As a certified child sleep consultant with over a decade of experience, I’ve helped countless families find solutions to their children’s sleep challenges. When my own kids were young, I often struggled to help them fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. It was during this time that I discovered how bedtime prayers could make a real difference in their sleep quality. Prayers offered a calming way to end the day and helped my children settle down more easily.
I’m also the author of The Sleep-Deprived Parent’s Guide to Sanity, a bestselling book that has guided many parents back to better sleep. My work has been featured in leading parenting magazines and websites where I share sleep advice. I’m here to pass on the techniques that have worked for families like yours, with bedtime prayers being one of the simplest and most comforting additions to a nightly routine.
Why Bedtime Prayers Can Help Your Child Sleep Better
Bedtime prayers are more than just a way to end the day; they can actually help children relax, feel secure, and fall asleep more easily. Studies show that having a calming bedtime routine can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality for children. Saying a prayer can be a soothing part of that routine, helping kids feel comforted and at peace before bed.
From my own experience, I’ve seen how adding short, simple prayers to the bedtime routine has helped my children settle down faster and sleep longer. The American Academy of Pediatrics also supports the idea of having consistent bedtime practices, like saying a prayer, as a way to help kids develop good sleep habits.
The prayers I’m sharing are non-denominational and focus on bringing peace and comfort. They can be used by any family, regardless of specific religious beliefs, to help children feel safe and ready to rest.
How to Pray Before Sleeping for Kids
Creating a bedtime prayer routine can be easy and enjoyable for both children and parents. The key is to keep the prayers short and simple, making them a natural part of the last 15-20 minutes before sleep. This helps signal to your child that bedtime is near and it’s time to start winding down.
Here are a few tips to help get started:
- Keep It Simple: Choose prayers that are easy for young children to understand. Focus on themes like peace, gratitude, and safety.
- Make the Setting Calming: Turn down the lights, get your child cozy in bed, and say the prayer together in a quiet, soothing voice.
- Encourage Participation: Let your child join in by adding their own words or thoughts. This makes the prayer more personal and meaningful for them.
What is the Most Effective Prayer for Sleep?
There isn’t a single “most effective” prayer that works for every child, as each one is different. However, prayers that help let go of worries, express gratitude, or ask for a sense of safety are often very helpful in calming the mind before bed. Through my experience, I’ve found that when children learn to let go of their worries and settle into a peaceful state, their sleep often improves.
Many religious and spiritual traditions have bedtime prayers that have been used for generations to help people of all ages rest peacefully. The right prayer for your child will depend on what brings them comfort and helps them relax.
What are the Classic Bedtime Prayers?
Traditional bedtime prayers, such as “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” or the “Lord’s Prayer,” have been passed down through generations. These prayers can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, but updating the language or adding modern themes can make them easier for today’s children to connect with. Including a mix of old and new prayers can give children a bedtime ritual that feels meaningful and special.
What is the Lord’s Prayer for Kids Bedtime?
The Lord’s Prayer is well-known and often used as part of bedtime rituals. It provides a way to express gratitude and ask for protection, which can be very calming for children. If your child is young, you can simplify the language to make it easier for them to understand. Whether you say the prayer exactly as it is or adapt it, it can be a beautiful way to end the day and prepare for sleep.
20 Calming Bedtime Prayers
Bedtime is an important time for children to wind down and find peace before drifting off to sleep. Including calming bedtime prayers in your child’s nightly routine can be a simple way to help them feel secure, release any worries, and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. These prayers offer comfort and encourage a sense of gratitude, protection, and peace that is perfect for ending the day.
Whether your child has had a busy day full of activities, is feeling anxious about something, or just needs some extra reassurance, these prayers can help them settle down and find comfort in a calm and loving atmosphere. Designed to be non-denominational and suitable for children of all ages, these prayers focus on themes like letting go of worries, expressing gratitude, and asking for safety. Let’s explore these 20 calming bedtime prayers to help your child relax and sleep better.
1. A Prayer for Letting Go of the Day
“Dear God, I give You all my worries and thoughts from today. Some moments made me happy, like playing with my friends and spending time with my family. Other moments were a little hard, but I know You were there with me through it all. Please take away anything that’s troubling my heart and help me to let go of my fears and anxieties. If I said or did something I shouldn’t have, I’m sorry. Help me to forgive others and be kind. As I close my eyes and rest, fill me with Your peace and help my mind to be calm. Thank You for always being there to take care of me, even when I’m asleep. Let me feel Your presence close by, so I can sleep soundly, knowing that I am safe in Your care. Amen.”
2. A Prayer for Calming Restless Thoughts
“God, sometimes my mind is busy and full of thoughts, and I can’t stop thinking about everything that happened today. Please help me to quiet my thoughts and let go of anything that’s making me feel restless. As I breathe in, fill me with Your peace, and as I breathe out, help me let go of any worries. Let my heart be calm like a still lake, and let my worries drift away like little clouds in the sky. Wrap me in Your comforting presence and let Your love surround me. If I have any fears, please take them away and replace them with sweet and happy thoughts. Help me fall asleep easily and wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the new day. Thank You for Your peace that is bigger than any of my worries. Amen.”
3. A Gratitude Prayer for a Good Day
“Thank You, God, for all the blessings You gave me today. Thank You for the fun times I had playing and the laughter that filled my day. I’m grateful for the people who made me smile, for my family who loves me, and for my friends who share their time with me. Even when things were challenging, I felt Your strength helping me through. Thank You for the food I ate, the sunshine I enjoyed, and the cozy home where I rest. Help me to keep a thankful heart and remember all the good things, even when the day is over. As I go to sleep, let my dreams be filled with all the wonderful moments I had, and help me wake up with a grateful heart to face tomorrow. Thank You for taking care of me and for giving me such a beautiful day. Amen.”
4. A Prayer for Feeling Safe and Protected
“Lord, as I get ready to sleep, I ask You to watch over me and keep me safe. Surround me with Your love like a warm blanket, and place Your angels around my bed to guard me through the night. Help me feel protected in the quiet of the night, and let no harm come near me or my family. When the world is dark, remind me that Your light is always shining, keeping me safe and sound. Let me rest peacefully, knowing that You are watching over me and keeping me from all fears. Thank You for being my protector and for taking care of me. Help me to remember that I am never alone because You are always with me. Give me sweet dreams and help me wake up feeling happy and refreshed for a brand-new day. Amen.”
5. A Prayer for Peaceful Sleep
“Dear God, as I lie down to rest, I ask You to bring me peace. Let Your calmness wash over me like a gentle wave, taking away all my worries and fears. Help me to breathe deeply and feel Your love in every breath, filling me up with comfort and warmth. Let my heart be light and my dreams be sweet, with happy thoughts that make me smile even in my sleep. I ask You to keep me safe throughout the night, and let me wake up feeling strong and joyful. Fill my room with Your presence, so I can feel Your protection around me. Thank You for watching over me while I sleep, and for always giving me a safe place to rest. Let me sleep soundly and wake up ready to enjoy another beautiful day. Amen.”
6. A Prayer for Overcoming Anxious Feelings
“God, sometimes I feel worried or scared, and it makes it hard to rest. Please help me to let go of my fears and remember that You are always near. When my heart feels heavy or my thoughts are racing, fill me with Your calm and help me feel at peace. Remind me that there is nothing too big for You to handle and that I am safe in Your loving care. As I close my eyes, let Your love surround me like a gentle hug, and give me courage to face tomorrow without any fears. Thank You for understanding my worries and for taking them away. Help me to sleep soundly and wake up feeling brave and strong. Amen.”
7. A Prayer for Trusting in God’s Plan
“Dear God, I know that You have a special plan for me, even if I don’t always understand it. Please help me to trust that everything will work out for the best, because You are guiding my steps. When I feel unsure or afraid, remind me that You are always by my side, leading me with love and wisdom. Help me to be patient when things don’t go my way, and to have faith that You are taking care of me. As I get ready to sleep, fill my heart with peace and help me to rest in the comfort of Your plan. Thank You for watching over me and for knowing what is best for me. Let me sleep with a happy heart, knowing that You are in control. Amen.”
8. A Prayer for Self-Acceptance and Love
“Lord, thank You for making me just as I am. Sometimes I don’t feel good enough or I make mistakes, but I know that You love me no matter what. Help me to be kind to myself and to remember that I am special and loved in Your eyes. When I look in the mirror, let me see the wonderful person You created, and give me the courage to be myself. Help me to love others the same way You love me and to always show kindness. As I go to sleep, let me feel Your love surrounding me and filling my heart. Thank You for accepting me just as I am, and help me wake up feeling proud of who I am. Amen.”
9. A Prayer for Releasing Worries and Fears
“Dear God, I have some worries that make it hard for me to relax. I don’t want to hold onto them anymore, so I give them all to You. Please take away my fears and replace them with peace and calm. Help me to remember that I don’t need to be afraid because You are always with me. When I close my eyes, let my mind be still and my heart be at rest. Guide me through the night and help me sleep peacefully without any bad dreams. Thank You for taking care of my worries and for giving me comfort. Let me wake up feeling free from all my fears, ready to enjoy a new day. Amen.”
10. A Prayer for Feeling Comforted and Loved
“God, sometimes I need a little extra comfort to help me feel safe. Please wrap me in Your loving arms and let me know that I am not alone. When the night feels long or the world feels big, remind me that You are close by, keeping watch over me. Let me feel Your warmth like a cozy blanket, and help me to rest peacefully knowing that I am cared for. Thank You for being my protector, my friend, and my guide. As I drift off to sleep, fill my heart with joy and let me feel the gentle touch of Your love. Help me to wake up with a smile, knowing that I am always loved by You. Amen.”
11. A Prayer for Sweet Dreams
“Dear Lord, as I get ready to sleep, I ask You to fill my dreams with happy and peaceful thoughts. Let my sleep be full of good things, like laughter, sunshine, and the love of my family and friends. Help me to rest without any worries, and let my dreams be sweet and calm, like a gentle breeze on a warm day. If I have had any sad or scary thoughts, please take them away and replace them with joyful moments that make me smile. I hope to dream of beautiful places, where I can run and play freely, where the skies are always blue, and everything feels safe and good. If anything tries to disturb my sleep, please keep it far away from me and surround me with Your angels. Thank You for the blessings You give me every day, for the comfort of my bed, and for the quiet of the night. Help me wake up in the morning feeling happy, rested, and full of energy, ready to enjoy another beautiful day that You have made. Amen.”
12. A Prayer for Courage and Confidence
“God, sometimes I feel unsure or nervous about the things that lie ahead, but I know that You are always with me, giving me strength. Please fill my heart with courage, so I can face any challenges that come my way, and help me to believe in myself, knowing that I am strong because You made me that way. Remind me that even if I make mistakes or feel scared, You will guide me through, and I can get back up and try again. Let me remember that I am brave enough to try new things, speak up when I need to, and share kindness with others. When I am about to do something that seems difficult, help me to feel Your presence beside me, cheering me on and reminding me that I am never alone. As I close my eyes, let me rest in Your love, feeling safe and confident, knowing that tomorrow is a new day to be bold and fearless. Thank You for always believing in me and helping me grow. Amen.”
13. A Prayer for Healing and Good Health
“Lord, I ask You to watch over my body and keep me strong, healthy, and full of energy. If there is any pain or discomfort, please touch me with Your healing hands and take away the hurt. Whether I am feeling a little bit sick or just tired from a long day, I know You can help me feel better. Let Your healing flow through every part of me, from my head to my toes, and fill me with Your strength. If I have friends or family who are also not feeling well, I ask You to heal them too and make them strong again. As I sleep, let my body rest, grow, and recover, so I can wake up feeling refreshed and ready to play, learn, and enjoy the day. Thank You for giving me a healthy body that lets me run, jump, and explore. Please continue to protect me and keep me well. Help me remember that You are the healer of all things, and I can always trust in Your care. Amen.”
14. A Prayer for Kindness and Compassion
“God, thank You for the kindness and love that You show me every day. Please help me to share that same kindness with others, so that I can be a light in the world. Teach me to be gentle and caring, to speak kind words, and to lend a helping hand whenever I can. When I see someone who is sad or lonely, help me to comfort them and show them that they are not alone. Let my heart be open to understanding others and my actions be full of compassion, just like You have taught me. Remind me that being kind is not just about what I say, but also about how I treat people every day. When I make a mistake, help me to say I’m sorry and to learn how to be better. As I rest, fill my dreams with thoughts of sharing, giving, and loving others as You love me. Let me wake up ready to spread kindness everywhere I go, making the world a little brighter with each smile and kind act. Amen.”
15. A Prayer for Connecting with Nature
“Dear God, thank You for the beautiful world You made. I am grateful for the blue sky that stretches above me, the tall trees that give shade, and the flowers that bloom with so many colors. Thank You for the birds that sing in the morning, the rivers that flow, and the stars that shine brightly at night. Help me to always see the wonder in Your creation, from the tiniest bugs to the tallest mountains, and to treat the earth with respect and care. Let me enjoy the warmth of the sun, the coolness of the breeze, and the sound of raindrops falling. Remind me that everything in nature is a gift from You, and that I am a part of this amazing world. As I close my eyes, let my dreams be filled with the beauty of the outdoors, where I can run freely, climb high, and feel the grass beneath my feet. Help me to wake up with a thankful heart, ready to enjoy the wonders of nature and to take care of the earth in every little way I can. Amen.”
16. A Prayer for Focusing on the Positive
“Dear God, sometimes I find it hard to focus on the good things when I feel worried or upset. Please help me to see the bright side in every situation, no matter how small it may seem. When something doesn’t go the way I planned, let me find the lesson or the silver lining, and remind me of the blessings I have in my life. Help me to let go of any negative thoughts and replace them with positive, happy ones that make my heart feel light. When I remember the good things, I feel closer to You and more thankful for all You do. As I sleep, let my dreams be filled with joy, and let me wake up with a smile on my face, ready to face the new day with hope and optimism. Thank You for helping me see the good in everything, and for always being the light that guides my path. Amen.”
17. A Prayer for Embracing Change
“God, I know that change is a part of life, but sometimes it feels scary or hard to understand. Please help me to accept changes with an open heart, trusting that You are with me every step of the way. When things are new or different, give me the strength to adapt and the courage to keep moving forward. Help me to see change as an opportunity for growth and new experiences, rather than something to fear. Remind me that You never change, and Your love for me is constant, no matter what else happens. As I close my eyes, let me rest in the comfort of knowing that You are in control and will guide me through every transition. Thank You for teaching me to be flexible, for giving me the courage to try new things, and for always leading me to where I need to be. Amen.”
18. A Prayer for Finding Inner Strength
“Dear Lord, there are times when I feel weak or unsure of myself, but I know that You have given me a spirit of strength and courage. Please help me to find the inner strength that I need to face any challenges, and remind me that I am capable of more than I think. When I feel tired or overwhelmed, let me draw from Your endless well of strength to keep going. Teach me to be brave, not only in big moments but in the small, everyday things too. Help me to believe in myself and to remember that I am never alone because You are always by my side, lifting me up. As I go to sleep, fill my heart with confidence and help me wake up feeling empowered to take on whatever the day brings. Thank You for the strength You have given me, and for always being my source of courage. Amen.”
19. A Prayer for Cultivating Patience
“God, I know that sometimes I become impatient, especially when I want things to happen quickly or in my own time. Please teach me to be patient and to wait with a peaceful heart, trusting that You know the perfect timing for everything. When I start to feel restless, remind me to slow down, take a deep breath, and trust in Your plan. Let me learn to appreciate the process and not just the results, knowing that some of the best things take time. As I sleep, let my dreams be calm and remind me that there is beauty in waiting. Help me to wake up with a spirit of patience, ready to take each moment as it comes, and grateful for every step along the way. Thank You for showing me the value of patience and for guiding me with love and wisdom. Amen.”
20. A Prayer for Welcoming a New Day
“Lord, as this day comes to an end, I want to thank You for all that it brought—the good times, the lessons, and even the challenges. Help me to rest well tonight so that I can be ready to welcome a new day with joy and excitement. When the morning comes, fill my heart with energy and hope, and help me to approach the day with a positive attitude. Let me see each moment as an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference. Remind me that every day is a gift from You, full of new chances to love, be kind, and shine my light in the world. As I close my eyes, let me feel the promise of tomorrow, knowing that no matter what happens, You are with me. Thank You for giving me the gift of a fresh start every morning. Amen.”
Conclusion
Bedtime prayers offer a precious opportunity to help children wind down and feel calm before drifting off to sleep. These moments of prayer go beyond a simple routine; they become a source of comfort, a way to let go of worries, and a chance to end the day on a peaceful note. By teaching children to pray before bed, we help them develop a habit of turning to God for guidance, reassurance, and gratitude, setting a foundation of faith that can last a lifetime.
These 20 calming bedtime prayers are designed to meet children where they are, addressing the emotions they experience and the thoughts that can sometimes make falling asleep difficult. Whether your child struggles with anxiety, finds change challenging, or simply needs to express thankfulness, these prayers can be a gentle and soothing way to transition from a busy day to a restful night. With themes such as peace, courage, and patience, they speak to the heart and foster a spirit of trust and hope.
As parents and caregivers, we have the privilege of guiding our little ones through their daily lives, and incorporating bedtime prayers into the nighttime routine can be a powerful way to strengthen that bond. Praying together allows families to connect spiritually, creating shared moments that are comforting for children and reassuring for parents. It also gives children a safe space to express their feelings, seek support, and end each day knowing they are loved and protected.
Bedtime prayers are more than just words—they are a pathway to peace, a reminder of God’s presence, and a way to instill important values, such as gratitude, kindness, and inner strength. As you guide your child in these nightly prayers, remember that it’s not about getting the words perfect but about creating a meaningful experience that helps them feel closer to God. Even the simplest prayer, said with love and sincerity, can bring a sense of security and peace that stays with a child long after they’ve fallen asleep.
I encourage you to make bedtime prayers a consistent part of your child’s nightly routine. Whether using the prayers shared here or creating your own, the key is to find words that resonate with your child and provide comfort. As you do, you’ll find that these moments of quiet reflection can transform bedtime from a hectic task into a cherished ritual that your child looks forward to each night.
Please feel free to share your own experiences with bedtime prayers in the comments. Have these prayers helped bring peace to your family? What other bedtime routines have you found helpful? If you’d like, you can also download a PDF version of these prayers to keep handy for each night. May your little ones sleep soundly, surrounded by God’s love and protection, and may their dreams be filled with hope and joy. Sweet dreams to all!