Establishing a routine for young children can provide peace and calm in a busy world. Brushing teeth in the morning and at night, putting away toys after playing, showing kindness when sharing, saying “thank you” and “you’re welcome,” and giving a smile are ways to help preschoolers and people of all ages find serenity.
One important part of preparing for rest and renewal is prayer. Sharing time with God in the morning, throughout the day, and in the evening can help preschoolers know the Father. Bedtime prayers for preschoolers are wonderful ways to show children how to give thanks to God. Both adults and young people benefit from praying.
Speaking bedtime prayers aloud may bring confidence and assurance to preschoolers. God knows our hearts, whether our eyes are open or closed or our hands are placed together or resting on our laps. The Father listens and hears every prayer.
Have you shared bedtime prayers with preschoolers? Parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, babysitters, and others can be influential in sharing the faith. The words don’t have to be long and difficult. Speak from the heart and give praise to the Father. Let the children see you praying and offer to pray with and for them.
Dear God, today has been busy and full of activities. We have played and shared toys with friends. Preschool was fun. Thank You for giving us this wonderful time. The day is ending, and sleep will come soon. Help our arms, legs, and body to calm. Give us peace. Help us remember that You and our family love and cherish us. We praise You and thank You for the day and night. We love You. Amen.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” (1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV)
Father, thank You for loving my family and me. Thank you for the fun times at daycare and home. I’m ready to sleep, but my body wants to play. Help me to rest and sleep peacefully. Help me to remember that Mom and Dad are here if I need them. I love You. Amen.
“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” (Exodus 33:14 NIV)
God, we love You. Thank You for prayer time. We are glad we can share our joys and worries with You. As each child listens while we pray, help everyone to know that You are hearing the prayers. Even if we can’t see You in person yet, we know You are with us.
We want to give thanks for our family, friends, teachers, and everyone we meet.
The Bible tells about the baby Jesus being born and how He loved his family and all people. Help us to show the love of Jesus to every person and animal. Dear God, we want to know more about You. Please give us a willing spirit and a loving heart. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
“Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’” (Matthew 22:37 NIV)
“Love your children—and let them know you love them. Children who experience love find it far easier to believe God loves them.” – Billy Graham
Dear Heavenly Father, bedtime is here. Thank You for my Mom and Dad. Thank You for my siblings. Thank You for my grandparents. Thank You for my teachers and babysitters. Thank You for loving me and my family. Thank You for my pet. I love You. Amen.
Sometimes, watching an adult say a simple prayer with few words is more meaningful than a long prayer. Toddlers sometimes have short attention spans, and a direct message can be helpful. A prayer of thanksgiving can help deepen a child’s relationship with God.
“Children will learn far more by watching than just listening.” – Billy Graham
Jesus, thank You for loving me and my family. I’m going to sleep now. Be with us and help everyone to have good dreams. God bless Mama, Daddy, Grandma, Grandpa, brother, sister, and all my friends. Help me to be good at preschool and listen to the teacher. Amen.
Be patient and allow the child to pray in their own words. God doesn’t require eloquent prayers or strict guidelines about the words. God wants His children to come to Him and rest in His love.
“Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24 NIV)
Father in Heaven, thank You for animals. I love my dog and my cat. Will You make sure that my dog doesn’t chase my cat in the yard? Make sure my animals stay in the house or the yard. I learned in Sunday School that You made everything. Thank You for making animals. Amen.
Sometimes, toddlers will want to pray for specific things, like animals or people. Allowing children to share their thoughts with God helps them draw closer to Him.
“In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.” (Job 12:10 NIV)
Dear Jesus, I’m going to sleep now. I pray for my Mommy and Daddy to check on me while I sleep. Thank You for my family. I love my brother and sister. I love my teachers. God bless everybody at preschool. Please make everyone safe and happy. Please let Mommy and Daddy know that I love them and You love them. Amen.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
Heavenly Father, thank You for blessing us with this child. Please bring this young one to know You and Your love. Help us to guide this preschooler in their faith and spiritual journey. May our words and actions shine Your love. Help us to know how to lead a life for You. Please give us wisdom and discernment in each moment as we teach this young one how to pray and give thanks. We give You all of the honor, glory, and praise. Amen.
“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.” (Psalms 145:9 NIV)
Almighty God, maker of Heaven and Earth, we place our trust and faith in You. Thank You for giving us this child. We are the earthly parents and are thankful that You have entrusted us with raising this young one to have faith and a spirit of love. Your mercies are new every morning. We thank You for bringing this child into the world. Please place Your hedge of protection over this young one for their entire life. Please give us the tools to help the child grow in faith and develop a strong relationship with You. May our example in life be positive and uplifting. May we show the child and others how to love with kindness, compassion, and forgiveness.
We give thanksgiving to You, the Creator and Sustainer of life. Amen.
“He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: “Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.”’” (Luke 11:2 NIV)
Lord God, we come to You and seek refuge in a world of chaos. The day has ended, and night has come. There were many joys and many sorrows today. We failed in some areas and succeeded in other ways. Tomorrow is a new day and the chance to start fresh. Father, place our family in Your loving arms. Hold us tight, and let us feel Your presence. Guide us to be parents filled with faith and joy. Be with our preschooler and our family as we journey through each moment. Provide rest for our bodies and minds. Help us to awaken renewed, refreshed, and ready to face the day. May we pause and soak in the goodness of every moment. Thank You for giving us this child. We love You. Amen.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV)
Prayer is a powerful spiritual tool for everyone. When we pray, we have the assurance that God hears our words. When words don’t come, we can simply pray “Help.” and God will answer. Praying for preschoolers and others allows the deepening of our faith and the path to guide people of all ages to know God.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/Kenishirotie
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
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.
Prayers for Healing
Morning Prayers
Prayers for Family
Prayers for Surgery
Prayers for Strength
Night Prayers Before Bed
Prayers for Protection
The Lord's Prayer: Our Father