When we considered introducing a nightly prayer to our bedtime routine, we knew we wanted something meaningful, yet approachable for little hearts. The traditional Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep was an obvious option, but as we revisited it, we found it dark and antiquated. Its focus on death and finality didn’t reflect the message of comfort and hope we wanted to share as parents. More importantly, it lacked a framework for teaching our child how to pray, a skill we believe is foundational to building a personal relationship with God.
So, we created our own bedtime prayer—one inspired by the structure of the Lord’s Prayer. Each night, this prayer reminds us of God’s love and care as we end the day together. It moves through thanksgiving, worship, confession, petition, and blessing, gently laying a foundation of faith for our child to grow into.
Below, I’ll walk through how this prayer came together, weaving in the scripture that inspired each part.
“Lord, thank You for this precious one,
A gift of love, our hearts are won.
For laughter, smiles, and joy-filled days,
We lift to You our grateful praise.”
Thanksgiving
The prayer begins with thanksgiving, acknowledging that every child is a gift from God. Psalm 127:3-5 beautifully captures this: “Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.” Parenting, with all its joys and challenges, is a sacred responsibility. Each night as we pray these words, we express gratitude for the blessing of our child—not just for the happy moments, but for the profound purpose God has entrusted to us.
Thanksgiving anchors us in humility, reminding us that everything we have, including the relationships we cherish most, is a reflection of God’s goodness.
“You formed the stars, the earth, the seas,
And hold us close with gentle peace.
Your name is holy, strong, and true,
We worship, Lord, and trust in You.”
Worship
This prayer naturally flows into worship, drawing from the awe-inspiring truths of creation. Genesis 1:1-3 reminds us that God spoke the universe into existence, while Psalm 8:3-4 marvels at His care for humanity amid such grandeur: “What is man that You are mindful of him?” These verses inspire us to hold God’s power and presence in reverence.
Isaiah 26:3-4 adds a personal dimension: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.” Through this prayer, we want to instill a sense of awe in God’s majesty while also inviting our child to rest in the peace of His care. Worship teaches us to trust God fully, grounding our hearts in His holiness and faithfulness.
“Forgive us, Lord, for where we stray,
For words unsaid or selfish ways.
Cleanse and renew us, make us whole,
Restore our hearts and guide our souls.”
Confession
Confession is an essential part of any prayer life. These words, inspired by Psalm 51:9-11, reflect our daily need for God’s mercy: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” As parents, we know we often fall short—through impatience, selfishness, or missed opportunities to model Christ’s love. This prayer reminds us to approach God with humility, knowing that His forgiveness is always available.
1 John 1:9 offers the assurance we cling to: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us.” These words are a powerful reminder that confession is not about guilt but about restoration. Through His love, we are made whole.
“Please guide this child in all they do,
Protect their heart, their steps, their view.
Send angels near to watch and stay,
And guard their dreams till break of day.”
Petition
This portion of the prayer focuses on petition, bringing our hopes and concerns for our child before God. Psalm 91:10-12 paints a vivid image of God commanding His angels to guard His people: “For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” These words remind us of God’s active protection, a comforting truth for parents who cannot shield their children from every challenge.
Proverbs 3:5-7 teaches us to trust in the Lord’s guidance: “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” By including these themes in our prayer, we hope to guide our child toward a lifetime of seeking God’s wisdom and protection.
“May they shine bright like stars at night,
A beacon of Your love and light.
In every step, help them to grow,
And share Your truth where’er they go.”
Blessing
The prayer concludes with a blessing, inspired by Philippians 2:14-16 and Matthew 5:14-16. Both passages call believers to shine as lights in the world, reflecting God’s truth and love to others. We pray that our child will grow into someone who carries the light of Christ into every corner of their life, whether in small, quiet acts of kindness or bold steps of faith.
This blessing isn’t just for our child—it’s a challenge to us as parents to nurture their faith and equip them to live it out. The words remind us that while we have the privilege of shaping their early years, it’s God who ultimately leads their steps.
Closing Reflections
Crafting this prayer has been a deeply meaningful experience. Each word reflects our hopes and our faith, creating a tradition that draws us closer to God as a family. Prayer isn’t just something we recite at bedtime; it’s a rhythm that shapes our hearts and connects us to the One who holds us all.
If you’ve never considered creating a family prayer, I encourage you to try. Tailor it to your values, your faith, and the truths you want to share with your children. There’s something profoundly beautiful about ending the day with words that reflect the heart of your home.