A Prayer for Peace After a Nightmare

Father, I just woke with my heart pounding, the sheets damp, the images still flickering behind my eyes. The dream felt so real that even now, awake, my body has not caught up to the truth that it was only a dream.

I confess the fear has a grip on me. I am almost afraid to close my eyes again in case it pulls me back. My chest is tight and my hands are not quite steady, and I feel foolish and frightened at once.

So I reach for You in the dark, the way a child reaches for a parent after a bad dream. Be that nearness for me now.

Loosen fear's hold on my body. Slow my heartbeat. Let the images fade and lose their power. Fill this room with the felt sense that I am safe, that nothing in that dream can touch me here.

You did not give me a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. Quiet my mind back to soundness now and remind it what is true.

I am awake, I am safe, and You are here. Let Your peace settle over me like a hand on the shoulder, and lead me gently back to sleep. Amen.