The sweetest (and sometimes funniest) prayers are said by children before bed. From thanking God for a family to thanking Him for dessert, children’s prayers run the gamut.
I have two nephews who, when they were four and two, let me tuck them into bed. The oldest prayed first and thanked God for his mom and dad and his siblings. He ended the prayer by thanking God for the pudding (which we didn’t have that night). Holding in my laughter, we said “amen,” and then the younger one started to pray. Hearing impaired, all he could mumble was something that sounded like “buh buh buh buh buh…” We then said “amen” again and I barely made it out of the room before giggling.
But they prayed. Cute as the anecdote is, prayer is the important part of the story.
Most everyone has seen the meme depicting a wee toddler in a prayerful pose. It’s precious, but our hope is that early training leads to a lifetime on a young one’s knees thanking, praising, and petitioning God for all their needs.
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Prayers can be recited to the Lord at any time of any day. Whether a Christian bows on bended knees or stands in a subway car with closed eyes, God hears all their heartfelt and submissive prayers. But bedtime is a special time when we quiet ourselves for a hopefully restful night of sleep. Gathering all our thoughts, plans, needs, problems, and events of the day and placing them before the throne of God accomplishes a few things:
- We acknowledge that only God can handle absolutely everything.
- When we pour our hearts out to Him, we know He hears and we know He cares (1 Peter 5:7).
- Letting go of troubling issues allows our minds to relax.
- We put our trust in God to see us through the night.
- Talking with God before bed calms us.
- We can tell God we love Him and thank Him for the day He gave us.
Bedtime can be a stressful time for people of any age, and especially for kids who might be afraid of the dark. Nightlights are good, but nothing beats Jesus, the Light of the world to assuage our fears. Praying before going to sleep balances us and sets our priorities. God has us. This is an important truth for kids to realize.
Lord God,
Thank You for the day You gave me with my family and friends. I pray for You to bless my sleep tonight. I love You.
Amen.
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Father,
What a great day You gave me today. I know You watched over me and I love You. I got to do so many fun things and I thank You for all of them. Thank You Jesus for being my Savior. Please keep me warm and safe tonight.
Amen.
Lord,
It’s been a good day. Thank You for it. I am trying to stop thinking about everything so I can go to sleep. Please bring me peaceful sleep so I can dream about You.
Amen.
Father God,
I had such a hard day today. I couldn’t do anything right and I just wanted to be good. Will You help me get to sleep and give me a better day tomorrow? Please help me read my Bible so I know how to pray better, too.
Amen.
Lord God,
When I read my Bible, I see many people who worship you. Some sing. Some lift their hands to You. Some bow. I want to worship You, too. Help me to do that because I love You and I know You created the earth and the skies. And You created me, too!
Amen.
Father God,
My child has been so very blessed by You. And we are blessed to be this child’s parents. She is healthy and she is such an endearing light in so many lives. She is happy and is gentle and humble. She is bright and she is obedient. Thank You that she loves You at such a young age. What a joy it will be for us to guide her in her walk with Jesus.
Amen.
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Lord,
We lift up our child to You this very day, even at such a young age, that she surrender her life to You, Lord Jesus, and follow You for the rest of her days. We seek Your will and goodness for her, and we long for her to be a strong leader for others who do not know You or may be weak in their faith. Give her faith to endure any trial or temptation that may come. And we know they will. But by Your grace and mercy, she will shine for You. All this we pray in the mighty name of Jesus.
Amen.
Almighty, infinite Father,
You are. That’s it — You are the great I AM. I lift my child up to You as faithfulness rises up to meet You. You’re faithful and just and good and true and holy. Give my child eyes to see You, a heart to soften for You, and lips to praise You. Reveal the truth to her as only You can so she may understand, repent, and surrender in faith to You, our only Lord and King. Expose the lies so she may see You as truth — the only truth on which the world exists. You spoke the heavens and earth into being, and nothing is too hard for You. We trust You and love You.
Amen.
Most gracious heavenly Father,
Our child is safe in her bed, resting not only under the covers but in Your mighty arms. Hold her and keep her as she sleeps, and help her waken refreshed and ready to grow more and more into the image of Jesus Christ. We pray in His name,
Amen.
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Father God,
I am afraid when I go to bed, because it’s dark. Help me as I go to sleep to know You are with me and You will protect me as I sleep. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray.
Amen.
Prayers are reverent and submissive communication with God. As we mature in age and in our faith, our prayers will reflect how we have grown in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus. It is a good thing to teach a child how to pray, just as Jesus taught His disciples (Luke 11:2-4). The prayers may be simple at first, but when led by a parent or relative who loves Jesus above all, they will be effective in the child’s growth. An open and contrite heart is good for a child to adopt, and who better to teach that than a beloved parent or family member?
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This article is part of our prayer resources meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us, and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
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Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
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