A Prayer for a Child Who Cannot Sleep

Father, my little one cannot settle tonight. There have been tears and water and one more story and a fear of the shadow on the wall, and I am sitting on the edge of the bed running out of words and patience.

I confess I am tired too, and part of me wants to fix this quickly more than I want to comfort. Forgive my short fuse. Give me the tenderness this small heart actually needs right now.

You know this child better than I do. You knit them together and You number their breaths. So I bring this restless little body and this big imagination to You.

Soothe the fear that feels so real in the dark. Quiet the worry I may not even understand. Let my voice and Your presence together be enough to make this room feel safe.

You gather the lambs in Your arms and carry them close to Your heart. Carry mine tonight. Let them feel held even after I tiptoe out and the door clicks shut.

Give us both sleep, and give me the grace to start tomorrow gently. Watch over this child while the whole house finally goes quiet. Amen.