Night Prayer for Sobriety: Ending a Sober Day With God
A night prayer for sobriety thanks God for getting you through the day, admits honestly where you fell short, and hands tomorrow back to Him. Here’s a simple version: “Lord, thank You for keeping me sober today. Forgive me where I was wrong. Help me make it right. I give You tomorrow. Let me rest. Amen.” Many people in recovery say the night is when the old thoughts are loudest, so a short, steady prayer helps.
A night prayer for sobriety
“Father, thank You. I made it through today without a drink, and I know that was You.
Now I look back over the day with You. Where was I selfish, scared, dishonest or unkind? Show me. I’m sorry for ______. If I owe someone an apology, help me make it tomorrow. Where did I do well? Thank You for that too.
I can’t fix tonight what can only be fixed tomorrow, so I give it to You. Quiet my mind. Keep away the thoughts of drinking, and keep away the shame. Watch over the people I love while I sleep. Give me rest, and wake me up ready to try again. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
Lying down in peace
David wrote about going to sleep without fear because God was keeping him.
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
You don’t have to stay awake guarding your sobriety. God doesn’t sleep.
“He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.”
A short nightly review
Many people working the steps end the day with a short look back. It’s part of the Eleventh Step routine, and it keeps the habit of the Tenth Step going. Ask yourself:
- Was I resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid today?
- Do I owe anyone an apology?
- Did I keep something to myself that I should talk about with someone?
- Was I kind and loving toward all?
- What did I do well?
- What could I do better tomorrow?
Don’t spend an hour on it. Five minutes is plenty. Then hand it all to God in prayer and go to bed. If something bothers you, tell someone tomorrow.
When nights are the hardest time
For many people, evening is when they used to drink. Plan for it. Eat dinner. Keep a drink you like ready that isn’t alcohol. Text someone around the hour you used to pour the first one. Go to bed a little earlier than feels normal. If the night gets dark in a heavier way and you think about hurting yourself, call or text 988.
If you’re carrying shame from the past, read shame after drinking.
Something to do today
Tonight, before bed, pray the night prayer above and answer the six questions in a notebook. Tomorrow, start with the morning prayer for recovery.
Common questions
What should I pray about at night?
Three things: thanks for the day, honesty about where you fell short, and trust for tomorrow. Keep it short enough that you'll actually do it when you're tired.
What if I drank today?
Still pray. Tell God the truth, ask for His mercy, and ask for help tomorrow. Then tell a person in the morning. One day isn't the end of your story.
I can't sleep without a drink. What do I pray?
Tell God exactly that. Then read a psalm, keep the lights low, and stay off screens. Poor sleep is common early on and often gets better. If it doesn't, talk to a doctor.
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