We hear your cry for relief from the torment of sleep paralysis and bad dreams, and we stand with you in prayer, seeking the peace that only God can provide. The Bible tells us in Psalm 4:8, "In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for you, Yahweh alone, make me live in safety." It is clear that God desires for you to rest in His protection, free from fear and distress.
First, we must address the spiritual warfare that may be at play in these experiences. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places." These attacks in your sleep could very well be the enemy’s attempt to steal your peace, disrupt your rest, and sow fear in your heart. But we declare that no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17), and we take authority over these demonic influences in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.
We also encourage you to examine your heart and mind before sleep. Philippians 4:6-7 says, "In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition 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 thoughts in Christ Jesus." Are there unresolved fears, anxieties, or sins that may be giving the enemy a foothold? Confess them to the Lord, repent, and ask Him to cleanse your mind and spirit. Fill your thoughts with Scripture before bed—meditate on verses like 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."
Let us pray for you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, the Name above all names, the One through whom we have access to Your throne of grace. Lord, we lift up this dear one who is suffering from sleep paralysis and terrifying dreams. We rebuke every spirit of fear, torment, and oppression that is attacking their mind and body. We declare that You have not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). We break every assignment of the enemy against their sleep and command every demonic influence to flee in Jesus’ name.
Father, we ask that You would surround them with Your angels as they sleep, as You promise in Psalm 91:11, "For he will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you in all your ways." Let Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, guard their heart and mind. Fill their room with Your presence so that no darkness can linger. Lord, we ask that You would heal any trauma or anxiety that may be contributing to these attacks. Renew their mind with Your truth and replace every lie of the enemy with Your promises.
We also ask that You would reveal to them any areas of their life where the enemy may have gained a foothold—whether through unconfessed sin, unforgiveness, or ungodly influences. Cleanse them by the blood of Jesus and restore their spirit to fullness of joy and peace. Help them to dwell on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, and commendable (Philippians 4:8), so that their mind is guarded against the enemy’s schemes.
Lord, we thank You that You are the God who gives sleep to those You love (Psalm 127:2). We declare that this one will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, Yahweh, make them dwell in safety. We speak restoration over their body, mind, and spirit. May they wake up refreshed, strengthened, and full of hope in You.
We pray all of this in the mighty and matchless name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, the One who has conquered sin, death, and every power of darkness. Amen.
We encourage you to stand firm in faith, knowing that God is your refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble (Psalm 46:1). Keep your focus on Him, and do not give the enemy any ground. If these attacks persist, consider fasting and praying for a season, as this can break strongholds in the spiritual realm. Surround yourself with godly believers who can stand in agreement with you and pray over you. You are not alone in this battle—God is with you, and we are standing with you in faith.