Making bedtime prayers a routine for kids creates a peaceful end to busy days while nurturing their spiritual development. This cherished tradition helps children wind down before sleep and teaches them gratitude, reflection, and connection with something greater than themselves.
Whether you’re continuing family traditions or starting new ones, this collection of simple, age-appropriate bedtime prayers will help your children develop a meaningful prayer practice.
Contents
Why Bedtime Prayers Matter for Children
Bedtime prayers serve multiple purposes in a child’s development:
- Creates a consistent bedtime routine that signals to children it’s time to rest
- Cultivates gratitude by encouraging reflection on daily blessings
- Reduces anxiety by providing comfort and security before sleep
- Builds spiritual foundation through regular, positive prayer experiences
- Strengthens family bonds through shared meaningful moments
Dr. Lisa Miller, director of clinical psychology at Columbia University’s Teachers College, notes that children with spiritual practices often demonstrate greater resilience and a reduced risk of depression. The simple act of bedtime prayer can significantly contribute to a child’s emotional well-being.
Simple Bedtime Prayers for Kids
Bedtime Prayers for Toddlers (Ages 2-4)
Young children benefit from very short, rhyming prayers they can easily memorize:
Psalm 4:8 (KJV)
“I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.”
Now I Lay Me Down (Modified Version)
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I know that God will safely keep me.
Watch me through the starry night,
And wake me with the morning light.
Amen.
Thank You, Prayer (Inspired by 1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV)
“In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
Thank you, God, for this nice day,
For friends to love and time to play.
Keep me safe throughout the night,
Wake me with the morning light.
Amen.
God’s Love (Inspired by Romans 8:39 KJV)
“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”
God’s love is in my heart,
God’s love will never part.
Thank you for this special day,
And keeping me safe while I play.
Amen.
Bedtime Prayers for Young Children (Ages 5-8)
As children grow, they can handle slightly longer prayers and begin to understand more concepts:
Child’s Bedtime Blessing (Inspired by Numbers 6:24-26 KJV)
“The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.”
Dear God, thank you for today,
For helping me at school and playing.
Thank you for my family too,
And all the love they give to me.
Please bless everyone I love,
And watch us from the stars above.
Amen.
Nighttime Gratitude (Inspired by Psalm 136:1 KJV)
“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth forever.”
Thank you, God, for the world so sweet,
Thank you, God, for the food we eat,
Thank you, Go,d for the birds that sing,
Thank you, God, for everything.
Amen.
Guardian Angel Prayer (Inspired by Psalm 91:11 KJV)
“For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this night be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
Bedtime Prayers for Older Children (Ages 9-12)
Older children can begin to understand deeper spiritual concepts and may want to express their thoughts more personally:
Evening Thanks (Inspired by Philippians 4:6 KJV)
“Be careful for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Dear God,
Thank you for this day and all the blessings in my life.
Thank you to my family, my friends, and my teachers.
Please help me be kind and make good choices.
Watch over everyone I love and those who need your help.
Give me peaceful sleep and a happy tomorrow.
Amen.
The Prayer of St. Francis (Inspired by Matthew 5:9 KJV)
“Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace.
Where there is hatred, let me bring love.
Where there is sadness, let me bring joy.
Help me not to seek to be consoled, but to console;
Not to be loved, but to love.
Amen.
Bedtime prayers offer children more than just spiritual guidance—they provide comfort, structure, and an opportunity to process their day in a positive framework. Incorporating age-appropriate prayers into your nighttime routine gives your children tools for self-reflection, gratitude, and emotional regulation that can benefit them throughout life.
Whether you’re continuing family traditions or establishing new ones, pausing for prayer before sleep creates a powerful connection between parent and child while nurturing their spiritual development. Start with the prayers that resonate most with your family, and watch as this meaningful practice becomes a cherished part of your children’s childhood memories.
What bedtime prayers are special in your family? Share your traditions in the comments below.