33 Powerful Nighttime Prayers to Keep Sleep Paralysis Away

When Fear Invades Your Rest

There’s nothing quite like the terror of waking up unable to move—your mind screaming but your body frozen, shadowy figures lurking at the edges of your vision, a crushing weight on your chest making it impossible to breathe. If you’ve experienced sleep paralysis, you know it’s more than just a medical phenomenon. It feels spiritual. It feels like warfare.

I remember the first time a close friend confided in me about her sleep paralysis episodes. “I feel like something evil is in the room,” she whispered, tears in her eyes. “I try to pray, but I can’t even open my mouth.” Her experience isn’t uncommon. Throughout history, cultures worldwide have recognized the spiritual dimension of night terrors—from the “Old Hag” of Newfoundland folklore to the biblical acknowledgment of nocturnal spiritual attacks.

While science explains sleep paralysis as a disruption between REM sleep and waking consciousness, Scripture teaches us that our battles aren’t merely physical. We wrestle “against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12). Whether your sleep paralysis stems from stress, sleep disorders, or spiritual oppression, prayer offers divine protection, peace, and power over the darkness.

In this article, you’ll discover 33 carefully crafted prayers organized into seven spiritual categories. Each prayer is paired with Scripture to anchor your faith and deepen your understanding of God’s protection. These aren’t just words to recite—they’re weapons of spiritual warfare, declarations of faith, and invitations for God’s presence to guard your sleep.

Section 1: Prayers for Divine Protection

Prayer 1

Father, surround my bedroom with warrior angels tonight. Let no evil presence disturb my rest, for I dwell under Your mighty wings.

Related Verse: Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
God doesn’t leave you defenseless. He stations angelic warriors around you, creating an invisible fortress that darkness cannot penetrate during vulnerable sleep hours.

Prayer 2

Lord Jesus, Your blood covers this room. I seal every entry point against fear and paralyzing spirits. My sleep is holy ground.

Related Verse: Revelation 12:11 – “They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”
The blood of Christ is your spiritual boundary line. When declared in faith, it establishes divine authority that no demonic force can cross.

Prayer 3

Heavenly Father, station Your presence at my bedside tonight. Let Your glory be a consuming fire against anything that stalks my sleep.

Related Verse: Deuteronomy 31:6 – “The Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
God’s presence isn’t distant—He’s intimately near. His glory transforms your bedroom into a sanctuary where darkness cannot survive.

Prayer 4

I declare Psalm 4:8 over my night: “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.”

Related Verse: Psalm 4:8 – This verse itself is your declaration.
Speaking Scripture aloud activates its power. When you declare God’s promises, you’re not hoping for protection—you’re establishing it by divine decree.

Prayer 5

Lord, place a hedge of protection around my mind and body. Let my sleep be undisturbed, my dreams be peaceful, my rest complete.

Related Verse: Job 1:10 – “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has?”
God’s protective hedge is impenetrable. When you ask for it, you’re invoking the same supernatural barrier that once protected Job from attack.

Section 2: Prayers Against Fear and Panic

Prayer 6

God, You have not given me a spirit of fear. I receive Your power, love, and sound mind as I surrender to sleep tonight.

Related Verse: 2 Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”
Fear is not from God. When terror grips you, remember: that feeling has no divine origin. You can reject it and claim your inheritance instead.

Prayer 7

When panic tries to paralyze me, let Your perfect love cast out all fear. Breathe Your peace into every anxious thought.

Related Verse: 1 John 4:18 – “Perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.”
God’s love is the ultimate antidote to terror. His love doesn’t just comfort—it actively expels fear from your heart and mind.

Prayer 8

Father, calm the storm in my mind. Replace anxiety with assurance that You watch over me as the guardian who never sleeps.

Related Verse: Psalm 121:3-4 – “He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber.”
While you rest, God remains alert. Your sleep is safe because your Protector never needs to close His eyes.

Prayer 9

I bind every spirit of nighttime terror in Jesus’ name. My sleep belongs to the Prince of Peace, not the father of fear.

Related Verse: Isaiah 9:6 – “For to us a child is born…And he will be called…Prince of Peace.”
Jesus doesn’t just offer peace—He IS peace. When He governs your night, terror has no authority in His kingdom.

Prayer 10

Lord, when I wake unable to move, let my spirit immediately cry out to You. Let silent prayers rise louder than any scream.

Related Verse: Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”
Even when paralysis silences your voice, your spirit can still pray. God hears the prayers your mouth cannot form.

Section 3: Prayers for Spiritual Warfare

Prayer 11

I put on the full armor of God tonight. My mind is helmeted with salvation, my heart protected by Your righteousness.

Related Verse: Ephesians 6:11 – “Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”
Spiritual armor isn’t optional—it’s essential. Before sleep, deliberately “put on” each piece through prayer, creating divine defense against nocturnal attacks.

Prayer 12

Every demonic assignment against my rest is canceled. I break every curse, hex, or evil word spoken over my sleep in Jesus’ name.

Related Verse: Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you.”
Words carry power, but God’s promises carry greater authority. His declaration over you supersedes every curse or negative word.

Prayer 13

Satan, I resist you and command you to flee from my bedroom. You have no authority here where Christ is Lord.

Related Verse: James 4:7 – “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Resistance isn’t passive—it’s an active command. When you resist with authority, demons must obey and retreat.

Prayer 14

I declare the name of Jesus over this night. At His name, every knee must bow—including spirits that disturb my sleep.

Related Verse: Philippians 2:10 – “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.”
Jesus’ name isn’t a good luck charm—it’s the most powerful word in existence. Demons tremble when it’s spoken with faith.

Prayer 15

Holy Spirit, alert me to spiritual attacks before they manifest. Give me discernment to pray preemptively against sleep paralysis tonight.

Related Verse: 1 Corinthians 2:10 – “The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.”
The Holy Spirit knows what’s coming before it arrives. He can warn you and equip you with prayer strategies before attacks occur.

Section 4: Prayers Declaring God’s Sovereignty

Prayer 16

Lord, You are sovereign over my sleep. Every hour of rest is held in Your capable hands. Nothing happens without Your permission.

Related Verse: Psalm 139:7-8 – “Where can I go from your Spirit? If I go up to the heavens, you are there.”
God’s sovereignty means His authority extends even into your sleep. Nothing—no spirit, no nightmare, no paralysis—operates outside His control.

Prayer 17

I acknowledge that my times are in Your hands, including every moment of tonight. You order my sleep according to Your perfect will.

Related Verse: Psalm 31:15 – “My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies.”
Surrendering your sleep schedule to God brings peace. He determines when you rest, how deeply you sleep, and when you wake.

Prayer 18

Father, I trust that You work all things—even frightening sleep experiences—together for my good and Your glory.

Related Verse: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him.”
Even sleep paralysis, when surrendered to God, can deepen your faith, strengthen your prayer life, and increase your spiritual authority.

Prayer 19

Lord, You give Your beloved sleep. I receive rest as Your gift tonight, trusting Your faithful provision of peaceful slumber.

Related Verse: Psalm 127:2 – “In vain you rise early and stay up late…for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
Sleep is not something you earn—it’s something God grants. Receive it as a love gift from your heavenly Father.

Prayer 20

King of Heaven, reign over my night. Establish Your kingdom authority over my bedroom, dreams, and subconscious mind.

Related Verse: Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
God’s kingdom extends into your personal space. When you invite His rule, His heavenly peace governs your earthly sleep.

Section 5: Prayers for Peaceful Rest

Prayer 21

God of peace, flood my bedroom with supernatural tranquility. Let Your shalom guard my heart and mind throughout this night.

Related Verse: Philippians 4:7 – “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
God’s peace isn’t just emotional calmness—it’s a guarding force that protects your mind from intrusive thoughts and spiritual disturbances.

Prayer 22

Let me lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety and security tonight.

Related Verse: Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
Peace isn’t the absence of potential danger—it’s the confidence that God is your ultimate security regardless of circumstances.

Prayer 23

Father, still every restless thought. Quiet my anxious mind. Let Your gentle whisper be the last voice I hear before sleep.

Related Verse: 1 Kings 19:12 – “And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
God doesn’t always shout. Often, His most powerful work happens in whispers that calm your racing thoughts and settle your spirit.

Prayer 24

Holy Spirit, brood over me tonight as You once hovered over creation’s waters—bringing order, rest, and new life to my sleep.

Related Verse: Genesis 1:2 – “The Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
The same Spirit who brought order from chaos can transform your troubled sleep into peaceful rest.

Prayer 25

Lord, let my sleep be restorative—body, mind, and spirit. May I wake refreshed, renewed, and ready for Your purposes tomorrow.

Related Verse: Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.”
God designed sleep as renewal. When you pray for restorative rest, you’re asking Him to fulfill His original design for your body.

Section 6: Prayers Using God’s Names

Prayer 26

Jehovah Shalom, my Peace, govern this night. Let Your tranquil presence guard my sleep from every form of disturbance or paralysis.

Related Verse: Judges 6:24 – “So Gideon built an altar to the LORD there and called it The LORD Is Peace.”
God’s names reveal His character. When you call Him by specific names, you’re invoking those particular attributes over your situation.

Prayer 27

El Shaddai, Almighty God, demonstrate Your power over sleep paralysis. Show Yourself strong on my behalf as I rest tonight.

Related Verse: Genesis 17:1 – “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.”
Nothing is too difficult for El Shaddai. Sleep paralysis, demonic oppression, nightmares—all bow before His almighty power.

Prayer 28

Jehovah Nissi, my Banner, fly Your flag of victory over my bedroom. Let every dark force see Your standard and flee.

Related Verse: Exodus 17:15 – “Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner.”
God’s banner over you isn’t defeat—it’s victory. His flag announces to spiritual enemies that you belong to Him.

Prayer 29

Jehovah Rohi, my Shepherd, lead me beside still waters tonight. Guide me into sleep that restores my soul completely.

Related Verse: Psalm 23:1-2 – “The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures.”
As your Shepherd, God takes responsibility for your rest. He leads you to peaceful sleep as surely as He guides sheep to calm water.

Prayer 30

Adonai, my Lord and Master, I surrender this night to Your authority. Exercise Your lordship over every moment of my sleep.

Related Verse: Psalm 16:2 – “I say to the LORD, ‘You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.'”
When you acknowledge God as Adonai, you’re declaring His mastery over every area—including the vulnerable hours of sleep.

Section 7: Prayers of Thanksgiving and Trust

Prayer 31

Thank You, Father, for every night You’ve already protected me. I trust You to guard this night with the same faithful love.

Related Verse: Lamentations 3:22-23 – “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
Remembering past faithfulness builds faith for present challenges. God who protected you before will protect you again.

Prayer 32

I praise You in advance for peaceful sleep tonight. My worship creates an atmosphere where fear cannot survive or thrive.

Related Verse: Psalm 22:3 – “Yet you are enthroned as the Holy One; you are the one Israel praises.”
Praise creates God’s throne room in your space. Where He’s enthroned in worship, darkness loses its power to intimidate.

Prayer 33

Lord, I rest in the finished work of the cross. Jesus has already defeated every power that might attack my sleep tonight.

Related Verse: Colossians 2:15 – “And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.”
The victory is already won. Christ didn’t just defeat evil—He humiliated it publicly, stripping it of weapons and authority.

Conclusion: Claiming Your Inheritance of Peaceful Sleep

Sleep paralysis doesn’t have to define your nights. Through these 33 prayers, you’ve been equipped with spiritual weapons that penetrate darkness, declarations that establish divine authority, and promises that anchor your soul in God’s unfailing protection.

Practical Steps to Make These Prayers Transform Your Nights:

Create a Nightly Prayer Ritual: Don’t wait until you’re exhausted to pray. Set aside 10-15 minutes before bed to deliberately pray through 3-5 of these prayers. Consistency builds spiritual momentum that creates lasting breakthrough.

Personalize Your Prayers: While these prayers provide structure, speak them from your heart. Add your own words, your specific fears, your personal testimonies of God’s faithfulness. Authentic prayer is always more powerful than rote repetition.

Declare Scripture Aloud: Don’t just read the verses—speak them over your bedroom. Your voice has authority. When you declare God’s Word audibly, you’re establishing His truth in the spiritual atmosphere around you.

Keep a Prayer Journal: Document your sleep experiences and answered prayers. Over time, you’ll see patterns—which prayers bring breakthrough, when attacks typically occur, how God specifically responds. This record becomes a testimony of His faithfulness.

Involve Your Community: If sleep paralysis persists, don’t fight alone. Ask trusted believers to pray with you, anoint your bedroom, or even spend a night in intercession. Corporate prayer carries multiplication power.

Address Practical Factors: While you pray, also examine natural contributors—stress levels, sleep hygiene, medical conditions, trauma that needs counseling. God often works through natural means alongside spiritual intervention.

Don’t Give Fear a Voice: If sleep paralysis occurs despite prayer, don’t interpret it as failure. Spiritual warfare sometimes intensifies before breakthrough. Persist in prayer with even greater confidence that victory is near.

Your Next Steps

I invite you to do more than just read these prayers. Tonight, before you sleep, pray at least five of them aloud. Declare God’s protection with confidence. Then, come back and share your experience—whether you sleep peacefully for the first time in months or face ongoing battles that require persistent prayer.

Consider starting a “Sleep Victory Journal” where you record which prayers resonate most deeply with your spirit, any dreams or impressions God gives you, and gradually building testimonies of peaceful nights. Your story might be exactly what someone else needs to hear to keep fighting.

Remember: God designed sleep as a sacred trust, a time when you’re most vulnerable yet most covered by His watchful care. You are not alone in the darkness. The same God who keeps the stars in their courses keeps you safe through every night.

As you close your eyes tonight, rest in this truth: “He who watches over you will not slumber” (Psalm 121:3). While you sleep, He remains awake. While you rest, He stands guard. Your peace is His priority, and His power is your protection.

Sweet dreams, beloved. May angels guard your rest, may Christ’s peace fill your room, and may you wake tomorrow with renewed strength and unshakeable confidence in the God who never sleeps.

What has been your experience with nighttime spiritual battles? Which of these prayers speaks most powerfully to your situation? Share in the comments below—your testimony might be the encouragement someone desperately needs tonight.

For more spiritual guidance on overcoming fear and experiencing God’s peace, explore our articles on spiritual warfare, the power of Scripture meditation, and cultivating an intimate prayer life that transforms every area of your walk with Christ.