In today’s fast-paced, often overwhelming world, many people end their days feeling anxious, tired, or burdened by the troubles they face.

Yet, there is a profound hope offered by Pope Leo XIV, the new pope who succeeded Pope Francis after his passing on May 8th, 2025.

Known for his deep spiritual insight and gifts, Pope Leo believes that our nights can be transformed into sacred spaces filled with God’s presence and peace.

Pope Leo teaches that sleep is more than just physical rest; it is a divine gift where our souls become open to God’s voice.

However, he warns that the enemy—Satan—tries to exploit this vulnerable time by sowing fear, anxiety, and nightmares to weaken us spiritually.

To combat this, Pope Leo offers four simple but powerful prayers to say before sleep: gratitude, confession, protection, and guidance.

These prayers serve as spiritual armor, inviting angels to guard us and pushing away darkness.

The first prayer is one of gratitude: “Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being with me today.

Thank you for guiding me, protecting me, and loving me.

” Gratitude opens the door to God’s presence, as Psalm 104 encourages entering His gates with thanksgiving.

Real-life stories illustrate this power.

Elena, a Madrid schoolteacher plagued by fear and chaotic dreams, found immediate peace after praying with gratitude.

Her nightmares transformed into calming visions, and she woke each day feeling renewed.

Similarly, a fisherman from Naples, burdened by stress and sadness, experienced a profound lightness and restful sleep after embracing gratitude in prayer.

Next comes confession: “Holy Spirit, forgive me for anything I did today that hurt you.

Please clean my heart and make it pure.

” Confession is not about guilt but freedom.

It lifts the weight of sin and restores peace.

Pope Leo shares the story of a mother from Florence who struggled with guilt after an argument with her daughter.

Through nightly confession prayers, she felt chains break and was able to reconcile with her child with a calm heart.

Another teacher in Lisbon found healing in relationships after praying confession and dreaming of reconciliation.

The third prayer focuses on protection: “Holy Spirit, please protect my heart, mind, and body tonight.

Surround me with angels and keep all harm away.

” Nighttime is often a spiritual battlefield, but Psalm 91:11 reminds us that God commands His angels to guard us.

A seminarian from Palmo, tormented by nightmares, found peace as if angels stood watch.

A family in Naples experienced strange disturbances that ceased after they began praying for protection.

Pope Leo even recounts sensing evil in a visitor’s occult book at the Vatican, underscoring the reality of spiritual dangers and the power of prayer.

Finally, the prayer for guidance: “Holy Spirit, speak to me in my dreams.

Show me your will and guide me for tomorrow.

” Dreams can carry divine messages, as promised in Joel 2:28.

A businessman in Milan received clarity through a dream after praying for guidance, leading to blessings.

A stressed student in Florence gained confidence through peaceful dreams, and a Tuscan farmer decided to keep his land after dreaming of a bountiful harvest.

These stories reveal how the Holy Spirit communicates and leads us through the night.

To begin this practice, Pope Leo advises choosing a quiet space, perhaps lighting a candle or holding a cross.

Start small—maybe just the gratitude prayer—and be consistent.

Keeping a journal of dreams and feelings can deepen your connection.

One woman from Seville discovered forgiveness and restored family bonds through this routine.

For those struggling with distraction or doubt, Pope Leo encourages patience and suggests beginning with a Hail Mary for support.

By inviting the Holy Spirit into your night, you transform your bedroom into a sanctuary and your dreams into sacred encounters.

These four prayers—gratitude, confession, protection, and guidance—help you rest in peace, awaken with hope, and face life with renewed strength.

Tonight, before you close your eyes, speak to the Holy Spirit.

Thank Him.

Ask for forgiveness.

Request protection.

Seek guidance.

God awaits you in the silence, ready to fill your dreams with light and your soul with peace.