Nightmares — Turning to Saint Michael the Archangel

Nightmares often arrive when the body rests but the mind cannot. Fear seeps into sleep through images, memories, and thoughts we cannot easily control. Some wake suddenly in panic, others carry unease through the night without fully understanding why. Rest becomes broken, and peace feels distant.

Saint Michael the Archangel is invoked during the night as a guardian against fear, disturbance, and spiritual unrest. Scripture presents him as a watchful defender, standing guard while God’s people sleep. His protection reminds the faithful that darkness does not have authority, and that God’s presence does not withdraw when the lights go out.

These prayers are offered for those struggling with restless sleep, fearful dreams, and nighttime anxiety — trusting that God’s protection surrounds them even in the quiet hours.

Prayer for Protection During Sleep

Saint Michael the Archangel,
stand watch over me as I rest.

Guard my mind from fear,
my heart from disturbance,
and my sleep from anything
that does not come from God.

Shield me from dreams that trouble my spirit
and thoughts that awaken panic.
Let God’s peace cover me completely
as I lay down to sleep.

May no darkness disturb my rest,
and may I wake renewed in faith and calm.

Amen.

Prayer After Waking from a Nightmare

Saint Michael, defender of the vulnerable,
I come to you shaken and afraid.

The night has stirred fear within me,
and my heart still feels unsettled.
Stand beside me now
and restore what fear has disrupted.

Remind me that God’s presence did not leave
even when sleep was troubled.
Help me release what frightened me
and return to peace.

Protect me as I rest again
under God’s watchful care.

Amen.

Prayer for Restful Sleep and Peace

Saint Michael the Archangel,
help me surrender this night to God.

Quiet my thoughts.
Ease my tension.
Cover my mind with peace
and my heart with trust.

Protect me from fear that rises in darkness
and from anxiety that disturbs rest.
Let sleep come gently
and remain undisturbed.

I trust God to guard me
through every hour of the night.

Amen.

Prayer Against Recurring Nightmares

Saint Michael, guardian of God’s people,
stand between me and all fear
that returns night after night.

Protect my sleep from patterns of distress
and my mind from repeated fear.
Break what unsettles my rest
and restore calm where anxiety has lingered.

I place my nights in God’s hands
and ask for His peace
to replace every troubled dream.

Amen.