When kids are at the point in their lives where daytime promises adventure and excitement, bedtime can seem like a ‘commercial break’ for their fun: an unwelcome interruption no matter how exhausted they are from the day’s activities. For parents, it can be a chore to get them to bed on time, especially with their diverse arsenal of excuses and negotiations. However, instead of using the tricks up our sleeves or resorting to bribery to finally get them to settle down for the night, why not try a calming ritual that will nurture their connection with God?
We can teach kids this Catholic bedtime prayer to help them develop the habit of praying to God every night and see Him not just as their Creator but also as their Best Friend. By teaching them to pray every night before they sleep, we are planting the seeds of their spiritual growth journey and building the foundations of an intimate relationship with God. One day, they will perceive prayer, going to church, reading the Bible, and preaching the Gospel not only as religious responsibilities but as a way to connect with their closest Friend: Jesus Christ.
Children’s nighttime prayer
Our Father in Heaven,
I see You in the beauty of the stars in the night sky. I feel You in the gentle caress of the evening breeze. I sense Your love as I eat dinner with my loved ones and talk about our day. I share my victories with You, every high mark on a test, and every game I win.
Please forgive me for all the sins I’ve committed. Save me from sinning again and strengthen me with Your Word. May You guide me throughout my life and help me make the right decisions, even when they’re the hardest choice to make.
Thank You for filling my days with love and happiness. You bless me in abundance, and I have so many things to be grateful for. Thank You for being with me wherever I may be while I learn, play, do chores, and while I sleep. Thank You for giving me inspiration and creativity whenever I am doing my favorite hobbies and playing with my dearest friends. I am so blessed to have wonderful friends and a caring family; they make my life complete.
As I settle down for the night, may You give me peace and comfort as I drift off to sleep. I hope that I will dream of beautiful things. Let no scary nightmare ruin my restful sleep. Send Your guardian angels to protect my family and me from any dangers in the night. I also pray for the protection and safety of the less fortunate–the homeless, the war-torn, the hungry, the sick, and the neglected. May they, too, find peace, comfort, and solace in the peaceful evening time.
Lord God, my Friend and my Protector, only You can help me to feel calm and worry-free. When the sun rises, I hope that we will wake up to sunshine and birdsong, proof of Your protection and love.
In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Short Catholic bedtime prayer for children
Father God,
As I settle down for the night, may You stand guard over our household and be our shield. Comfort us and fill us with peace as we drift off to sleep. May we dream of beautiful things. May You be with us and keep all the nightmares away. As the world sleeps, I hope that You will protect those who are much more vulnerable and less fortunate than I am. May tomorrow bring many things to smile about.
In Jesus’ Name.
Amen.
The Word of God
If you sit down, you will not be afraid;
when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.
Proverbs 3:24 NRSVUE
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
John 14:27 NRSVUE
He said, “My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”
Exodus 33:14 NRSVUE
I will both lie down and sleep in peace,
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety.
Psalm 4:8 NRSVUE
Intercessory prayer to Saint Dymphna
Oh, Blessed Saint Dymphna,
The story of your suffering, generosity, and kindness has touched many hearts, leading others to seek help and healing under your wing.
Join me in prayer as I ask God to pardon my sins and cleanse me of any wrongdoings. By His grace and through my faith, I hope to one day wake up in Heavenly paradise, spending eternity with God and my loved ones.
Please protect our household as we settle into the comfort of our beds. May we sleep peacefully tonight without fear of danger or pain of illness. Stand guard over us as we recharge for tomorrow’s activities. Soothe our worries and fill us with peaceful thoughts. Bless us with good refreshing sleep, free from late-night interruptions and restlessness, and drive away all nightmares that threaten us as we sleep. Protect those who are needy and vulnerable and give them comfort from life’s troubles, even for just a few hours of blissful sleep. May they take comfort in God’s presence and protection.
May we sleep pleasantly knowing that God sent you to watch over us and keep us safe and well-rested. I hope that we will wake up refreshed and ready to tackle tomorrow’s tasks. But for now, let comfort be with us.
Saint Dymphna, pray for us.
Further reflection
Sleep is just as important of an activity as studying and playing. Unfortunately, even we as adults are often reluctant to go to bed, and therefore we don’t get enough rest that our bodies need. This is true for children who might be just too excited or feel like they will miss something fun if they go to sleep too soon, but also some children suffer from nightmares and sleep disorders like insomnia. Furthermore, some children still have too much energy to expend before they feel the tug of exhaustion. This prayer before bed is a way to wind down, relax, thank God for a productive day, and to ask for His protection as we retire for the night. Teaching this children’s nighttime prayer to young kids can help them develop an early relationship with God, one that is full of trust and faith.
Furthermore, we can incorporate other activities like praying the family rosary, reading Bible stories before bedtime or reading the Scripture and reflecting on it as a family before we each go our separate ways. Singing lullabies can also be a fun bedtime ritual that kids can look forward to. After all, as written in Proverbs 22:6, teaching a child early will lead to lifelong habits. May heartfelt communication with the Lord be one of the habits that they carry until adulthood.
