeys but that's not all these men also brought beds to sleep in in bowls and cookware to prepare meals three of king david's servants unload the donkeys and begin cooking the meat over a fire you toss in another log ensuring there is enough heat another servant starts handing out honeycomb and cheese for those who can't wait for the meal to be ready that's you you take a bite of honey it's even sweeter than the juicy apple you ate all those days ago you swallow it and instantly feel a rush of energy you feel refreshed and most of all thankful god has provided once again he has provided king david not far from you begins humming his new song then he begins singing and everyone joins in lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people the king then sings it again lord how many are my foes how many rise against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you o lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked [Music] from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people that night you sleep better than you have in weeks even though you're so very far away from home even though you're living a life on the run you know the god of the universe has provided meals when hope seemed lost you know the father of abraham isaac and jacob is watching over you and that he will deliver you as david psalm said you called out to the lord and he answered you you laid down to sleep and he sustained you king david's army eventually defeated absalom and the king and his royal court returned to jerusalem but you never forgot the song that gave you hope amidst the trouble lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people god the creator of the universe is watching over you he's protecting you he's a shield around you he's the lifter of your head he gives you hope when you call out to the lord he answers [Music] just as he answered david when you lie down and sleep he sustains you you have no reason to fear because from the lord comes deliverance you are a child of god just like a loving parent cares for a child god is caring for you right now rest in his loving arms abide in his mighty presence accept god's gift of sleep in peace let me pray for you dear father thank you for this precious child of yours i praise you for being their shield and protector as they rest thank you for being the lifter of their head now father i ask that you will grant them peace and pleasant dreams of your kingdom your word says i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me father i ask that you will help this child of yours sleep deeply and then wake up refreshed ready to serve you another day it's in christ's name that i pray amen [Music] king david wrote psalm 3 after he and his court had fled jerusalem in the middle of the night tragically his jealous son absalom was leading a rebellion that was trying to dethrone david eventually they even tried to kill him but in the midst of this king david's faith remains strong let's take a journey back in time to 1000 bc and experience david's peace and joy in a story based on psalm 3 and 2nd samuel you'll see how god provided for him and you'll be encouraged by knowing that the same god who provided for and protected david does the same for you as we enter our scene in ancient israel a reddish orange sun is rising in the east just over the distant dusty hills it's beautiful the temperature is cool but not cold there's a slight breeze blowing in from the north you can smell the distinct aroma of lilies in the air you're a member of king david's royal court and you are tired even a little worried you fled jerusalem in the middle of the night but why didn't god put david in power doesn't god protect his anointed everyone including king david is grieving you don't know what the future holds everyone is also hungry in the rush to escape jerusalem most of the food was left behind king david has ordered everyone to stop walking for a moment you spot him in the crowd at 60 years old his face has aged since he took the throne 30 years ago still these wrinkles look more like wrinkles of wisdom than worry people closest to him say he's a man after god's own heart he prays often and even now as you stare at him he appears to be deep in contemplation and prayer perhaps asking the lord for guidance suddenly he opens his eyes and speaks let's keep walking he says you put one foot in front of another wishing you could rest a little longer but you trust your king as david and the rest of the royal court slowly descends the mount of olives a stranger appears guiding two donkeys the animals are loaded down with the stranger's goods this man has blue eyes a long black beard and a tall wooden staff as you get closer you realize it's zeba a former servant of king saul my king zeba says addressing david i heard about your trouble i bring provisions your eyes quickly study the goods loaded on the donkeys it's enough food to feed king david's court several times over when your heart is filled with joy god has provided a servant counts the food there's 200 loaves of bread 100 bunches of raisins 100 summer fruits including apples and pomegranates and a skin of wine hallelujah someone exclaims king david and zeba speak for a few minutes and then one of his servants passes out the bread then the raisins then the fruit you take a large bite of a juicy red apple and savor the flavor just might be the best food you've ever had and it gives you much needed energy [Music] a few moments ago you were dejected but now you are filled with optimism the living god the god of abraham isaac and jacob has once again taken care of his people david speaks to the group we need to keep moving but first let's worship the living god who has provided this food david begins singing he's written a new psalm to god lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people david often writes music but this song has special meaning to you and the others it encourages you it gives you hope king david looks at you and the others in your party urging you to join him as he sings his new psalm again lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people you sleep well that night knowing god is guarding you several days have passed since zeba delivered his provisions since then you've traveled by foot far from jerusalem and across a variety of landscapes in israel over dry barren land through a lush green forest and just the other night across the jordan river you had forgotten how beautiful the land of israel is no wonder your ancestors labeled it a land flowing with milk and honey no wonder they called it the promised land still you miss your hometown of jerusalem you've prayed each day for god's deliverance but so far god has chosen to let king david live a life on the run perhaps god is teaching david a spiritual lesson perhaps god is teaching you something too today king david has led you to a small town maha naim which is filled with his allies and once again you're hungry and thirsty and tired the food ziba brought is running out perhaps we can fish somewhere around here a friend says we can't another person replies the river is at least a day's journey behind us you have heard stories of your ancestors complaining in the wilderness how they begged moses to take them back to egypt how they grumbled about the taste of manna [Music] how they blamed god for abandoning them you're trying your best to have strong faith in god a faith worthy of testing you remember ziba bringing you food perhaps god will perform another miracle yahweh you pray quietly you are the god of abraham isaac and jacob you brought my ancestors into this land you've protected us you've provided for us again and again thank you lord you are worthy of worship please don't abandon your servant david please lord provide for us once again you are our source of strength you are the reason we live [Music] amen about two hours have passed it's the middle of the day and you've been told king david is seeking god's direction for the next move while you wait you watch two brown squirrels chasing one another up and down an oak tree these squirrels are battling for an acorn an acorn you could eat if only you had enough water and time to prepare it the entire tree in fact is filled with these bitter nuts that would make you sick if not cooked well you tell yourself at least the squirrels have enough food just then you hear the unmistakable sound of a sheep and another sheep and a third one walking alongside them are three men who are guiding not only the sheep but also five donkeys we heard you were hungry and thirsty one of the men says to the king you survey their gifts they've brought more food than zeba did you see wheat and barley and flour and beans and lentils and honey even even cheese it's so much that it's weighing down the donkeys but that's not all these men also brought beds to sleep in in bowls and cookware to prepare meals three of king david's servants unload the donkeys and begin cooking the meat over a fire you toss in another log ensuring there is enough heat another servant starts handing out honeycomb and cheese for those who can't wait for the meal to be ready that's you you take a bite of honey it's even sweeter than the juicy apple you ate all those days ago you swallow it and instantly feel a rush of energy you feel refreshed and most of all thankful god has provided once again he has provided king david not far from you begins humming his new song then he begins singing and everyone joins in [Music] lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people the king then sings it again lord how many are my foes how many rise against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you o lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people that night you sleep better than you have in weeks even though you're so very far away from home even though you're living a life on the run you know the god of the universe has provided meals when hope seemed lost you know the father of abraham isaac and jacob is watching over you and that he will deliver you as david psalm said you called out to the lord and he answered you you laid down to sleep and he sustained you king david's army eventually defeated absalom and the king and his royal court returned to jerusalem but you never forgot the song that gave you hope amidst the trouble lord how many are my foes how many rise up against me many are saying of me god will not deliver him but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me i will not fear though tens of thousands of assail me on every side arise lord deliver me my god strike all my enemies on the jaw break the teeth of the wicked from the lord comes deliverance [Music] may your blessing be on your people god the creator of the universe is watching over you he's protecting you he's a shield around you he's the lifter of your head he gives you hope [Music] when you call out to the lord he answers just as he answered david when you lie down and sleep he sustains you you have no reason to fear because from the lord comes deliverance you are a child of god just like a loving parent cares for a child god is caring for you right now rest in his loving arms abide in his mighty presence accept god's gift of sleep and peace let me pray for you dear father thank you for this precious child of yours [Music] i praise you for being their shield and protector as they rest thank you for being the lifter of their head now father i ask that you will grant them peace and pleasant dreams of your kingdom your word says i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me father i ask that you will help this child of yours sleep deeply and then wake up refreshed ready to serve you another day it's in christ's name that i pray amen [Music] let's get any distractions out of the way make sure the lights are low and you're in a comfortable position not too hot and not too cold if you'd like to find some calming music on the abide app or simply enjoy the quiet don't worry about trying to fall asleep if you do fall asleep the app will stop automatically if you come to the end of this meditation and find that you're still awake you can simply tap the replay button and listen again to the word of god what better way to fall asleep than while hearing god's sweet promises as we prepare to begin take a moment to name any worries that are weighing you down don't be ashamed of your anxiety offer it to god remember that jesus said that you could cast your cares on him picture your worries like rocks in a backpack take them out one by one and hand them to jesus if those worries show up in your backpack again that's okay just give them to jesus again he is our ever present help in times of trouble he does not grow weary and he desires to give you his peace having surrendered your worries and fears to god feel the lightness in your spirit you don't have to carry those things anymore you're free of them feel the weight gone from your shoulders feel the muscles of your neck and back loosen and relax free of the burden they were carrying notice your breath don't judge it just notice it is it shallow or deep now as you breathe out surrender more of your worries to god feel your tension move through your body and out with your breath as you exhale then breathe in god's peace feeling it move through your body and expanding inside of you feel the relaxation in your shoulders deepen as you breathe out the tension and breathe in god's peace keep breathing out the tension and in the peace of god as i read to you from psalm 4. answer me when i call to you my righteous god give me relief from my distress have mercy on me and hear my prayer know that the lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself the lord hears when i call to him tremble and do not sin when you are on your beds search your hearts and be silent offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the lord god you answer when we call to you and you alone have the power to answer prayers please have mercy on your child relieve your child's distress and anxiety lift the burdens from their shoulders and help them to trust your power and your providence your deep love were them i ask this in the name of the father son and holy spirit feel the relaxation spread out from your shoulders and back into your arms and deep inside your chest feel each individual muscle loosen continuing to breathe out your tension and in god's peace let your awareness of god's mercy be stronger than any other thought in your mind let's pray these words from psalm 3 cover you like a blanket but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people god you are our protector and defender and deliverer your children have nothing to fear for you are with us thank you for hearing prayers and answering them thank you for staying with your child through the night never leaving or forsaking them thank you for the new mercies you have for this child when you wake them in the morning in the name of the father son and holy spirit i pray listen to your breathing listen to your breathing slow and steady breathe out any tension breathe in god's peace slowly meditate on these words i will lie down and sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make me dwell in safety let them become your refrain i will lie down and sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make me dwell in safety i will lie down and sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make me dwell in safety let the rhythm of that refrain become the rhythm of your heart as we hear these words from psalm 4 oh god you have declared me perfect in your eyes you have always cared for me in my distress hear me now as i call again have mercy on me hear my prayer the gladness you have given me is far greater than the joy at harvest time i will lie down in peace and sleep for though i am alone o lord you will keep me safe lord you keep your child safe in peace in comfort and rest in restoration you desire to give your child all good things you hear your child when they call to you and you give them gladness and joy now dear father lead your child into sleep fill them with peace and a sense of safety allow them to feel your presence to know that you are near and that you are ever watchful god of all comfort comfort your child you have taken all their burdens upon yourself give them a sense of the freedom you've granted draw them deeper into your rest and your peace and your love tonight may they sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make them dwell in safety and may they wake in the morning refreshed and with your song of joy in their heart in the name of jesus i pray amen [Music] pace your breathing as i pray from isaiah 26 god will keep you in perfect and constant peace tonight god will make your mind steadfast committed focused on him tonight trust god tonight with your sleep take refuge in god's loving arms tonight as you see sleep be confident in the arms of your savior tonight trust confidently in god forever god is your fortress god is your shield god is your banner god is everlasting he is your protector tonight he is your rock for all time dear peaceful and restful father bring this one your child rest and sleep tonight keep them from tossing keep them from turning lord god you never sleep lord god you never slumber so watch over this your child tonight as they sleep bring peace to their churning mind comfort their mind from spinning soothe their heart calm them tonight give them sweet rest in your arms in jesus name amen pace your breathing as i pray from psalm 91 god is covering you tonight god is completely protecting you with his strength you are protected under his wings tonight you can find rest under his wings tonight you can find refuge in the loving arms of god tonight god's faithfulness is your shield tonight god's faithfulness is a wall protecting you from harm so you can rest tonight pace your breathing as you listen to the word of god being prayed softly over you breathe slow and deep as you hear god's words for you tonight as you lay down to sleep do not be afraid tonight as you lay down tonight let your sleep be sweet in peace god will be with you tonight as you sleep you are not alone god is with you and you will be safe as you sleep tonight god will give you his beloved peaceful sleep tonight god will give you sleep god will give you slumber he will fold your hands as you rest you will lie down to rest tonight you will rest peacefully you will wake up in the morning fresh for the lord sustains and cares for you god will not let you move tonight you will be at peace he will be there for you all night because god does not slumber or sleep he stays with you so that you can sleep dear peaceful father thank you for your peace your care your love your mercy your salvation as this child of yours finds sleep tonight as they sleep let them feel your presence over them let them sleep under your wings and it is in jesus name i pray over them amen as we prepare to begin take a moment to name any worries that are weighing you down don't be ashamed of your anxiety offer it to god remember that jesus said that you could cast your cares on him picture your worries like rocks in a backpack take them out one by one and hand them to jesus if those worries show up in your backpack again that's okay just give them to jesus again he is our ever present help in times of trouble he does not grow weary and he desires to give you his peace having surrendered your worries and fears to god feel the lightness in your spirit you don't have to carry those things anymore you're free of them feel the weight gone from your shoulders feel the muscles of your neck and back loosen and relax free of the burden they were carrying notice your breath don't judge it just notice it is it shallow or deep now as you breathe out surrender more of your worries to god feel your tension move through your body and out with your breath as you exhale then breathe in god's peace feeling it move through your body and expanding inside of you [Music] feel the relaxation in your shoulders deepen as you breathe out the tension and breathe in god's keep breathing out the tension and in the peace of god as i read to you from psalm 4. answer me when i call to you my righteous god give me relief from my distress have mercy on me and hear my prayer know that the lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself the lord hears when i call to him tremble and do not sin when you are on your beds search your hearts and be silent [Music] offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the lord god you answer when we call to you and you alone have the power to answer prayers please have mercy on your child relieve your child's distress and anxiety lift the burdens from their shoulders and help them to trust your power and your providence your deep love for them i ask this in the name of the father son and holy spirit [Music] feel the relaxation spread out from your shoulders and back into your arms and deep inside your chest feel each individual muscle loosen continuing to breathe out your tension and in god's peace let your awareness of god's mercy be stronger than any other thought in your mind let's pray these words from psalm 3 cover you like a blanket but you lord are a shield around me my glory the one who lifts my head high i call out to the lord and he answers me from his holy mountain i lie down and sleep i wake again because the lord sustains me from the lord comes deliverance may your blessing be on your people god you are our protector and defender and deliverer your children have nothing to fear for you are with us thank you for hearing prayers and answering them thank you for staying with your child through the night never leaving or forsaking them thank you for the new mercies you have for this child when you wake them in the morning in the name of the father son and holy spirit i pray listen to your breathing listen to your breathing slow and steady breathe out any tension breathe in god's peace slowly meditate on these words i will lie down and sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make me dwell in safety let them become your refrain i will lie down and sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make me dwell in safety i will lie down and sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make me dwell in safety let the rhythm of that refrain become the rhythm of your heart as we hear these words from psalm 4 oh god you have declared me perfect in your eyes you have always cared for me in my distress hear me now as i call again [Music] have mercy on me hear my prayer the gladness you have given me is far greater than the joy at harvest time i will lie down in peace and sleep for though i am alone o lord you will keep me safe [Music] lord you keep your child safe in peace in comfort and rest and restoration you desire to give your child all good things you hear your child when they call to you and you give them gladness and joy now dear father lead your child into sleep fill them with peace and a sense of safety allow them to feel your presence to know that you are near and that you are ever watchful god of all comfort comfort your child you have taken all their burdens upon yourself give them a sense of the freedom you've granted draw them deeper into your rest and your peace and your love tonight may they sleep and sleep in peace for you alone o lord make them dwell in safety and may they wake in the morning refreshed and with your song of joy in their heart in the name of jesus i pray [Music] amen pace your breathing as i pray from isaiah 26 god will keep you in perfect and constant peace tonight god will make your mind steadfast committed focused on him tonight trust god tonight with your sleep take refuge in god's loving arms tonight as you see sleep be confident in the arms of your savior tonight trust confidently in god forever is your fortress god is your shield god is your banner god is everlasting he is your protector tonight he is your rock for all time dear peaceful and restful father bring this one your child rest and sleep tonight keep them from tossing keep them from turning lord god you never sleep lord god you never slumber so watch over this your child tonight as they sleep bring peace to their churning mind comfort their mind from spinning soothe their heart calm them tonight give them sweet rest in your arms in jesus name amen pace your breathing as i pray from psalm 91 god is covering you tonight god is completely protecting you with his strength you are protected under his wings tonight you can find rest under his wings tonight you can find refuge in the loving arms of god tonight god's faithfulness is your shield tonight god's faithfulness is a wall protecting you from harm so you can rest tonight pace your breathing as you listen to the word of god being prayed softly over you breathe slow and deep as you hear god's words for you tonight as you lay down to sleep do not be afraid tonight as you lay down tonight let your sleep be sweet in peace god will be with you tonight as you sleep you are not alone god is with you and you will be safe as you sleep tonight god will give you his beloved peaceful sleep tonight god will give you sleep god will give you slumber he will fold your hands as you rest you will lie down to rest tonight you will rest peacefully you will wake up in the morning fresh for the lord sustains and cares for you god will not let you move tonight you will be at peace he will be there for you all night because god does not slumber or sleep he stays with you so that you can sleep dear peaceful father thank you for your peace your care your love your mercy your salvation as this child of yours finds sleep tonight as they sleep let them feel your presence over them let them sleep under your wings and it is in jesus's name i pray over them amen [Music] [Music] so [Music] imagine it lying down in a beautiful lush green pasture beside a quiet soothing stream not a care in the world only feeling refreshed feeling restored [Music] protected guided consoled and loved yes there are shadows there is darkness but never so oppressing that it's to be feared because god is with you he has been he is and he will be for all eternity the 23rd psalm is one of the most beloved of all passages of scripture king david who wrote the psalm grew up and worked as a shepherd so he knew a lot about sheep and shepherding he loved seeing the lord as a shepherd the shepherd's job is to care for you make you feel safe nourished calm and peaceful whether your life feels peaceful tonight your father in heaven is the good shepherd and is present to love and care for you so get comfortable in your bed lay your head on your pillow pull up your covers around you and relax breathe deeply and slowly to calm your mind and body breathe in and say this the lord is my shepherd breathe out and say i shall not want relax your muscles release the tension from your shoulders and neck rest safely in the comfort of your good shepherd [Music] this evening as countless others have for thousands of years before you settle in as the story of the 23rd psalm transforms you listen now to psalm 23 from the new king james version the lord is my shepherd i shall not want he makes me lie down in green pastures he leads me beside the still waters he restores my soul he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake yea though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death i will fear no evil for you are with me your rod and your staff they comfort me you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies you anoint my head with oil my cup runs over surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life [Music] and i will dwell in the house of the lord forever as you rest even more deeply listen once again as you immerse yourself in this verse the lord is your shepherd he is here with you to feed you to guide you and to shield you you shall not want see his eyes how he looks at you the intense care and love the look that says he knows everything about you yet loves you anyway it's impossible for him to love you any more than he does right now rest there he makes you lie down in green pastures feel the cool grass the blue sky the warmth on your face soak up everything you imagine around you can you hear the birds twittering happily a gentle breeze stirs your hair smell the sweet scent of the grass and the nearby wildflowers you are in a safe haven a wide open space well guarded by your loving shepherd he leads you beside the still and quiet waters [Music] hear it bubbling nearby gentle soothing refreshing hear it smell it dangle your toes and your feet in it it is there to soothe you [Music] you dip your cupped hand in and pull out a handful of cool water you lean your head down to drink ah feel the life that it gives you drink deeply of the living water that is jesus to your soul [Music] he restores your soul your life everything is made new revived refreshed in this time of sleep your strength will be renewed like the eagles you will run and not grow weary you will walk and not faint he will strengthen you he will uphold you with his righteous right hand your head will be lifted up your rest will be deep and sweet he leads you in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake not wandering but guided down a path a well-worn path a known path a chosen path for you for you for him for your eternity for his name for his glory his light shines on that path his word is a lamp for your feet even though you walk through the sunless valley you will fear no evil for you are with him yes there are shadows yes there are storms yes there is distant thunder but no storms surprise god no thunder bothers him no shadows catch him unaware rest in his strength present in storms see the growth the rain causes [Music] notice the flowering the tempest brings god is with you he is by your side he shelters you in his wings you are his forever his rod is there to protect you his staff to guide you to comfort and console you gentle prodding tender reminding a rod that's protective of you a staff that serves to guide you away from harm to comfort you to console you feel soothed now by your heavenly shepherd he prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies he prepares it the creator of the universe the author of time he prepares for you before you in the presence of your enemies god's focus is on you preparing for you providing for you sit at the table he has prepared see all the gifts that he has laid out before you luscious and sweet fruits dripping with their juices and yeasty breads that make your mouth water with their scent cheese freshly made all that is good nutritious and lovely to behold is before you on a laden table ready for you to partake he has anointed and refreshed your head with oil feel his hands on your head feel the oil in his hands the oil running through your hair dripping down your cheeks oil mixed with tears his tears of joy your tears of love feel chosen feel loved feel anointed your cup overflows his blessings don't just fill you they overflow you feel it see it his blessings spilling out of your heart your mind your body and your soul running over to those around you you have an abundance to share god's love his protection his nurture his very self that's too much to contain you long to share it with others surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow you all the days of your life walk along stop for a moment and look behind you what do you see who do you see goodness following you see mercy see unfailing love always present always close walking and step right behind you listen carefully and hear those steps and you shall dwell forever throughout all of your days in the house and in the presence of the lord dwell not just in any old place but living and staying as a permanent resident in the house and presence of god not an earthly place of sticks and mud but a heavenly palace built by the creator himself and not just today but tomorrow all week every month year decade century millennia for all time forever now rest in the green pasture by the still water rest safe from harm allow god's presence to free you to save you breathe it in god's peace and breathe out all of your worries our gracious heavenly father our good shepherd thank you for leading us and your precious child to the green pasture for making them lie down in rest i pray tonight that they would feel your presence all around them that they would revel in the goodness that you have brought to them may they hear your voice of comfort and feel your hands of care on them when they are afraid may they trust in you knowing that you care for them so very much take all worry away lord as you walk with them through their valleys remind them moment by moment of your care and provision for them help them to sleep lord knowing that you will stay by their side you will never leave them nor forsake them you never slumber nor do you sleep so that they can be sure you are ever watchful over them teach them as they sleep tonight to partake of your abundant provision help them to see all around them that you have given them every good gift everything they need for life and salvation you show them the path of righteousness you lead them wherever you need them to go you will never ever abandon them comfort them in your sweet rest tonight lord as numerous as the stars are in the sky are the grains of sand on all the beaches in the world so vast is your love for them let your love envelop them like a blanket keeping them safe and warm let the clear waters restore their soul jesus is the living water and may they thirst for nothing else as the deer pants for the waters may their soul pant for you the living god we thank you and praise you for your loving care in jesus name amen so get comfortable in your bed lay your head on your pillow pull up your covers around you and relax breathe deeply and slowly to calm your mind and body breathe in and say this the lord is my shepherd breathe out and say i shall not want relax your muscles release the tension from your shoulders and neck rest safely in the comfort of your good shepherd this evening countless others have for thousands of years before you settle in as the story of the 23rd psalm transforms you listen now to psalm 23 from the new king james version [Music] the lord is my shepherd i shall not want he makes me lie down in green pastures he leads me beside the still he waters my soul he leads me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake yea though i walk through the valley of the shadow of death i will fear no evil for you are with me your rod and your staff they comfort me you prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies you anoint my head with oil my cup runs over surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and i will dwell in the house of the lord forever as you rest even more deeply listen once again as you immerse yourself in this verse the lord is your shepherd he is here with you to feed you to guide you and to shield you you shall not want [Music] see his eyes how he looks at you the intense care and love the look that says he knows everything about you yet loves you anyway it's impossible for him to love you any more than he does right now [Music] rest there he makes you lie down in green pastures feel the cool grass the blue sky the warmth on your face soak up everything you imagine around you can you hear the birds twittering happily a gentle breeze stirs your hair smell the sweet scent of the grass and the nearby wildflowers you are in a safe haven a wide open space well guarded by your loving shepherd he leads you beside the still and quiet waters hear it bubbling nearby gentle soothing refreshing hear it smell it dangle your toes and your feet in it it is there to soothe you you dip your cupped hand in and pull out a handful of cool water you lean your head down to drink ah feel the life that it gives you drink deeply of the living water that is jesus to your soul he restores your soul your life everything is made new revived refreshed in this time of sleep your strength will be renewed like the eagles you will run and not grow weary you will walk and not faint he will strengthen you he will uphold you with his righteous right hand your head will be lifted up your rest will be deep and sweet he leads you in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake not wandering but guided down a path a well-worn path a known path a chosen path for you [Music] for you for him for your eternity for his name for his glory his light shines on that path his word is a lamp for your feet even though you walk through the sunless valley you will fear no evil for you are with him yes there are shadows yes there are storms yes there is distant thunder but no storms surprise god no thunder bothers him no shadows catch him unaware rest in his strength present in storms see the growth the rain causes notice the flowering the tempest brings god is with you he is by your side he shelters you in his wings you are his forever his rod is there to protect you his staff to guide you to comfort and console you gentle prodding tender reminding a rod that's protective of you a staff that serves to guide you away from harm to comfort you to console you feel soothed now by your heavenly shepherd he prepares a table before you in the presence of your enemies he prepares it the creator of the universe the author of time he prepares for you before you in the presence of your enemies god's focus is on you preparing for you providing for you sit at the table he has prepared see all the gifts that he has laid out before you luscious and sweet fruits dripping with their juices warm and yeasty breads that make your mouth water with their scent cheese freshly made all that is good nutritious and lovely to behold is before you on a laden table ready for you to partake he has anointed and refreshed your head with oil [Music] feel his hands on your head feel the oil in his hands the oil running through your hair dripping down your cheeks oil mixed with tears his tears of joy your tears of love feel chosen feel loved feel anointed your cup overflows his blessings don't just fill you they overflow you feel it see it his blessings spilling out of your heart your mind your body and your soul running over to those around you you have an abundance to share god's love his protection his nurture his very self it's too much to contain you long to share it with others surely goodness and mercy and unfailing love shall follow you all the days of your life walk along stop for a moment and look behind you what do you see who do you see see goodness following you see mercy see unfailing love always present always close walking and step right behind you listen carefully and hear those steps and you shall dwell forever throughout all of your days in the house and in the presence of the lord dwell not just in any old place but living and staying as a permanent resident in the house and presence of god not an earthly place of sticks and mud but a heavenly palace built by the creator himself and not just today but tomorrow all week every month year decade century millennia for all time forever now rest in the green pasture by the still water rest safe from harm allow god's presence to free you to save you breathe it in god's peace and breathe out all of your worries our gracious heavenly father our good shepherd thank you for leading us and your precious child to the green pasture for making them lie down in rest i pray tonight that they would feel your presence all around them but they would revel in the goodness that you have brought to them may they hear your voice of comfort and feel your hands of care on them when they are afraid may they trust in you knowing that you care for them so very much take all worry away lord as you walk with them through their valleys remind them moment by moment of your care and provision for them help them to sleep lord knowing that you will stay by their side you will never leave them nor forsake them you never slumber nor do you sleep so that they can be sure you are ever watchful over them teach them as they sleep tonight to partake of your abundant provision help them to see all around them that you have given them every good gift [Music] everything they need for life and salvation you show them the path of righteousness you lead them wherever you need them to go you will never ever abandon them comfort them in your sweet rest tonight lord as numerous as the stars are in the sky are the grains of sand on all the beaches in the world so vast is your love for them let your love envelop them like a blanket keeping them safe and warm let the clear waters restore their soul jesus is the living water and may they thirst for nothing else as the deer pants for the waters may their soul pant for you the living god we thank you and praise you for your loving care in jesus name amen my help comes from god taken from psalm 121 this psalm speaks words of promise about god's providence and protection on life's journey i invite you now to relax close your eyes softly get comfortable and allow the presence of the lord to fill your heart take a slow deep breath as we journey through the mountains and valleys of psalm 121 to reflect on god's comfort and provision for you remember god loves you and cares for you all the help you'll ever need comes from him allow me to pray over you as you begin to dream and drift into a peaceful night of sleep lord god i ask you to watch over your child tonight hold them in the fold of your tender loving arms father i pray for deep rest and security for this dear and wonderful person that you love and care for give them visions and dreams of your hope refresh them for a new day be their help in time of need and allow them to sleep deeply tonight in the name of the father the son and the holy spirit amen imagine that you are in a peaceful valley it's lush and green with glorious rolling hills that rise and fall into the distance wildflowers dot the landscape with vibrant color yellow daffodils white jasmine with sweet smelling petals you walk slowly through the valley and perfect peace breathing the fresh spring air up above you see a clear blue sky with wispy clouds floating overhead there is stillness and peace all around you are fully content and fully relaxed in the valley jesus is there with you he is happy that you want to spend time with him here see the glow of his smile as you walk side by side [Music] you hear jesus speak psalm 121 out loud to you the words fill the valley alive with his spirit they calm your heart mind and soul i will lift my eyes to the hills where does my help come from [Music] my help comes from the lord who made heaven and earth he will not allow your foot to be moved he who keeps you will not slumber behold he who keeps israel shall never slumber nor sleep the lord is your keeper the lord is your shade at your right hand the sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night [Music] the lord shall preserve you from all evil he shall preserve your soul the lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore you come to a soft blanket spread out for you in the shade or the sun will not strike you by day nor the moon by night jesus invite you to rest right here and you lie dreamily in the valley the lord is your keeper he who keeps you will not slumber he keeps israel safe and he will keep you safe he will neither sleep nor slumber your heart fills with the comfort that god is your keeper your protector your guide his spirit fills your room he shall preserve you from all evil you fall you drift slowly softly asleep your mind is refreshed your arms and back feel light and restored from deep sleep jesus walks again with you through the valley he continues speaking psalm 121 over you slowly like a command making each word true i lift up my eyes to the hills [Music] from where does my help come from as you walk through the beautiful green valley the gentle rolling hills rising up all around you you know where your help comes from he is standing right beside you in glowing robes the risen lord he is so peaceful you are immersed in a sense of stillness and security as you look around at the magnificent landscape you know just by the beauty of creation that god is your creator your provider your help you also know that the psalmist does not look to nature for help as beautiful as the hills may be the psalmist's help comes from the very one who made the hills the heavens and the earth god my help comes from the lord who made heaven and earth the lord god is with you in the valley god the father calls out to you from the hills your heart rejoices at his voice you call out to him and before a word is even on your tongue he knows it he is already sending the help you need at just the right time and in just the right way he will not let your foot be moved he who keeps you will not slumber behold he who keeps israel will neither slumber nor sleep you are amazed by the faithfulness of god the one who does not slumber or sleep he never grows weary of that you can be sure he is a constant presence in your life you feel his presence now your feet are steady on solid ground you have nothing to fear the lord is your keeper the lord is your shade on your right hand the sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night the warmth of the sun is shining down on you and you bask in its light and when it becomes too hot god becomes your shade the coolness on your face he is your keeper and guardian you allow yourself to relax fully in his loving arms he is guiding you and the way you should go even in the night watches when the way seems dark and unfamiliar your foot does not stumble his spirit is there to lead you feel him leading you tonight no matter how dark it seems your footsteps are sure the lord will keep you from all evil he will keep your life the safety you feel in the fold of the lord's loving arms is the most secure feeling in the world [Music] all the cares of life have faded into the night you are able to breathe deeply and know that you are completely safe no evil can touch you for the lord is keeping you from everything that is harmful or contrary to his love for you your very life is held fastly in the palm of his hand you've never felt so protected it's as if walls of love have been placed around you so that nothing can reach you you are surrounded by god's perfect peace the lord will keep your going out and you're coming in from this time forth and forever more as you go through the valley and find pasture your life is locked in and secured in the fold of the great shepherd he watches over your coming and you're going there is nothing that escapes his sovereignty he is your keeper [Music] he keeps watch over you from this time forth now and forevermore tomorrow god will watch over you he will guide your steps the peace of jesus will guard your heart [Music] from this time forth and forevermore you are kept by the love of the lord he is your help in time of need he is your rock your fortress and your deliverer now be still rest deeply and know that god is with you allow his presence to cover you as you sleep in total peace tonight dream peacefully as i pray [Music] gracious god thank you for your provision over your loved one tonight i ask for healing rest and peaceful sleep as they trust in you help them always to remember that their help comes from you alone in jesus's holy name i pray amen may the lord bless you and keep you may the lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you may the lord turn his face toward you and give you peace imagine that you are in a peaceful valley it's lush and green with glorious rolling hills that rise and fall into the distance wildflowers dot the landscape with vibrant color yellow daffodils white jasmine with sweet smelling petals [Music] you walk slowly through the valley and perfect peace breathing the fresh spring air up above you see a clear blue sky with wispy clouds floating overhead there is stillness and peace all around you are fully content and fully relaxed in the valley jesus is there with you he is happy that you want to spend time with him here see the glow of his smile as you walk side by side you hear jesus speak psalm 121 out loud to you the words fill the valley alive with his spirit they calm your heart mind and soul i will lift my eyes to the hills where does my help come from my help comes from the lord who made heaven and earth [Music] he will not allow your foot to be moved he who keeps you will not slumber behold he who keeps israel shall never slumber nor sleep the lord is your keeper the lord is your shade at your right hand the sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night the lord shall preserve you from all evil he shall preserve your soul the lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth and even forevermore you come to a soft blanket spread out for you in the shade or the sun will not strike you by day nor the moon by night jesus invite you to rest right here and you lie dreamily in the valley the lord is your keeper he who keeps you will not slumber he keeps israel safe and he will keep you safe he will neither sleep nor slumber your heart fills with the comfort that god is your keeper your protector your guide his spirit fills your room he shall preserve you from all evil you fall you drift slowly softly asleep [Music] your mind is refreshed your arms and back feel light and restored from deep sleep jesus walks again with you through the valley he continues speaking psalm 121 over you slowly like a command making each word true [Music] i lift up my eyes to the hills from where does my help come from as you walk through the beautiful green valley the gentle rolling hills rising up all around you you know where your help comes from he is standing right beside you in glowing robes the risen lord he is so peaceful you are immersed in a sense of stillness and security as you look around at the magnificent landscape you know just by the beauty of creation that god is your creator your provider your help you also know that the psalmist does not look to nature for help as beautiful as the hills may be the psalmist's help comes from the very one who made the hills the heavens and the earth god [Music] my help comes from the lord who made heaven and earth the lord god is with you in the valley god the father calls out to you from the hills your heart rejoices at his voice you call out to him and before a word is even on your tongue he knows it he is already sending the help you need at just the right time and in just the right way he will not let your foot be moved he who keeps you will not slumber behold he who keeps israel will neither slumber nor sleep you are amazed by the faithfulness of god the one who does not slumber or sleep he never grows weary of that you can be sure he is a constant presence in your life you feel his presence now your feet are steady on solid ground you have nothing to fear the lord is your keeper the lord is your shade on your right hand the sun shall not strike you by day nor the moon by night the warmth of the sun is shining down on you and you bask in its light and when it becomes too hot god becomes your shade the coolness on your face he is your keeper and guardian you allow yourself to relax fully in his loving arms he is guiding you and the way you should go even in the night watches when the way seems dark and unfamiliar your foot does not stumble his spirit is there to lead you feel him leading you tonight no matter how dark it seems your footsteps are sure the lord will keep you from all evil he will keep your life [Music] the safety you feel in the fold of the lord's loving arms is the most secure feeling in the world all the cares of life have faded into the night you are able to breathe deeply and know that you are completely safe no evil can touch you for the lord is keeping you from everything that is harmful or contrary to his love for you your very life is held fastly in the palm of his hand you've never felt so protected it's as if walls of love have been placed around you so that nothing can reach you you are surrounded by god's perfect peace [Music] the lord will keep your going out and you're coming in from this time forth and forever more as you go through the valley and find pasture your life is locked in and secured in the fold of the great shepherd he watches over your coming and you're going there is nothing that escapes his sovereignty he is your keeper he keeps watch over you from this time forth now and forevermore [Music] tomorrow god will watch over you [Music] he will guide your steps the peace of jesus will guard your heart from this time forth and forevermore you are kept by the love of the lord he is your help in time of need he is your rock your fortress and your deliverer now be still rest deeply and know that god is with you allow his presence to cover you as you sleep in total peace tonight dream peacefully as i pray gracious god thank you for your provision over your loved one tonight i ask for healing rest and peaceful sleep as they trust in you help them always to remember that their help comes from you alone in jesus's holy name i pray amen may the lord bless you and keep you [Music] may the lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you may the lord turn his face toward you and give you peace tonight i'll share a story on the beatitudes from the book of matthew the fifth chapter in this well-known passage of scripture jesus lists eight beatitudes that bring his children peace and joy eight beatitudes that bring his children blessings while jesus wants his children to be happy he desires us even more to find joy he's teaching us how to find it before we begin let your eyes gently shut relax the day is over it's time to rest put the troubles of today behind you and look forward to the blessings of god get comfortable let your head sink into the soft pillow stretch out your legs breathe in god's peace and breathe out your worries you are god's child he loves you he is watching over you accept his peace and protection as i pray for you heavenly father thank you for this child of yours thank you for their heart for you thank you for their desire to know you more thank you for their talents and for their many gifts i ask that you will bless this child of yours with your peace with your presence with your love i ask that you will give them peaceful dreams father we know that sleep is a blessing thank you for rest thank you for giving us a time to slow down unwind and focus on you and your word i ask that you will protect them and refresh them for a new day it's in jesus name that i pray amen now imagine you are one of jesus disciples you have been walking from town to town under the hot galilean sun watching him heal the sick and preach the good news just the other day he healed someone with paralysis then he healed someone with seizures then he drove out a demon you've been a disciple only a short while but you're astonished at what he has done no one has ever seen anyone like him it's like something straight out of well the book of exodus it's common for a stranger to approach you and ask is jesus the messiah but as jesus ministry has grown in popularity the crowds have grown too so much so that hundreds perhaps thousands often follow him people from galilee the decapolis jerusalem judea and the region across the jordan often crowd around jesus and around you too sure it's a blessing but jesus has had very little time alone with you and the other disciples lately and now another large crowd is approaching far off in the distance then jesus speaks let's climb this hill to get away from the crowds for a while he says to you and the others i have a few things i have been wanting to tell you it's a warm day in galilee but there is a cool breeze blowing off the lake below the light wind feels great on your skin as you and the others follow jesus up the grassy hill you take a peek back at the lake two fishermen are casting their net into the water across the lake two more fishermen are pushing their small wooden boat into the lake you fished at that lake many times but you're glad you are with jesus today you're glad he asked you to be with him you remember what he told you come follow me and i will send you out to fish for people you take in the unique smell of moisture in the air you also enjoy the scent of colorful wildflowers below your feet white and blue and yellow and red then jesus stops walking this looks like a good place to talk he says it's a beautiful scenic spot on the side of the hill several large boulders surround you the grass is a lush green flowers are abundant jesus sits down high above everyone this will allow you and the others to hear his voice you sit down on an area near him jesus surveys the disciples making sure everyone made it up the hill he looks at the others then he looks at you then at the others again he begins speaking blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy blessed are the pure in heart for they will see god blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of god blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [Music] blessed are you when people insult you persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you it's been 30 minutes since jesus spoke he is high on the hill talking alone with peter you and the others are further down the hill talking to one another it's a bit windier now but the fishermen are still on the lake below two of them are pulling up their net filled with a big catch you think back to your fishing days but mostly you think back to what jesus just said his message was different than anything you've ever heard it was counter-cultural it was radical but it was so so wonderful too he promised you mercy he promised you comfort he said you would be called a child of god he even said you would inherit the earth and be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven blessed he said are those who are poor in spirit those who see themselves fully dependent on god and not themselves blessed he said are those who mourn blessed he said are the meek and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness blessed he said are those who are merciful blessed he said are the peacemakers he even said you would be blessed if you are persecuted you and another disciple andrew begin talking andrew fears some disciples may leave jesus because of his message you agree with him but you and andrew pledge devotion to christ then you see jesus coming your way he stops and begins talking to you you share your thoughts about his sermon with him he smiles looks away for a moment and then looks back at you i will be with you he says i will help you i will give you the strength to persevere remember i love you he hugs you as jesus begins walking down the hill your mind turns to the words of the psalmist it's one of the passages your family taught you growing up it comforted you as a child and as an adult too [Music] blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers but whose delight is in the law of the lord and who meditates on his law day and night that person is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do prospers not so the wicked they are like chaff that the wind blows away therefore the wicked will not stand in judgment nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous for the lord watches over the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked leads to destruction [Music] jesus loves you he wants what is best for you he wants you to be blessed he wants you to be filled with joy he wants you to have peace like a loving shepherd watching his sheep the all-powerful all-knowing god of the universe is watching over you right now he's right beside you take comfort let me pray for you dear god thank you for this child thank you for this time to relax and meditate on your word thank you for sleep father i ask that you will grant them patience and peace i ask that you bless them with wonderful dreams i ask that you will give them a great night's sleep so they will wake up refreshed in jesus name i pray amen jesus is the good shepherd you are his sheep accept is promises trust is protection rest in his presence in this well-known passage of scripture jesus lists eight beatitudes that bring his children peace and joy eight beatitudes that bring his children blessings while jesus wants his children to be happy he desires us even more to find joy he's teaching us how to find it before we begin let your eyes gently shut relax the day is over it's time to rest put the troubles of today behind you and look forward to the blessings of god [Music] get comfortable let your head sink into the soft pillow stretch out your legs breathe in god's peace and breathe out your worries you are god's child he loves you he is watching over you accept his peace and protection as i pray for you heavenly father thank you for this child of yours thank you for their heart for you thank you for their desire to know you more thank you for their talents and for their many gifts i ask that you will bless this child of yours with your peace with your presence with your love i ask that you will give them peaceful dreams father we know that sleep is a blessing thank you for rest you for giving us a time to slow down unwind and focus on you and your word i ask that you will protect them and refresh them for a new day it's in jesus name that i pray amen now imagine you are one of jesus disciples you have been walking from town to town under the hot galilean sun watching him heal the sick and preach the good news just the other day he healed someone with paralysis then he healed someone with seizures then he drove out a demon you've been a disciple only a short while but you're astonished at what he has done no one has ever seen anyone like him it's like something straight out of well the book of exodus it's common for a stranger to approach you and ask is jesus the messiah but as jesus ministry has grown in popularity the crowds have grown too so much so that hundreds perhaps thousands often follow him people from galilee the decapolis jerusalem judea and the region across the jordan often crowd around jesus and around you too sure it's a blessing but jesus has had very little time alone with you and the other disciples lately and now another large crowd is approaching far off in the distance then jesus speaks let's climb this hill to get away from the crowds for a while he says to you and the others i have a few things i've been wanting to tell you it's a warm day in galilee but there is a cool breeze blowing off the lake below the light wind feels great on your skin as you and the others follow jesus up the grassy hill you take a peek back at the lake two fishermen are casting their net into the water [Music] across the lake two more fishermen are pushing their small wooden boat into the lake you fished at that lake many times but you're glad you are with jesus today you're glad he asked you to be with him you remember what he told you follow me and i will send you out to fish for people you take in the unique smell of moisture in the air you also enjoy the scent of colorful wildflowers below your feet white and blue and yellow and red then jesus stops walking this looks like a good place to talk he says it's a beautiful scenic spot on the side of the hill several large boulders surround you the grass is a lush green flowers are abundant jesus sits down high above everyone this will allow you and the others to hear his voice you sit down on an area near him jesus surveys the disciples making sure everyone made it up the hill he looks at the others then he looks at you then at the others again he begins speaking blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven [Music] blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted blessed are the meek for they will inherit the earth blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness for they will be filled blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy blessed are the pure in heart for they will see god blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of god blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness for theirs is the kingdom of heaven blessed are you when people insult you persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me rejoice and be glad because great is your reward in heaven for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you it's been 30 minutes since jesus spoke he is high on the hill talking alone with peter you and the others are further down the hill talking to one another it's a bit windier now but the fishermen are still on the lake below two of them are pulling up their net filled with a big catch you think back to your fishing days but mostly you think back to what jesus just said his message was different than anything you've ever heard it was counter-cultural it was radical but it was so so wonderful too he promised you mercy he promised you comfort he said you would be called a child of god he even said you would inherit the earth and be welcomed into the kingdom of heaven blessed he said are those who are poor in spirit those who see themselves fully dependent on god and not themselves blessed he said are those who mourn blessed he said are the meek and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness blessed he said are those who are merciful blessed he said are the peacemakers he even said you would be blessed if you are persecuted you and another disciple andrew begin talking andrew fears some disciples may leave jesus because of his message you agree with him but you and andrew pledge devotion to christ then you see jesus coming your way he stops and begins talking to you you share your thoughts about his sermon with him he smiles looks away for a moment and then looks back at you i will be with you he says i will help you i will give you the strength to persevere remember i love you he hugs you as jesus begins walking down the hill your mind turns to the words of the psalmist it's one of the passages your family taught you growing up it comforted you as a child and as an adult too blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers but whose delight is in the law of the lord and who meditates on his law day and night that person is like a tree planted by streams of water which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither whatever they do prospers not so the wicked they are like chaff that the wind blows away therefore the wicked will not stand in judgment nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous for the lord watches over the way of the righteous but the way of the wicked leads to destruction jesus loves you he wants what is best for you he wants you to be blessed he wants you to be filled with joy he wants you to have peace like a loving shepherd watching his sheep the all-powerful all-knowing god of the universe is watching over you right now he's right beside you take comfort let me pray for you dear god thank you for this child thank you for this time to relax and meditate on your word thank you for sleep father i ask that you will grant them patience and peace i ask that you blessed him with wonderful dreams i ask that you will give them a great night's sleep so they will wake up refreshed in jesus name i pray amen jesus is the good shepherd you are his sheep accept his promises trust is protection rest in his presence if you struggle to fall asleep or deal with insomnia use this peaceful meditation as a way to find relief now settle into your bed and get comfortable let your head sink deep into the pillow let go of any distractions or thoughts about tomorrow and events of your day allow yourself to be fully present in the here and now breathe deeply in and out in and out inviting god's presence to fill the room as you listen to my voice and the words of this meditation let the peaceful messages flow into your mind and settle deep into your heart the prayers and scriptures i will speak over you tonight are words of hope life and peace ask the holy spirit to send words of comfort through this meditation and know that his angels are here to protect you as you rest tonight as i begin reading from psalm 91 allow yourself to feel the security of god's covering like a soft warm blanket let his gentle presence cover every fiber of your being he is your protection and your refuge know that it is the lord who keeps you safe those who live in the shelter of the most high will find rest in the shadow of the almighty he alone is your refuge your place of safety he is your god and you can trust him he will cover you with his feathers he will shelter you with his wings his faithful promises are your armor and your protection do not be afraid rest in his everlasting arms as i pray over you now relax and breathe deeply in and out inhale his goodness exhale your worries gracious heavenly father shelter this beloved person tonight under the shadow of your wings let their heart fully trust in you lord as you cover them and guard them from the terrors of the night surround them with your angels that they might feel completely safe and secure in jesus name do you feel his presence his protection his safety breathe deeply now in and out relaxing even more in the presence of god trust the lord to send his angels to keep watch over you allow yourself to imagine guardian angels in the room with you they are there to protect you so that you can rest easily feel the warmth of the covers and the softness of the pillow as you sink deeper into peaceful relaxation [Music] now listen as i read these beautiful words from psalm 91 if you make the lord your refuge if you make the most high your shelter no evil will conquer you no plague will come near your home for he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go [Music] do you believe that do you believe with all your heart that god will order his angels to protect you he loves you and you can rest fully in that truth holy god please give this person your cherished loved one perfect rest help them to make you their refuge and their shelter give them comfort give them comfort to know that no bad thing will come near their home help them sense that your angels are watching over them tonight in jesus name i pray amen as i share even more from psalm 91 try to pace your breathing breathe in and exhale slowly breathe in and breathe out allow yourself to drift off to sleep in perfect peace for the lord says i will rescue those who love me i will protect those who trust in my name when you call on me i will answer i will be with you in trouble god is with you he will rescue you from every trouble every hardship every difficult situation when you love him trust him and call on his name yes he will be with you feel his presence his spirit lives in you his son jesus has saved you he is your god heavenly father be with your loved one tonight with every breath they take let them know you are with them let them know that your spirit dwells in their spirit and let them be assured that the blood of your son has made them clean whole and restored thank you lord for protecting them tonight in your presence and by the covering of your angels in jesus name as i share this final portion of psalm 91 sink even deeper into the safety and protection that the lord offers you tonight his loving arms are around you he is keeping you safe he is with you i will rescue and honor you says the lord i will reward you with a long life and give you my salvation the peace of knowing you have honor long life and salvation is a perfect peace that allows you to rest fully in the lord he is trustworthy and true feel his presence now as you breathe in and out breathe in the warmth of god's embrace exhale your exhaustion letting it go as you drift into god's land of protection thank you lord for rewarding your servant with honor and long life bless them tonight giving them peaceful rest assuring them of the salvation they have in your son jesus for it is in his name that i pray now as i turn to psalm 103 let your mind turn to thoughts of deep sleep you are at perfect rest tonight breathe in and out sinking deeper into the bed letting your entire body relax let every part of you praise the lord may you never forget the good things he has done for you he forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases what a beautiful reminder of the good things god has done for you he longs to give you good things receive his goodness do you feel the goodness of his presence he has sent angels to protect you and it is good confess your sins before the lord he forgives all of your iniquities thank him praise him he heals all of your ailments receive his healing touch his comforts his provisions breathe deeply of his spirit relax settle your mind and heart on his goodness gracious god please bless this person tonight with good things that they will not forget what you have done for them you have forgiven them let them know they are forgiven tonight you have healed them let them feel completely healed by your touch thank you lord for giving your beloved such wonderful gifts in jesus name now as i continue in psalm 103 relax and breathe in and out again in and out letting your mind settle on the comforting words of the scripture god's words his truth his ways he redeems you from death and crowns you with love and tender mercies he fills your life with good things receive those good things from the hand of the father for he has redeemed you breathe in and out and let your heart praise him for redeeming your life his tender mercies are new every morning he has crowned you with love and mercy feel the crown of love that he has placed on your head he fills your life with goodness so embrace those wonderful blessings that you have received from his hand holy god thank you so much for showering your loved one with blessings please continue to crown them with good things let them know you are in the room you are in their heart your angels are all around protecting guarding covering in jesus's holy name and now as i close with our final verses from psalm 103 rest in perfect peace tonight breathing in and out in and out fully relaxed and at peace your youth is renewed like the eagles the lord gives righteousness and justice to you righteousness and justice let those words sink deeply into your mind your heart your soul god's righteousness peace and life are given to you tonight relax sleep dream of god's goodness you will awaken renewed by the lord himself ready to face the day with strength and vitality breathe deeper now fully relaxed completely at ease relax you can know that you are protected release you can know that you are loved refresh you can sleep in perfect peace you can dream of god's goodness righteousness and provision lord god surround this cherished person with your loving presence in peace and holiness cover them as your angels protect them help them rest deeply and sleep through the night help them to sense your loving kindness and goodness as they dream in jesus's holy name i pray amen let your head sink deep into the pillow let go of any distractions or thoughts about tomorrow and events of your day allow yourself to be fully present in the here and now breathe deeply in and out in and out inviting god's presence to fill the room as you listen to my voice and the words of this meditation let the peaceful messages flow into your mind and settle deep into your heart the prayers and scriptures i will speak over you tonight are words of hope life and peace ask the holy spirit to send words of comfort through this meditation and know that his angels are here to protect you as you rest tonight as i begin reading from psalm 91 allow yourself to feel the security of god's covering like a soft warm blanket let his gentle presence cover every fiber of your being he is your protection and your refuge know that it is the lord who keeps you safe those who live in the shelter of the most high will find rest in the shadow of the almighty he alone is your refuge your place of safety he is your god and you can trust him he will cover you with his feathers he will shelter you with his wings his faithful promises are your armor and your protection do not be afraid rest in his everlasting arms as i pray over you now relax and breathe deeply in and out inhale his goodness exhale your worries gracious heavenly father shelter this beloved person tonight under the shadow of your wings let their heart fully trust in you lord as you cover them and guard them from the terrors of the night surround them with your angels that they might feel completely safe and secure in jesus name do you feel his presence his protection his breathe deeply now in and out relaxing even more in the presence of god [Music] trust the lord to send his angels to keep watch over you allow yourself to imagine guardian angels in the room with you they are there to protect you so that you can rest easily feel the warmth of the covers and the softness of the pillow as you sink deeper into peaceful relaxation now listen as i read these beautiful words from psalm 91 if you make the lord your refuge if you make the most high your shelter no evil will conquer you no plague will come near your home for he will order his angels to protect you wherever you go do you believe that do you believe with all your heart that god will order his angels to protect you he loves you and you can rest fully in that truth holy god please give this person your cherished loved one perfect rest help them to make you their refuge and their shelter give them comfort give them comfort to know that no bad thing will come near their home help them sense that your angels are watching over them tonight in jesus name i pray amen as i share even more from psalm 91 try to pace your breathing breathe in and exhale slowly breathe in and breathe out allow yourself to drift off to sleep in perfect peace for the lord says i will rescue those who love me i will protect those who trust in my name when you call on me i will answer i will be with you in trouble god is with you he will rescue you from every trouble every hardship every difficult situation when you love him trust him and call on his name yes he will be with you feel his presence his spirit lives in you his son jesus has saved you he is your god heavenly father be with your loved one tonight with every breath they take let them know you are with them let them know that your spirit dwells in their spirit and let them be assured that the blood of your son has made them clean whole and restored thank you lord for protecting them tonight in your presence and by the covering of your angels in jesus name as i share this final portion of psalm 91 sink even deeper into the safety and protection that the lord offers you tonight his loving arms are around you he is keeping you safe he is with you i will rescue and honor you says the lord i will reward you with a long life and give you my salvation the peace of knowing you have honor long life and salvation is a perfect piece that allows you to rest fully in the lord he is trustworthy and true feel his presence now as you breathe in and out breathe in the warmth of god's embrace exhale your exhaustion letting it go as you drift into god's land of protection thank you lord for rewarding your servant with honor and long life bless them tonight giving them peaceful rest assuring them of the salvation they have in your son jesus for it is in his name that i pray now as i turn to psalm 103 let your mind turn to thoughts of deep sleep you are at perfect rest tonight breathe in and out sinking deeper into the bed letting your entire body relax let every part of you praise the lord may you never forget the good things he has done for you he forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases what a beautiful reminder of the good things god has done for you he longs to give you good things receive his goodness do you feel the goodness of his presence he has sent angels to protect you and it is good confess your sins before the lord he forgives all of your iniquities thank him praise him he heals all of your ailments receive his healing touch his comforts his provisions breathe deeply of his spirit relax settle your mind and heart on his goodness gracious god please bless this person tonight with good things that they will not forget what you have done for them you have forgiven them let them know they are forgiven tonight you have healed them let them feel completely healed by your touch thank you lord for giving your beloved such wonderful gifts in jesus name now as i continue in psalm 103 relax and breathe in and out again in and out letting your mind settle on the comforting words of the scripture god's words his truth his ways he redeems you from death and crowns you with love and tender mercies he fills your life with good things receive those good things from the hand of the father for he has redeemed you breathe in and out and let your heart praise him for redeeming your life his tender mercies are new every morning has crowned you with love and mercy feel the crown of love that he has placed on your head he fills your life with goodness so embrace those wonderful blessings that you have received from his hand holy god thank you so much for showering your loved one with blessings please continue to crown them with good things let them know you are in the room you are in their heart your angels are all around protecting guarding covering in jesus's holy name and now as i close with our final verses from psalm 103 rest in perfect peace tonight breathing in and out in and out fully relaxed and at peace your youth is renewed like the eagles the lord gives righteousness and justice to you righteousness and justice let those words sink deeply into your mind your heart your soul god's righteousness peace and life are given to you tonight relax sleep dream of god's goodness you will awaken renewed by the lord himself ready to face the day with strength and vitality breathe deeper now fully relaxed completely at ease relax you can know that you are protected release you can know that you are loved refresh you can sleep in perfect peace you can dream of god's goodness righteousness and provision lord god surround this cherished person with your loving presence in peace and holiness cover them as your angels protect them help them rest deeply and sleep through the night help them to sense your loving kindness and goodness as they dream [Music] in jesus's holy name i pray amen [Music] [Music] this story is about the heavenly visions daniel received as recorded in daniel chapter 7. they were night visions of times and events that were yet to come in these revelations god showed daniel things that would take place in the world things too wonderful for daniel to fully comprehend god also gave daniel a glimpse of his majesty as the ancient of days seated on his throne but before we get into the story take a few moments to get comfortable remove all distractions from the room relax and take a deep breath in and out let the peace of god surround you as you keep taking slow deep breaths steadying your heart rate and feeling your muscles relax and release all tension of your day let's pray holy god i invite your presence here tonight ancient of days high and lifted up i bow myself before you i let go of all other things all thoughts concerns worries and stresses i lay them down at your feet thank you for allowing me into your throne room my soul worships you tonight as i fall asleep in your presence fill my dreams with glorious visions of who you are surround me with your angels to guard me as i sleep i rest securely in the knowledge that you are god you are good and you are with me in jesus name i surrender my sleep to you amen the imagery of the ancient of days sitting on his throne is a glorious picture of god most high ruling over heaven and earth he was before all things before the mountains and hills burst forth from the earth before the seas were divided and before the sun moon and stars were spoken into existence god was there for all eternity he was there rest your mind on the eternal presence of god tonight not only was god before all things he is present with us today he doesn't come and go like the changing tides of the ocean he remains steadfast and sure abide in the steadfastness of his presence for several moments the lord was and is and is to come he will reign for all eternity let that imagery bring you great peace and comfort tonight as you rest in the sovereignty of god the ancient of days continue to relax every muscle in your body and keep taking deep breaths release all the worries of the day now as we prepare to hear about daniel's heavenly visions let me pray again heavenly father you are high and lifted up seated on your throne what comfort it gives me tonight to know that you are god you are holy you are sovereign over all the peace this gives me is indescribable please let your presence cover me tonight as i sleep i invite your spirit to be present please watch over me and my household throughout the night watches thank you ancient of days for being sovereign over my life in jesus name i pray amen in the book of daniel chapter 7 verse 13 daniel says i saw in the night visions and behold with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man and he came to the ancient of days and was presented before him allow this passage from the scriptures to descend on you tonight just as the one like the son of man descended with the clouds of heaven rest in the presence of the lord he is with you he covers you like a warm blanket safe and secure as daniel lay on his bed dreams and visions filled his mind they were revelations from the lord some of the visions were terrifying yet god knew that daniel was a man of great faith god would not let anything happen to his beloved servant allow that thought to bring you great comfort tonight the lord protects you even in the most fiery of trials he is with you he loves you he guards your life eventually god revealed a vision to daniel a vision that was so glorious and profound daniel could hardly comprehend it the scriptures describes it as one like the son of man coming with the clouds of heaven to the throne of the ancient of days the one like the son of man was jesus whisper the name of jesus tonight and settle your thoughts only on him lord god i come before you in humble praise and adoration i ask that you cover your beloved child tonight in the blanket of your peace i pray in the name of your son jesus that you settle their hearts and minds in you lord as they fall asleep i ask that you give them deep and satisfying rest i pray that they will wake up renewed and refreshed thank you lord for loving them so much thank you for being with them right here right now in jesus name amen continue to breathe in and out relaxing even more as we continue our story in daniel the bible describes the ancient of days as clothed in garments of white they were as white as freshly fallen snow pure crisp clean even his hair was white like pure wool rest your thoughts in the purity of those beautiful descriptions of god the scriptures go on to say that his throne was made of fiery flames and wheels of burning fire this speaks of god's majesty and greatness blazing with utmost authority bask in the fiery glow of god's sovereignty for several moments not only was the ancient of days sitting on his throne thousands upon thousands stood before him ten thousand times ten thousand stood in his presence what a glorious sight that must have been for daniel place yourself there before the throne as one of the tens of thousands of people standing before the ancient of days [Music] forever we will praise him for all eternity we will honor and glorify him let the thought of eternity in god's presence fill you with hope and peace tonight in psalm 90 verse 2 the scriptures paint a picture of the ancient of days as our eternal god it says before the mountains were born before you gave birth to the earth and the world from beginning to end you are god he is god he is from beginning to end he is the alpha and omega he is the ancient of days rest now in the hushed silence of god's presence feel the spirit of god hovering over you know that the lord is the ancient of days the one who was and is and is to come abide in the security of his holiness for a moment holy god lord of all creation we marvel in your glory we bask in your presence from beginning to end you are god thank you for establishing the heavens and the earth there is none like you please cover your beloved one tonight with the peace of your presence help them fall into a deep and peaceful sleep knowing you are watching over them in jesus holy name i pray amen as jesus approached his father's throne the bible says to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom that all peoples nations and languages should serve him his dominion is an everlasting dominion which shall not pass away and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed all power glory and honor belong to jesus surrender your power glory and honor to him tonight all people of every nation tribe and tongue were created to serve the lord jesus christ bow your thoughts to the lord tonight breathe in the glory of his presence exhale all other thoughts the ancient of days is eternal he is everlasting his kingdom is never ending he will reign on his throne forever and ever let these words settle deep in your soul as you are comforted by the everlasting presence of god you are invited to the throne for the veil has been torn in two there is nothing holding you back there is no barrier between you and the ancient of days jesus made a way when there was no other way he opened the doors to the throne room of his father come before the throne now eternal god i come before your throne in humble adoration i am in awe of you thank you for making a way for me to come to you thank you for sending your son jesus to remove the veil that once separated me from you i am humbled by your presence tonight i surrender my life to you in the precious name of your son jesus amen and amen even though daniel's heart was troubled by the visions he saw god gave this promise the saints of the most high shall receive the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever and ever as a believer in the lord jesus christ you are considered a saint of the lord most high allow the promise of god to wash over you that you will be included in receiving the kingdom and possessing it forever what a glorious promise for us saints of god most high rest now in that promise security is not in this world it is not in your possessions your peace is found only in the eternal presence of god his kingdom has no end his ways are steadfast forever in him you can put your trust place your trust in the ancient of days tonight you are his beloved he loves you he invites you to his throne room remain before him in humble adoration tonight lord i come into your presence tonight before your throne with thousands upon thousands i praise you thank you for your precious promises they comfort me thank you for your son who saves me i lay down every part of myself and surrender my life to you for you are my god you are my savior you are the ancient of days every day can seem like a battle so that when you get to the end and finally settle down to sleep it can be elusive because you're so wound up from your day let this sleep meditation god guards your heart help you let go of the stress trust god for your cares and lull you into a deep and restful sleep you're probably familiar with the armor of god spoken of in ephesians chapter 6. let me read that passage to you finally be strong in the lord and in the strength of his might put on the whole armor of god that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the cosmic powers over this present darkness against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places therefore take up the whole armor of god that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand firm stand therefore having fastened on the belt of truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and as shoes for your feet having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace in all circumstances take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of god [Music] tonight we will focus on that breastplate of righteousness that which is guarding your heart so close your eyes relax your body get as comfortable as you can and begin to take slow deep breaths if a distracting thought rushes in acknowledge its presence and then push it away there will be time enough for it in the morning after a good night's sleep feel the pillow underneath your head the mattress securely holding up your body notice the covers keeping you warm hear the sounds from your house take comfort in them all will be well all will be well let me pray for you now lord jesus where you are there is peace and so i ask that you be very near to your beloved one tonight as they lie down to sleep [Music] cover them with your peace no matter what is going on in their life thank you for standing guard over their heart protecting them and providing for them thank you for your deep love that never leaves them in their sleep give them sweet dreams that remind them of who you are it's in your name that i pray amen romans 13 14 in the contemporary english version says let the lord jesus christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear then you won't try to satisfy your selfish desires the clothes we wear say a lot about us and when we go to choose what we're going to wear each day sometimes our choices reflect our mood if you have to wear a uniform of some sort to work your clothes tell people something about what you do who you work for a police officer is easily identifiable by their uniform a chef has a certain look baseball players represent their team and so when you put on the lord jesus christ people know that you are his clothing also protects us from the elements wearing the right clothes when it's cold helps our body stay warm if you're working in the hot sun clothes help protect you from sunburn construction workers wear solid boots and helmets to protect their heads and so putting on the lord jesus christ protects your spiritual self from anything that might cause it harm father god i pray for your child that they would always know that they are covered by your love that their heart is protected from harm that your banner over them is love lord the peace that comes from being in your presence is beyond our comprehension but we are so grateful for it i pray for this child of yours tonight guard their heart as you have promised to do let all the wonder of your presence comfort them as rest the battle is hard but you are worthy it wears us down but you do not grow weary you watch over us so that we can sleep and i claim that for this listener tonight in the precious name of jesus i pray amen let us return to the armor mentioned earlier specifically the breastplate of righteousness picture that warrior now pulling on their boots and greaves gloves and helmet picking up their shield hefting their sword but one look at them will tell you that they've left vulnerable the largest part of their body if they neglect to put on their breastplate this solid piece of metal does not just cover their heart it covers all the vital organs of their body so that they are protected you beloved child of god have jesus as your breastplate his blood protects your soul you are his forever put on the lord jesus christ as a warrior puts on their armor the righteousness you have is only from him he loves you he saved you he protects you he has given you eternal life nothing can snatch you out of his hand nothing can separate you from him not trouble distress persecution famine nakedness danger or sword [Music] romans 8 37 to 39 tells us no in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us for i am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers nor height nor death nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of god in christ jesus our lord god guards your heart you are that warrior suited for battle but you don't go alone god goes with you god will guard you he's your rock your cornerstone when you feel weary he will carry you he's your sword and shield don't give up he'll never leave you before him the enemy must yield so sleep well dear warrior have no fear god will guard your heart put on jesus let him cover you nothing can keep you apart lion of judah thank you for protecting this beloved child tonight draw them deeply into sleep as they rely on you every moment thank you for being not only their protector but their friend their shepherd their lord keep them in your peace throughout the night remind them of your close presence now drift peacefully into sleep as i read psalm 61 over you hear my cry o god listen to my prayer from the end of the earth i call to you when my heart is faint lead me to the rock that is higher than i for you have been my refuge a strong tower against the enemy let me dwell in your tent forever let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings for you o god have heard my vows you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name prolong the life of the king may his years endure to all generations may he be enthroned forever before god appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him so will i ever sing praises to your name as i perform my vows day after day amen every day can seem like a battle so that when you get to the end and finally settle down to sleep it can be elusive because you're so wound up from your day let this sleep meditation god guards your heart help you let go of the stress trust god for your cares and lull you into a deep and restful sleep you're probably familiar with the armor of god spoken of in ephesians chapter six let me read that passage to you finally be strong in the lord and in the strength of his might put on the whole armor of god that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil for we do not wrestle against flesh and blood but against the rulers against the authorities against the cosmic powers over this present darkness against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places therefore take up the whole armor of god that you may be able to withstand in the evil day and having done all to stand firm stand therefore having fastened on the belt of truth and having put on the breastplate of righteousness and as shoes for your feet having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace in all circumstances take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit which is the word of god tonight we will focus on that breastplate of righteousness that which is guarding your heart so close your eyes relax your body get as comfortable as you can and begin to take slow [Music] deep breaths if a distracting thought rushes in acknowledge its presence and then push it away there will be time enough for it in the morning after a good night's sleep feel the pillow underneath your head the mattress securely holding up your body notice the covers keeping you warm hear the sounds from your house take comfort in them all will be well all will be well let me pray for you now lord jesus where you are there is peace and so i ask that you be very near to your beloved one tonight as they lie down to sleep cover them with your peace no matter what is going on in their life thank you for standing guard over their heart protecting them and providing for them thank you for your deep love that never leaves them in their sleep give them sweet dreams that remind them of who you are it's in your name that i pray amen romans 13 14 in the contemporary english version says let the lord jesus christ be as near to you as the clothes you wear then you won't try to satisfy your selfish desires the clothes we wear say a lot about us and when we go to choose what we're going to wear each day sometimes our choices reflect our mood if you have to wear a uniform of some sort to work your clothes tell people something about what you do who you work for a police officer is easily identifiable by their uniform [Music] a chef has a certain look baseball players represent their team and so when you put on the lord jesus christ people know that you are his clothing also protects us from the elements wearing the right clothes when it's cold helps our body stay warm if you're working in the hot sun clothes help protect you from sunburn construction workers wear solid boots and helmets to protect their heads and so putting on the lord jesus christ protects your spiritual self from anything that might cause it harm father god i pray for your child that they would always know that they are covered by your love that their heart is protected from harm that your banner over them is love lord the peace that comes from being in your presence is beyond our comprehension but we are so grateful for it i pray for this child of yours tonight guard their heart as you have promised to do let all the wonder of your presence comfort them as rest the battle is hard but you are worthy it wears us down but you do not grow weary you watch over us so that we can sleep and i claim that for this listener tonight in the precious name of jesus i pray amen let us return to the armor mentioned earlier specifically the breastplate of righteousness picture that warrior now pulling on their boots and greaves gloves and helmet picking up their shield hefting their sword but one look at them will tell you that they've left vulnerable the largest part of their body if they neglect to put on their breastplate this solid piece of metal does not just cover their heart it covers all the vital organs of their body so that they are protected you beloved child of god have jesus as your breastplate his blood protects your soul you are his forever put on the lord jesus christ as a warrior puts on their armor the righteousness you have is only from him he loves you he saved you he protects you he has given you eternal life nothing can snatch you out of his hand nothing can separate you from him not trouble distress persecution famine nakedness danger or sword romans 8 37-39 tells us no in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us for i am sure that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor things present nor things to come nor powers nor height nor death nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of god in christ jesus our lord god guards your heart you are that warrior suited for battle but you don't go alone god goes with you god will guard you he's your rock your cornerstone when you feel weary he will carry you he's your sword and shield don't give up he'll never leave you before him the enemy must yield so sleep well dear warrior have no fear god will guard your heart put on jesus let him cover you nothing can keep you apart lion of judah thank you for protecting this beloved child tonight draw them deeply into sleep as they rely on you every moment thank you for being not only their protector but their friend their shepherd their lord keep them in your peace throughout the night remind them of your close presence now drift peacefully into sleep as i read psalm 61 over you hear my cry o god listen to my prayer from the end of the earth i call to you when my heart is faint lead me to the rock that is higher than i for you have been my refuge a strong tower against the enemy let me dwell in your tent forever let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings for you o god have heard my vows you have given me the heritage of those who fear your name prolong the life of the king may his years endure to all generations may he be enthroned forever before god appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him so will i ever sing praises to your name as i perform my vows day after day amen [Music] you

Channel: Abide - Sleep Meditations

Views: 531,268

Rating: 4.8046951 out of 5

Keywords: guided sleep meditation, release pain, release suffering, let go, let of pain, meditation for pain relief, meditation to ease pain, ease pain, meditation, pain relief, pain relief meditation, sleep music meditation, meditation with sleep music, meditation for sleep, guided meditation for sleep, Christian meditation for sleep, Let go of stress, Christian, fall asleep, Bible verses for sleep, psalms meditation, Bible sleep Talk Down, psalms meditation sleep, Let go of fear

Id: qBuzN1dP06M

Length: 593min 53sec (35633 seconds)

Published: Thu Apr 29 2021