Parents, you have a unique opportunity at bedtime.

Let’s get real for a minute. At the end of the day, we probably have the same goal in mind … just get the kids to sleep. When it comes to bedtime, we’re already tired, exhausted, and want nothing more than to see the back of our own eyelids. Why would we want to pile on anything else? What value could there be in adding one more thing to the already established routine?

As a Christian parent, we have an incredible opportunity each night. Bedtime prayers are a great way to help our kids begin to develop their own relationship with God and help them build faith in the face of life’s fears.

Proverbs 22:6 gives us a comforting promise: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Establishing prayer as a part of our children’s nightly routine can create a more enjoyable atmosphere for them as they settle in and prepare to wind down for the night. It sets the tone for the night and gives them the opportunity to participate.

We can let them choose the prayer they want to say for the evening, or ask them some things they want to pray about. It’s never too early to begin establishing a routine of prayer.

And prayer is easier than we think. Unlike helping the kids brush their teeth or get into their jammies, there is no right or wrong way to pray. It’s simply having a conversation with God.

Prayer is also a powerful tool to help handle night wakings or can be a calming way to soothe nightmares. It establishes a reminder early on that God is never far away and that no fear is bigger than His great love for us.

Prayer is one of the most powerful legacies we’ll leave to our children.

If you don’t have a specific bedtime prayer routine yet, then these 6 bedtime prayers for children can get you started.

Dear God,
When the lights go off and we all say goodnight,
Sometimes I feel a little scared, but I know I’ll be alright.
Help me feel super safe, and help me to see
That even when it’s all dark, You’re right here with me.
Help me fall asleep and snooze all the night through,
Knowing You’ll always love me, and I love You, too.
Amen

As the sun says goodnight and the moon wakes up, that means it’s bed time for me.
Thank You, God, for loving me, from my wiggly toes to the tippy top of my head.
When the sun pops up in the morning I know, it’s going to be a fun day, full of giggles, and silly games.
Please keep me safe, strong, and super happy, as I run, jump, and play tomorrow.
Amen

Hi, God, it’s me, (say your name),
Before I close my eyes tonight,
I want to count my blessings,
1. Thank You for my mama
2. For my papa, of course
3. Thank you for my fun family
4. For all my friends
5. I’m thankful for my home
6. And I want to say Thank You for my toys
You give me so many blessings every single day. I can’t wait to count them all.
But most of all, God, I know I’m super blessed because You love me. Thank You for everything!
Amen

Good night, God,
Thank You for today, for my awesome Mom and for my Dad.
Thank you for my family and everything you gave me today,
Before I fall asleep, I want to say,
I love you, and thank You, Lord, for this day.
Amen

Hi, God, I’m getting super sleepy now and ready to snuggle in.
I look around my room, and I see all my awesome toys,
I love my cozy pillows and my toasty blanket.
My room is the best, and so are my books.
As I’m about to close my eyes, I just want to say thank You for all the cool stuff I have.
But out of all the things You’ve given me, I love You the most.
Sweet dreams, God.
Amen

Dear Jesus, my Best Friend,
Thank You for today, for the food that filled my tummy, and for loving me always, no matter what.
I’m super happy to be Your child, and I know You’re right here with me, even in the dark tonight.
Please help me to be extra kind tomorrow when I wake up, and help me be good to my family and friends.
As I snuggle up in bed, wrap me in Your big, warm hug, and help me feel safe and cozy.
Goodnight, I love You.
Amen

These six prayers are a fun way to thank God and ask for His guidance as our children prepare to go to sleep. A simple evening habit can set them up to establish a life-long relationship that deepens their faith with Jesus.

What an incredible legacy! When they become adults, and have children of their own, they, too, can teach their children to pray before falling asleep each and every night.