Bedtime Prayers Over Our Children

Often the most powerful words we can speak in our day are those we pray to God on behalf of our loved ones. And though many of us would say we believe in the power of prayer and understand how important it is, the truth is, we don’t always live that out. It’s hard, I know. We get weary, busy, and overwhelmed. Or we find ourselves going through difficult and painful seasons in life.

By the end of a full day, we often 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. Other times, I’ve awakened in the night, compelled to pray, and ask God to surround their lives in mighty ways with His love and care. Maybe you’ve found yourself there too. And even though no one will ever fully know the extent of a mother’s prayers on behalf of her children, the countless hours and heart-cry over them, God knows. And He sees. You can be assured that He’s at work, in and through them for His great glory.

Our kids may struggle at different ages with not being able to sleep through the night. Maybe you’re in the toddler or preschool stage where they’re easily awakened in the night. Possibly your school-aged child is battling fear of the dark in just going to sleep. If you have teens, often there’s schoolwork to finish at night, or extracurricular activities that keep your family out late. And all these things may distract us from the one big need we have. Prayer. Praying over our kids, our family, and our homes. We need God’s Spirit, like never before, to breathe His powerful, hope-filled peace over weary, anxious souls, every single day and night.

He loves us more than we could ever fully know and longs to help us. Your prayers are never in vain in the Lord, He hears every word, He sees your heart for your children, and His arms are open to their every need.

A Prayer for Our Kids:

Dear God,

We come before you and thank you for this day and all that it’s brought our way, the good things, and the hard things too. Thank you, that in it all you’ve reminded us again how much you love us and are always with us. We pray for your help to leave all 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. 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 reminding 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. Please bring your perfect peace, the peace that goes far beyond our own understanding, to guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. We know in you, we’re safe and secure, and your protection is more powerful than we could ever imagine. Thank you for your reminder we never have to be afraid, in the day or the night. 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 pets, and we ask for you to 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’re fighting for us, even as we sleep, 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.

We need God’s Spirit, like never before, to breathe His powerful, hope-filled peace over weary, anxious souls, every single day and night.

3 Verses to Pray Before You Sleep:

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

For Restoration –

“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

For Peace –

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8