Bad dreams and nightmares can leave us shaken, anxious, and restless, stealing away the peace that God intends for our sleep. Whether they come from stress, fear, or spiritual battles, these unsettling dreams can weigh heavily on the heart and mind. A prayer for bad dreams is a way to invite God’s presence into our rest, asking Him to cover us with peace, protection, and comfort as we sleep.
Through prayer, we place our minds and hearts under God’s care, trusting Him to silence fear and replace it with His peace that surpasses all understanding. It’s a reminder that even in the stillness of the night, He is our refuge and protector. In this post, we’ll share powerful prayers for bad dreams that can help restore calm, guard your thoughts, and ensure that your sleep is filled with God’s peace.
23 Prayer For Bad Dreams
1. Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (ESV)
Bad dreams often leave us restless and unsettled, robbing us of the peace God has promised. Scripture reminds us that true rest comes only from the Lord, who surrounds us with His safety. When we trust Him, our hearts can find calm even in the stillness of night.
Lord, I lay my fears and anxieties before You tonight. Protect my mind from troubling dreams and fill my spirit with Your peace. Let me rest in Your presence, knowing You are my shield and my comforter.
2. Isaiah 26:3
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” (KJV)
The mind can be tormented by worries, which often surface in our dreams. But God promises perfect peace to those who fix their thoughts on Him. Trusting Him in both waking hours and during sleep allows His presence to guard us.
Heavenly Father, steady my mind and keep me focused on You. Remove anxious thoughts that try to invade my rest. Grant me peaceful dreams that reflect Your love and goodness.
3. Proverbs 3:24
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.” (ESV)
God desires His children to rest without fear. Sweet sleep is a blessing from Him, untainted by nightmares or troubling thoughts. His promises assure us that fear has no place in our nights.
Lord, I claim Your promise of sweet sleep tonight. Drive away every fear and nightmare that seeks to disturb me. Cover me in Your love and let my rest be refreshing and full of peace.
4. Psalm 91:5
“Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day.” (KJV)
The night often magnifies our fears, making bad dreams feel overwhelming. But God assures us that we need not fear, for His protection surrounds us day and night. His presence is a shield against both seen and unseen terrors.
Father, I put my trust in You as I sleep. Remove all fear and silence the terrors that try to disturb me at night. Keep my heart at rest and remind me that I am safe in Your arms.
5. John 14:27
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (KJV)
Jesus gives a peace the world cannot provide. When nightmares trouble us, His peace steadies our hearts and removes fear. Holding onto His words brings assurance even in the dark.
Lord Jesus, fill my heart with Your perfect peace. Remove the trouble from my mind and let no fear dwell within me. As I sleep, let Your presence watch over me with love and comfort.
6. Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (ESV)
Anxiety often fuels bad dreams and restless nights. God invites us to bring our worries to Him in prayer, promising peace beyond understanding. This peace guards both our hearts and minds while we rest.
Lord, I surrender every anxious thought to You tonight. Guard my mind from disturbing dreams and fill me with calmness. May Your peace wrap around me as I sleep in Your care.
7. 2 Timothy 1:7
“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” (KJV)
Fear is not from God, but nightmares often attempt to plant fear in our hearts. God gives us strength, love, and clarity of mind, replacing fear with courage. We can rest knowing His Spirit is greater than fear.
Father, I rebuke fear in the name of Jesus. Replace every fearful dream with visions of Your love and truth. Give me a sound mind that rests securely in You.
8. Psalm 23:4
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (ESV)
Dark dreams can feel like valleys of fear and shadows of death. Yet God’s presence provides comfort, guiding us through even the most unsettling nights. His nearness is our protection and peace.
Lord, though shadows try to frighten me in my dreams, I will not fear. You are with me and Your presence comforts me. Lead me into peaceful rest and guard me through the night.
9. Romans 8:37
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” (KJV)
Bad dreams may feel overwhelming, but in Christ we are conquerors. His love empowers us to overcome fear and every attack against our peace. No dream can rob us of His victory.
Lord, remind me that I am more than a conqueror through Your love. Strengthen me to overcome every nightmare that tries to disturb me. Fill my sleep with victory and peace through Your presence.
10. Psalm 121:3-4
“He will not let your foot be moved; he who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, he who keeps Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” (ESV)
While we sleep, God remains awake, watching over us. His constant vigilance assures us that nothing escapes His care. Knowing He does not slumber brings peace to our restless nights.
Father, I thank You that You watch over me as I sleep. Guard my dreams and protect me from all harm. Let me rest peacefully knowing that You never sleep nor abandon me.
11. Matthew 11:28
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (KJV)
Nightmares often leave us burdened and weary. But Jesus calls us to come to Him, promising true rest for our souls. His presence lifts the weight of fear and replaces it with peace.
Lord Jesus, I come to You with my heavy heart and restless mind. Lift my burdens and free me from troubling dreams. Give me the rest that only You can provide.
12. Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (KJV)
Even in the darkness of night, God is our light and salvation. Fear loses its grip when we recognize His strength in our lives. His presence illuminates every shadow of our dreams.
Father, be my light in the night. Remove every trace of fear from my dreams and strengthen me in Your salvation. Let Your presence shine brightly as I rest in You.
13. James 4:7
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” (KJV)
Nightmares can sometimes feel like spiritual attacks meant to disturb our peace. But submission to God and resistance in faith makes the enemy powerless. His promise assures us that fear and evil cannot remain.
Lord, I submit myself fully to You tonight. I resist the schemes of the enemy that try to trouble my sleep. Cover me in Your power and let the devil flee from me.
14. Psalm 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” (KJV)
When dreams disturb us, God is present to help us find calm. His refuge is not distant but immediate, offering strength when we feel weak. In His presence, trouble loses its power.
Father, I run to You as my refuge tonight. Be my strength and comfort when fear tries to invade my dreams. Let me rest under the shelter of Your wings.
15. Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” (KJV)
The armor of God is not only for the day but also for the night. Nightmares are another way the enemy tries to unsettle us, but God equips us to stand firm. His truth, righteousness, and peace protect us.
Lord, clothe me with Your armor as I sleep. Guard my heart, mind, and spirit against every attack of the enemy. Let my dreams be filled with victory and truth.
16. 1 Peter 5:7
“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.” (KJV)
Worry can follow us into the night and manifest as troubling dreams. But God invites us to lay every care at His feet, reminding us of His tender love. He carries our concerns while we rest.
Lord, I cast all my cares on You tonight. Take away the worries that lead to restless dreams. Let me rest peacefully in the assurance that You care for me.
17. Psalm 34:4
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.” (ESV)
Fear can linger in our hearts and invade our dreams. But when we seek the Lord, He answers and delivers us. His deliverance brings peace to our minds and freedom from nightmares.
Father, I seek You tonight with all my heart. Deliver me from fear and free me from every bad dream. Let me wake up refreshed and renewed in Your peace.
18. Joshua 1:9
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” (KJV)
Even in the quiet hours of the night, God is with us. His command to be courageous reminds us that His presence never leaves. Courage replaces fear when we trust His promises.
Lord, give me strength and courage as I sleep. Let no fear overwhelm me in my dreams. Remind me that You are with me always, even in the night.
19. Psalm 121:7-8
“The Lord shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. The Lord shall preserve thy going out and thy coming in from this time forth, and even for evermore.” (KJV)
God’s protection covers not just our days but our nights as well. His preserving power extends to our souls, guarding us from harm. Even in dreams, His presence shields us from evil.
Father, I trust You to preserve me tonight. Protect me from evil and guard my soul as I sleep. Surround me with Your love and let me awaken in peace.
20. Romans 15:13
“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (KJV)
Nightmares attempt to steal hope, but God restores joy and peace. Believing in His promises allows us to rest securely in hope. His Spirit fills us with calmness that no dream can shake.
Lord, fill me with hope, joy, and peace tonight. Replace troubling dreams with visions of Your promises. Let me abound in faith and rest in Your Spirit’s comfort.
21. Psalm 3:5
“I lay down and slept; I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.” (ESV)
Our ability to sleep and wake safely is proof of God’s sustaining power. Even when bad dreams trouble us, His presence ensures we are held securely. Each new morning is evidence of His care.
Father, I thank You for sustaining me through the night. Help me sleep without fear and wake renewed in Your strength. Keep me safe in Your loving arms.
22. Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.” (KJV)
God’s peace is meant to govern our hearts, even in sleep. When His peace rules, nightmares lose their influence. Gratitude strengthens our faith and helps us rest in His goodness.
Lord, let Your peace rule my heart tonight. Remove every troubling dream and let gratitude fill my spirit. Thank You for being my rest and comfort.
23. Revelation 21:4
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (ESV)
Nightmares may bring sorrow, but God promises an eternal future without pain or fear. This hope reassures us that His love will ultimately remove all sorrow. Even now, He comforts us in the night.
Father, wipe away the fear and sorrow that bad dreams bring. Replace them with visions of Your eternal promises. Let me rest knowing that in You, all things will be made new.
Conclusion
Praying for protection from bad dreams helps us release fear and find peace in God’s presence. Nightmares can disturb our rest and leave us feeling anxious, but turning to prayer invites God’s comfort and reassurance. He is our refuge, even in the stillness of night, and His Word promises that He gives His beloved rest. Through prayer, we can trust that our minds and hearts will be guarded by His peace.
When we surrender our worries to God before sleep, we invite Him to cover us with His love and light. A prayer for bad dreams strengthens our faith, eases our spirit, and reminds us that His presence is greater than any fear we face.
