I’ve been thinking a lot about how important it is to end the day with a little moment of peace and connection with God, especially with our kids. Bedtime is chaotic, and we’re often just trying to get everyone to sleep, but pausing for even 60 seconds to pray together makes such a difference in how they drift off. Praying at night helps them release whatever happened that day (the good, the hard, the scary) before their eyes close. It helps me center them on God’s truths and promises, so the last thing they hear before sleep is that God loves them and is watching over them.
Here are a few things I like to walk through with my kids each night:
- Thankfulness and gratitude: Thanking God for the day, even the hard parts of it.
- Peace over the day’s decisions: Letting go of anything they’re replaying in their head. Proverbs 3:5-6 says to trust Him instead of trying to figure it all out themselves.
- Courage for the dark: Nighttime can be scary for little ones. Joshua 1:9 reminds them God is with them, even in the dark room.
- Protection through the night: Asking God to watch over them while they sleep. Psalm 91:11.. His angels guarding them.
- A clean heart before sleep: A simple, kid-sized version of confession.
- Being a light tomorrow: A reminder that they get to shine for someone else the next day.
I’d love to hear how you pray with your kids and any special prayers or routines that help you guys at bedtime.
I also found this list of bedtime prayers I wanted to share!
Prayer for bedtime:
Dear God, thank you for this day. Thank you for keeping us safe and for all the good things you gave us, even the small ones. Help us let go of anything that made us sad, scared, or upset, and give us peace as we close our eyes. Watch over us while we sleep, send your angels to guard our room and keep us close to you. Wash our hearts clean and make them new for tomorrow. We love you, God, and we trust you tonight. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
