At the end of a long day, it can seem so difficult to fall asleep. And we might have many things on our minds or we may even be afraid to fall asleep because tomorrow will surely bring another uphill battle.
Still, our days don’t have to end with such desolation. In this case, several saints encourage an evening routine where we examine the day that has passed and recognize the many blessings of the day.
This particular exercise can put us in a much better disposition and reminds us of God’s providential care.
Below is one night prayer from the St. Vincent’s Manual which focuses in a particular way on the heart of Jesus.
But If you are looking for a new bedtime routine, try this prayer and rest in the peace of Christ.
Let us go in spirit into the adorable heart of Jesus; and let us place ourselves in the presence of God; let us offer him adoration and give him thanks for all the benefits we have received from him on this particular day.
God, we adore you through the sacred heart of thy Divine Son, as our Creator and Sovereign Good; we give you thanks for all your mercies to us, spiritual and temporal, general and particular, but more specifically for the favors bestowed on us this day. May thy holy name be praised and glorified eternally and may we never be ungrateful for thy bounties.
We love thee Jesus, above all things, with our whole heart and soul, purely for Yourself, and we wish to love thee, as the blessed do in heaven. We also love our neighbor, for your sake, just as we love ourselves. And sincerely we forgive all who have sinned against us, and we ask pardon of all whom we have sinned against.
St. Michael, defend us in the day of battle, that we may not be lost at the dreadful judgment. O Angels of God, to whose care we are committed by the Supreme Clemency, enkindle, govern and defend us, this night, from all sin and danger.
Save us, O Lord, while we are awake and protect while we sleep, that we may keep watch with Christ, and rest in peace. Amen.
