At bedtime, when after a long exhausting day, you're just too tired to engage in a long session of intercession, it is easy to fall into the temptation of joyless prayer.

On these evenings how can you recapture the joy of communion with God before you go to sleep?

I've found that the key is to wait on Him; just wait. Let His presence rest upon you. Instead of focusing on yourself, your needs, your weaknesses, or your desires, return to Him. Give God time to rest upon you and make Himself known to you, for as His Word says, "In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength" (Isaiah 30:15, NKJV).

Basking in His quietness may sound easy, but sometimes you may find that it's hard. Satan may suddenly fill your mind with all sorts of distractions and cares, or you may become so sleepy you can't hold your head up.

Whatever the enemy's tactic, don't let him rob you of the nighttime joy God wants to bestow on you! Gently begin to praise the Lord in your prayer language until the enemy flees and you recapture the joy of God's presence.

Heavenly Father, how thankful I am for the wonderful joy of Your presence that is available to me, even as I go to sleep. Grant me the discipline necessary to resist the thoughts of the enemy and of my own flesh. Help me to rest quietly before You. Help me to wait. Help me to yield. Help me to recapture Your joy, and return to You in the night. In Jesus' Name, Amen.