So often, by the end of a full day, we just want to get everyone to sleep and fall into bed ourselves. I wish I could say that I’ve prayed with my children every single night since I’ve been a mom. But I haven’t. And many times, even in my best efforts, I’ve been known to fall right asleep as I’m praying with them or reading a Bible verse.
Other times, I’ve awakened in the night, and have been compelled to kneel at their bedside as they’ve slept, asking God to surround their lives in mighty ways with His love and care, and to give them great purpose and hope. Maybe you’ve found yourself there too many times. No one will ever fully know of a mother’s prayers on behalf of her children, the countless hours and heart-cry over them, but God knows. And He sees. And you can be assured beyond any doubt, that He is at work, in them and through them for His great glory.
Whether you’re in the habit of praying for or with your kids each night and looking for fresh words, or you’re just starting to pray for them before they sleep, here is a prayer you can pray for your children before bedtime, each night reminding them of God’s constant presence and peace.
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A Prayer to Pray Over Your Kids at Bedtime
Dear God,
We come before you and we thank you for this day and all that it’s brought our way, the good things and the hard things too. Thank you that within it all, you’ve reminded us again how much you love us and are always with us. We pray that you would help us to leave all of our cares and worries with you right now. Forgive us for the times we didn’t get it right today, in our attitudes or actions. We confess our need for you, and we thank you that you’re so loving and forgiving, compassionate and kind. Help us to be more like you every single day. We ask for your wisdom to keep learning and growing closer to you Lord, and we thank you that each morning is a fresh start again.
We thank you, Father God, for your word that reminds us you never sleep or slumber. You are always watching out for us and your great care is constantly covering our home and family. We ask for you to take away any fears or anxious thoughts tonight, and that you would bring your perfect peace, the peace that goes far beyond our own understanding, to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus.
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We know that in you, we are safe and secure...
We believe you are close, and your protection is more powerful than we could ever imagine. Thank you that you constantly remind us we never have to be afraid, in the day or the night. So we choose to put our trust in you as we lay our heads down and close our eyes to rest. We need the sleep and peace that only you can give. We pray for good dreams, for your blessings to surround us in every way.
We pray for all those we love, our family, our friends, our neighbors, our pets, and we ask that you would show each of them your great love and care in amazing ways. We thank you Lord that nothing is too big or small for you to care about. You know all that concerns us, and you remind us that you are fighting for us, even as we sleep, even in ways we may not always see. We love you and we’re so grateful for your promise to always be with us.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.
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10 Verses from Psalms: To Pray with Your Kids Before Bedtime
For Protection
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust” … For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Psalm 91:1-2,11
“The Lord watches over you – the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121:5-6
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For Peace and Rest
“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” Psalm 23:1-2
“I lie down and sleep, I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” Psalm 3:5
“Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.” Psalm 116:7
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For the Reminder that He is always with us
“He determines the number of the stars and calls them each by name. Great is our Lord and mighty in power, his understanding has no limit.” Psalm 147:4-5
“Even the darkness will not be dark to you, the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you. For you created my inmost being, you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Psalm 139:12-14
“By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me – a prayer to the God of my life.” Psalm 42:8
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For Freedom from Fear
“When I am afraid, I will trust in you.” Psalm 56:3
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8
God reminds us over and over in His word that He loves us more than we could ever fully know. He longs to help us and is always there. His words of life give us hope that He is our strong tower. He promises to draw near to those who are seeking after Him, and is faithful to see us, and our kids, through every struggle of this life. Your prayers are never in vain with the Lord. He hears every word, He sees your heart for your children, and His arms are open to their every need.
Peace.
Debbie McDaniel is a writer, pastor's wife, mom to three amazing kids (and a lot of pets). Join her each morning on Fresh Day Ahead's Facebook page, for daily encouragement in living strong, free, hope-filled lives. Find her also on Twitter and at her blog www.debbiemcdaniel.com.
This article is part of our Prayers resource meant to inspire and encourage your prayer life when you face uncertain times. Visit our most popular prayers if you are wondering how to pray or what to pray. Remember, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us and God knows your heart even if you can't find the words to pray.
Serenity Prayer
The Lord’s Prayer
Irish Blessings & Prayers
Morning Prayers
Good Night Prayers
Prayer for Healing
Prayer for Protection
Design Credit: Rachel Dawson
Originally published Wednesday, 13 February 2019.
