Bedtime is a sacred moment—a time to quiet the heart, reflect on the day, and rest in God’s love. For children, ending the day with prayer not only brings peace but also strengthens their faith. Prayer helps little hearts feel safe, loved, and comforted under God’s protection.
These 20 bedtime prayers for children are designed to help your child connect with God before sleep. Each prayer is rooted in Scripture and written in simple, heartfelt language that calms the spirit and invites God’s presence into their dreams.
1. A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep
Heavenly Father, as I prepare to rest tonight, I thank You for Your endless love, protection, and care throughout this day. Please quiet my heart and mind, taking away every fear, worry, and anxious thought. Fill my dreams with joy, peace, and Your comforting presence. Remind me that I am never alone, for You are always near.
Just as Psalm 4:8 says, “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Send Your angels to guard my room and surround me with Your divine light. Keep me safe through the night and let me wake refreshed, ready to face a new day in Your grace. Amen.
2. A Prayer of Gratitude
Dear Lord, thank You for blessing me with this wonderful day, for the laughter that brightened my heart, the fun moments I enjoyed, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Thank You for my loving family and caring friends who make my life special. Even when things don’t go as planned, I know You’re always by my side, guiding me with Your love.
As I close my eyes tonight, help me rest with a heart full of gratitude, remembering Your faithfulness and kindness. “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever” (Psalm 107:1). I’m truly thankful for Your endless love that never fails. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Protection
Loving Father, as I close my eyes tonight, I rest in the comfort of Your presence. Please send Your angels to surround me and guard me from all harm. Keep my mind free from fear and my heart filled with peace. Let no bad dreams trouble my sleep, but instead fill my night with Your gentle love.
Wrap me in Your strong and caring arms, reminding me that I am safe in You. “The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life” (Psalm 121:7). Thank You, Lord, for being my constant protector, my shelter, and my shield. I trust You completely as I drift into peaceful rest under Your watchful care. Amen.
4. A Prayer for Forgiveness
Dear Jesus, I know I sometimes make mistakes and fall short of doing what’s right. Please forgive me for the times I’ve been unkind, impatient, or didn’t listen as I should have. Wash my heart clean and help me start fresh tomorrow with kindness and love. Thank You for Your mercy that never fails and Your grace that makes me whole.
Your Word says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins” (1 John 1:9). I am grateful that no matter what, You love me and forgive me. Help me rest tonight with a peaceful heart, knowing I am covered by Your forgiveness and surrounded by Your everlasting love. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Family
Heavenly Father, I thank You with all my heart for the gift of my family—the people who care for me, guide me, and love me every single day. Please bless my parents for their kindness, my brothers and sisters for their joy, and everyone close to our home. Surround them with Your divine protection tonight and fill their hearts with peace and happiness.
Let our home be filled with love, laughter, and faith. As Your Word says, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Help us always walk together in unity, forgive quickly, love deeply, and keep You at the center of everything we do. Amen.
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6. A Prayer for Friends
Dear God, thank You for the wonderful friends You’ve placed in my life. Each one is a special gift, and I’m so grateful for their laughter, kindness, and love. Please watch over them tonight and give them peaceful rest. If any of them feel sad, lonely, or afraid, wrap them in Your comforting arms and fill their hearts with joy.
“A friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17), and I want to love others the way You love me. Help me be a good friend tomorrow—kind in words, patient in spirit, and ready to lend a helping hand. Thank You, Lord, for blessing me with friendships that make life brighter. Amen.
7. A Prayer for Courage
Lord, sometimes I feel afraid—of the dark, of new places, or of being alone. Please remind me that I am never truly by myself because You are always near. When fear tries to enter my heart, replace it with Your peace and strength. Help me trust that You will protect me through the night and guide me through every challenge I face.
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you” (Joshua 1:9). Fill my heart with bravery, calm my worries, and let me rest peacefully knowing that You, my loving Father, are watching over me. Thank You for being my courage and my peace. Amen.
8. A Prayer for Thankfulness
Dear Father, before I close my eyes tonight, I just want to say thank You. Thank You for my warm home, the cozy bed I sleep in, the food that gives me strength, and every blessing You lovingly provide. Help me always remember that everything I have comes from You. “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17).
Teach me to be grateful not only for big things but also for the small moments that fill my day with joy. Let my heart overflow with thankfulness as I rest, knowing that Your love surrounds me and Your care never ends. I am truly thankful for all You’ve given me, Lord. Amen.
9. A Prayer for God’s Presence
Lord Jesus, as I drift to sleep, please stay close to me. Wrap me in Your loving presence and let me feel the warmth of Your care all around. You are my Shepherd, and I am safe in Your arms. Even in the dark or when I feel afraid, remind me that You are near and I am never alone.
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me” (Psalm 23:4). Be my light in the night, my comfort in silence, and my guide when morning comes. Thank You for watching over me and filling my heart with peace as I rest in Your love. Amen.
10. A Prayer for Wisdom
Dear God, thank You for the gift of learning and for helping me discover new things every day. Please fill my heart with wisdom so I can make good choices that honor You. When I don’t understand something, guide me to seek Your truth and learn from my mistakes with a humble heart.
Your Word says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all” (James 1:5). Teach me to listen carefully, think clearly, and act kindly in all I do. Help me remember that true wisdom comes from You, Lord, and that with Your guidance, I can grow stronger, smarter, and more faithful each day. Amen.
11. A Prayer for Joy
Heavenly Father, thank You for the beautiful joy You bring into my life each day. Even when I feel sad or lonely, Your love reminds me to smile again. You fill my heart with light and gladness that no worry can take away. “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10), and in that strength, I find peace and hope.
Tonight, please fill my dreams with laughter, warmth, and happy thoughts. Take away all sadness and replace it with Your joy. Let me wake up refreshed, with a grateful heart and a bright spirit ready to share kindness and cheer. Thank You for being the source of my everlasting joy. Amen.
12. A Prayer for Healing
Dear Lord, when I feel sick, weak, or tired, I ask for Your healing touch to restore my body and soul. Please take away every ache and worry, and fill me with renewed strength and comfort. You are the Great Healer who mends every wound and lifts every heavy heart.
As Your Word says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3). Wrap me in Your loving arms tonight, Lord, and let Your peace wash over me. Help me rest in faith, knowing that You are near and working to make me whole again. Thank You for being my strength, my comfort, and my Healer. Amen.
13. A Prayer for Kindness
Loving Father, thank You for showing me what true kindness looks like through Your Son, Jesus. Help me to be gentle in my words, patient in my actions, and loving toward everyone I meet. Teach me to share with joy, forgive quickly, and care deeply for others just as You care for me.
Your Word says, “Be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32), and I want to live that out each day. Fill my heart with kindness that shines like light in the darkness. As I rest tonight, let my dreams be filled with ways to bring smiles and hope to others. Help me wake up ready to love like You do. Amen.
14. A Prayer for Faith
Dear God, even though I can’t see You, I know You are always near, watching over me with love and care. When I feel unsure or afraid, remind me that faith means trusting in what I cannot see. Help my faith grow stronger each day so I never doubt Your promises or Your endless love.
Teach me to walk in confidence, knowing You guide my every step. “For we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). As I close my eyes tonight, fill my heart with peace and trust. Let my dreams be full of hope, and my spirit rest safely in Your hands. Thank You for always being my faithful friend. Amen.
15. A Prayer for Guidance
Heavenly Father, tomorrow brings new opportunities and choices, and I want to walk in Your light. Please guide my thoughts, words, and actions so that everything I do reflects Your truth. When I’m unsure which way to go, remind me that Your Word is my guide—“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
Help me make choices that honor You and lead me closer to Your will. Protect me from temptation and give me wisdom to discern what’s right. Thank You for being my faithful Shepherd, always showing me the way and never letting me walk alone. I trust You completely, Lord. Amen.
16. A Prayer for Comfort
Dear Lord, when I feel lonely, afraid, or unsure, please remind me that You are always near. Wrap me in Your loving arms like a warm blanket that brings comfort and peace. Let Your gentle presence chase away every fear and replace my worries with calmness.
You have promised in Your Word that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted” (Psalm 34:18), and I believe You will never leave me alone. As I rest tonight, fill my heart with the peace that only You can give. Watch over me while I sleep, and let Your love surround me through the night and into the morning light. Thank You, Lord, for being my constant comfort. Amen.
17. A Prayer for Dreams
Heavenly Father, as I close my eyes tonight, I ask You to bless my dreams with Your peace and presence. Fill my mind with joy, light, and love that come only from You. Please take away any bad dreams or worries that might disturb my rest and replace them with thoughts of Your goodness and care.
Let my heart feel safe knowing You are always near. Your Word promises, “When you lie down, your sleep will be sweet” (Proverbs 3:24), and I trust in that promise tonight. Thank You, Lord, for protecting me through the night and surrounding me with Your angels. Help me wake up refreshed, happy, and ready to serve You again in the morning. Amen.
18. A Prayer for Obedience
Dear God, thank You for giving me parents and teachers who guide and care for me every day. Help me to listen carefully and obey them with a joyful heart. I know it makes You happy when I do what’s right and show respect to those who love and teach me. Please fill me with patience, understanding, and the desire to follow their instructions with kindness.
Your Word says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). Remind me that obedience is a way to show love to You and others. Help me grow into a child who honors You in my actions, words, and choices each day. Amen.
19. A Prayer for Gratitude to Jesus
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your amazing love and for dying on the cross to forgive my sins. I’m so grateful that You love me more than I can ever understand. You have given me a new heart, filled with hope and peace. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19).
As I close my eyes tonight, please stay beside me and keep me safe. Wrap me in Your love and help me remember that I belong to You. Let my dreams be filled with Your presence and my heart overflow with gratitude. Thank You for being my Savior, my friend, and my guide, today and always. Amen.
20. A Prayer to End the Day
Dear Heavenly Father, as this day comes to an end, I lift my heart in gratitude for all Your blessings. Thank You for watching over me, guiding my steps, and filling my life with love and joy. I’m grateful for my family, my home, and the gift of another day.
Lord, as I lay down to rest, calm my thoughts and fill my heart with peace that only You can give. “From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised” (Psalm 113:3). May I sleep safely under Your care and wake refreshed, ready to serve You with joy and faith in all that I do. Amen.
Conclusion
Bedtime is a special time to help children connect with God and feel His comforting presence. These 20 bedtime prayers for children nurture faith, peace, and gratitude as little hearts learn to trust in God’s care. Through prayer, children end their day feeling loved, protected, and thankful.
Each whispered “Amen” reminds them that they are never alone—God is always watching over them, guiding their dreams, and filling their hearts with peace. As families pray together each night, they plant seeds of faith that will grow strong and steady throughout their children’s lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is bedtime prayer important for children?
Bedtime prayers help children feel safe and loved. It builds their faith, calms their minds, and reminds them that God is always watching over them.
How can parents teach their children to pray before bed?
Parents can start with short, simple prayers and pray with their children nightly. Repetition helps kids remember and grow confident in speaking to God.
What Bible verses are good for bedtime prayers?
Verses like Psalm 4:8, Proverbs 3:24, and Psalm 121:7 are comforting Scriptures that reassure children of God’s protection and peace at night.
Can these prayers be personalized?
Yes! Parents can easily add their child’s name, specific worries, or thanksgivings to make each prayer more personal and meaningful.
What is the best time for bedtime prayer?
The best time is right before lights out, when your child is calm and ready to rest. It helps end the day peacefully and with a heart full of gratitude.