Bedtime prayer
Bedtime prayer is often the first prayer a child learns and the last thing an adult does before sleep. Here are simple bedtime prayers for little ones, older kids and grown-ups.
Prayers to pray now
A rhyming bedtime prayer for kids
Now the day is done and past, I thank You, God, for every task. Keep me safe all through the night, and wake me with the morning light. Amen.
A bedtime prayer for young children
Dear God, thank You for today. Thank You for my family and my friends. Please keep me safe while I sleep, and help me be kind tomorrow. Amen.
A bedtime prayer for older kids
God, thank You for today, the good parts and the hard parts. Please help me with the thing I am worried about. Forgive me where I messed up, and help me do better tomorrow. Watch over the people I love. Amen.
A bedtime prayer for adults
Lord, I lay this day down before You. Thank You for carrying me through it.
I release what I could not finish and what I cannot control. Forgive what I did wrong, and help me forgive others.
Give me deep and restful sleep, and wake me ready to love You and others well tomorrow. Amen.
A family bedtime blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you, tonight and always. Amen.
When and how to pray this
Make bedtime prayer part of the routine, right after the story or before lights out. With children, let them pray too: one thank-you and one request is a great start. Ask what they are worried about and pray for it together.
For adults, a bedtime prayer can be as simple as Psalm 4:8 prayed slowly as you settle into bed.
Bible verses to pray
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.
Psalm 4:8 (KJV)
I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.
Psalm 3:5 (KJV)
But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:14 (KJV)
Questions people ask
What is a good bedtime prayer for kids?
A short prayer that thanks God for the day, names family and friends, and asks for safe sleep. The rhyming prayer on this page is easy for small children to learn.
What is the traditional bedtime prayer?
"Now I lay me down to sleep" is the best-known traditional children's bedtime prayer in English. Many families also pray the Lord's Prayer at bedtime.
How do I teach my child to pray at bedtime?
Pray with them every night, keep it short, and let them add their own words. Asking "What are you thankful for?" and "What do you want to ask God for?" helps them start.