We just updated our short bedtime prayer for kids on Ministry-To-Children, so I wanted to share the printable PDF and graphics with all our readers here. The goal is to help children build a routine of praying before they go to bed. This is a spiritual habit that can change their lives and keep them connected to God every evening when they pray.
Download the PDF below and share it with the parents in your church. You can even upload it directly to social media or your church website. Let’s help kids build the habit of evening prayers into their bedtime routine.
https://youtube.com/shorts/bqgciqExX_8?feature=share
Why follow a short example prayer with kids?
There are so many scripture verses on the power of prayer, that’s why it’s so important to get kids into the practice of daily bedtime prayer while they are young. Prayer is talking to God. Free form prayer is the goal for adults, but there is nothing wrong with using model prayers as a form of training wheels for kids.
Kids need to memorize simple prayers for lots of reasons. First, it helps them to develop their capacity for memory and concentration. 🙏🏾Second, it gives them a way to connect with their faith on a daily basis. Third, it allows them to practice saying important things in a formal setting, which can be useful later in life. ⛪ Finally, it instills in them a sense of the importance of prayer and religious traditions.
Simple Bible Prayers for Kids
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
May angels watch me through the night
and wake me with the morning light.
Gentle Jesus Prayer for Children
Gentle Jesus, meek and mild,
Look upon a little child;
Pity my simplicity,
Suffer me to come to Thee.
Christian Bedtime Prayers for Children
In peace I will both lie down and sleep;
for you alone, O LORD,
make me dwell in safety.
Good Night Blessing for Parents to Say
Behold, God is my helper;
the Lord is the upholder of my life.
He will return the evil to my enemies;
in your faithfulness put an end to them.
(Psalm 54:4-5 ESV)
How to encourage parents to pray with their children at bedtime?
The first step is getting them the PDF printable bedtime prayers. The next is to share encouraging stories from other parents about how they enjoy this spiritual connection with their own children at nighttime. You could have a testimony time or simply tell stories and share reminders on social media. If your pastor get’s on board, occasionally sermon illustrations about bedtime prayers is a wonderful way to keep parents focused on the importance of bedtime prayer with kids.