Short bedtime prayers for kids
A good bedtime prayer is short, simple and in words your child understands. Here are eight to say together. Change them however you like, or let your child add a line of their own.
We make Bible Stories for Kids, and we wrote these prayers to share. Adapt them to fit your family and your church.
The shortest one, for the littlest kids
Thank you, God, for today. Thank you for taking care of me. Amen.
A thank-you prayer
Dear God, thank you for today. Thank you for my home, my food and the people who love me. Thank you for always being with me. Amen.
When the dark feels scary
Dear God, sometimes the night feels scary. But you are here, even when I can't see you. Help me feel safe and get some rest. Amen.
For family
Dear God, please take care of my family tonight. Bless the ones nearby and the ones far away. Help us love each other every day. Amen.
After a hard day
Dear God, today didn't all go well. Please forgive me for what I did wrong, and help me say sorry. Thank you that tomorrow is a new day. Amen.
For a good night's sleep
Dear God, thank you for my bed and this quiet night. Give me sweet sleep, and wake me up happy. Amen.
For someone who is sick
Dear God, I'm praying for someone who is sick. Please help them feel better and not be afraid. Take care of the people looking after them too. Amen.
Before a big day
Dear God, tomorrow is a big day. Help me be brave and kind. Thank you for going with me everywhere I go. Amen.
How to pray with your child
- Pray at the same time each night so it becomes part of the routine.
- Say one line and let your child repeat it.
- Ask, "What do you want to say thank you for today?" and add it in.
- Keep it short. One minute is plenty.
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Common questions
How do I teach a young child to pray?
Start with one short line they can repeat, and pray together at the same time each night. Over time, invite them to use their own words.
How long should a bedtime prayer be?
With young children, a minute is enough. The habit matters more than the length.
Bible Stories for Kids at a glance
- For children ages 3 to 7
- 26 illustrated stories, from the Bible and faith-based, all narrated aloud
- In English, Spanish and Portuguese
- No ads; purchases sit behind a parental gate
- Three free stories; the rest by subscription with a 7-day free trial (US: $9.99/month or $69.99/year)
- For iPhone and iPad; stories load over the internet
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