As part of our “tuck-in” routine, my girls and I would say a bedtime prayer for kids. Nothing fancy or formal, just a sweet, little moment between us each night before I’d tap on the nightlight and gently click their door shut. During preschool, our youngest could be counted on to pray the same thing: “God, thank You for Mommy, Daddy, Sophie, Emmy, and everything else. And Gwanddaddy. Amen.” You knew where you stood with her based on where you ranked in her list of names. Last was always best.
Creating space to pray with your children offers a sweet nightly ritual. However, it’s not the only reason to pray together. Discover how (and why) to add a bedtime prayer for kids to your family’s nightly routine with 6 well-loved praises and poems.
Why Pray with Your Child?
Praying with your child passes on your faith tradition in a tender bonding moment. However, by encouraging her to express thankfulness daily, prayers also teach your child gratitude. In addition, a bedtime prayer for kids helps them practice forgiveness. Our oldest daughter often asked for God’s
help in forgiving her sister for breaking a toy, singing too loudly, or looking at her. (Gotta love the honesty of a child’s prayers!) Research also shows prayers help young children clarify and articulate deep feelings and protect their mental health.
How to Pray With Your Child
1. Keep it simple.
Start with one of the six basic prayers in this article. Or, lead your child to recite her own prayer. Even one as simple as “God, thank you for today. Amen.” offers the same benefits as a longer one. As your child’s faith grows, teach her how to pray for friendship, wisdom, the future, and more.
2. Use visuals.
Give children a tangible reminder of specific people who need prayers or particular things you are thankful for that day. This can be a photo of an uncle serving overseas, a child’s drawing of a favorite stuffed animal, or even a rock from the back yard to praise God for His creation. Many moms love using the visual of the Five-Finger Prayer. 
3. Be consistent.
Young children thrive on routines and rituals. It’s how they learn and make sense of their day. At bedtime each night, ask your child: “What do you want to thank God for today?” That simple question can lead to a bedtime prayer for kids and be a moment you both look forward to sharing.
At bedtime each night, ask your child: “What do you want to thank God for today?” That simple question can lead to a bedtime prayer for kids and be a moment you both look forward to sharing. Click To Tweet4. Let your child hear you pray for her.
Not sure what to say? Grab our 10 Ways to Pray for Your Toddler printable Prayer Bundle or try using
Philippians 1:9–11 and replace “You/Your” with your child’s name: “I pray that your love will grow more and more. And let it be based on knowledge and understanding. Then you will be able to know what is best. You will be pure and without blame until the day Christ returns. You will be filled with the fruit of right living produced by Jesus Christ. All of those things bring glory and praise to God.”
What to Pray With Your Child: 6 Classic Prayers
1. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my Lord my soul to keep,
In the morn when I awake
Please teach me the path of life to take.
2. The Lord’s Prayer (from Matthew 6:9–13)
“Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
forever and ever. Amen.”
3. Thank You God for the World So Sweet
Thank You, God, for the world so sweet,
Thank You, God, for the food we eat,
Thank You, God, for the birds that sing,
Thank You, God, for everything!
Amen.
4. Father, We Thank Thee by Rebecca J. Weston
Father, we thank thee for the night,
And for the pleasant morning light;
For rest and food and loving care,
And all that makes the day so fair.
Help us to do the things we should,
To be to others kind and good;
In all we do, in work or play,
To love Thee better day by day. Amen.
5. Lord in Heaven
Lord in heaven, hear my prayer,
Keep me in your loving care.
Be my guide in all I do.
Bless all those who love me, too. Amen.
6. Go with Us, Lord by Mary Jackson Cathey
Go with us, Lord, and guide the way
Through this and every coming day,
That in your Spirit strong and true
Our lives may be our gift to you.
What’s a bedtime prayer for kids you use in your home?
