Goodnight Prayer for Kids
As the day comes to an end, there’s something very special about leading a child in a nighttime prayer. These gentle moments at bedtime are not just a routine—they are a powerful way to build faith, calm their hearts, and remind them that God watches over them through the night. Children may not always understand the worries of the day, but they deeply understand love, comfort, and peace. That’s what these evening prayers are for: to tuck them into God’s arms as they sleep. Whether your child had a joyful day or a challenging one, ending the night with a short talk with God makes all the difference. It brings closure, hope, and a reminder that tomorrow is another chance to grow in grace.
These heartfelt prayers help kids find security in God’s promises and fall asleep with peace, knowing that they are never alone. With each prayer inspired by Scripture, this list is perfect for every parent or caregiver wanting to bless their little one with the warmth of God’s presence before they close their eyes.
1. Covered in His Peace
“I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
—Psalm 4:8
Dear Lord, thank You for watching over me today. As the stars come out and the sky grows dark, I ask You to wrap me in Your peace. Keep me safe through the night, Lord. Let no bad dreams or scary thoughts come near. Help me sleep without fear, because I know You’re close by. Thank You for loving me, for protecting me, and for always being near—even when the lights go out. In the quiet of this night, fill my room with Your peace and my heart with Your love. Amen.
2. A Thankful Heart Before Sleep
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:18
Father God, thank You for today—thank You for the good things, the fun things, even the hard things that helped me grow. Thank You for my family, my friends, my teachers, and every smile I saw. As I get ready to sleep, I just want to say thank You for being my helper and my guide. Please help me dream sweet dreams and wake up happy and ready to learn again tomorrow. I love You, God. Amen.
3. No Fear, Just Faith
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.”
—Isaiah 41:10
Dear Jesus, sometimes I feel scared when the lights go off or when I hear noises outside. But I know You are bigger than all my fears. Help me to remember You are holding me close. I won’t be afraid because You’re right here beside me. I trust You, Lord. Let Your angels stand guard around me, and let me sleep like a little lamb in the Shepherd’s arms. Amen.
4. Safe and Sound in God’s Arms
“The Lord is your protector; the Lord is your shade at your right hand.”
—Psalm 121:5
Heavenly Father, thank You that You never sleep. You’re always watching over me, even when I close my eyes. As I lie in bed, I ask You to cover me with Your love and protection. Keep my body safe and my dreams peaceful. If I wake up at night, help me to remember You are there with me. I trust You, Lord. I give You my heart, my thoughts, and my sleep. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Rest
“Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28
Lord Jesus, I had a big day. My mind feels full and my body is tired. Please give me rest. Let Your arms be like a soft blanket around me. Help me to fall asleep quickly and wake up refreshed. Thank You for caring when I’m tired and for giving me new strength each day. I rest in You tonight, Jesus. Amen.
SEE ALSO: Prayer For Thursday Morning
6. Calm My Heart
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.”
—Colossians 3:15
Dear God, sometimes my heart feels a little busy, even at bedtime. Maybe I had a tough moment or a sad thought. But I know Your peace is stronger than anything I feel. Please calm my heart. Help me to breathe slow and feel Your love. Thank You that You never leave me and that You fill my dreams with hope. Goodnight, Lord. Amen.
7. Thank You for My Day
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
—Psalm 118:24
Father, thank You for the day You gave me. I laughed, I played, I learned, and I grew. Some moments were fun, and some were hard—but I know You were with me in them all. Thank You for being so good to me. Please help me sleep deeply and dream good dreams. Let me wake up ready for another day with You. Amen.
8. Bless My Family Too
“As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”
—Joshua 24:15
God, please bless my family tonight. Keep mommy, daddy, my brothers, and sisters safe. Let them sleep peacefully too. Thank You for the people who take care of me and love me every day. Please give them sweet dreams and joyful rest. I pray our home would be full of love and laughter. Amen.
9. Jesus Is My Light
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”
—Psalm 27:1
Dear Jesus, even when the lights go off, You are my Light. You shine in my heart and keep me from being afraid. Let Your light fill my room, even when I can’t see it. Thank You for always being with me. I love You and I trust You. Goodnight, Lord. Amen.
10. A Prayer for Sweet Dreams
“When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet.”
—Proverbs 3:24
Lord, I pray for sweet dreams tonight. Let me think about happy things, like Your love and all the good You’ve given me. Let Your angels surround me and protect my rest. Thank You that I can sleep without worry. May my dreams be filled with joy, peace, and Your kindness. Amen.
11. My Heart Belongs to You
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”
—Deuteronomy 6:5
Dear God, as I lay in bed and close my eyes, I want You to know how much I love You. My heart is full of love for You, and I want to keep You in the center of everything I do. Even when I’m sleeping, I want to dream about You and the beautiful things You’ve created. Thank You for loving me first. Thank You for teaching me how to be kind, how to say thank You, and how to talk to You just like this. Please help me grow in love for You every day. I give You my heart, my sleep, and my dreams tonight. Amen.
12. When I Don’t Feel Okay
“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
—1 Peter 5:7
Jesus, sometimes I go to bed feeling sad or a little worried. Maybe something happened today that didn’t feel good, or maybe I just feel unsure inside. Thank You that I can tell You everything. I don’t need to hide my feelings. I give You every worry and every tear. Please take them from my heart so I can rest tonight. I know You care about me, and that makes me feel safe and loved. I choose to sleep in peace, trusting that You’re fixing things, even while I rest. Amen.
13. A Song in My Sleep
“By day the Lord directs His love, at night His song is with me.”
—Psalm 42:8
Dear God, thank You for music and songs that make my heart happy. I pray that even while I sleep, Your song would stay with me. Let my dreams be full of praise and joy. If I wake up, help me hear Your voice in my heart, singing over me. Let Your melody carry me through the night and into a new morning with You. Thank You for the gift of worship and for putting Your joy in my spirit. Amen.
14. Thank You for My Room
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”
—Philippians 4:19
Heavenly Father, thank You for my bed, my pillow, my blankets, and my room. Thank You for giving me a place where I feel warm and safe. Not everyone has a cozy bed, so I’m really thankful for mine. Please bless children everywhere who don’t have a place to rest tonight. Send them help and comfort. And please help me to always be grateful for what I have. Let my room be filled with Your presence as I sleep. Amen.
15. Jesus, My Best Friend
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”
—John 15:13
Jesus, You are my best friend. I can tell You everything, and I know You’ll always listen. Thank You for being close to me all day long. Thank You for never being too busy or too far away. You are with me at school, at home, and even while I sleep. I’m so glad I have You. Tonight, I want to talk to You like I would with a friend—thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your life for me. Please watch over me as I rest. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
16. Wash Away the Day
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
—Psalm 51:10
Lord, I want to go to sleep with a clean heart. If I said or did anything wrong today, please forgive me. If I was mean, or if I didn’t listen, I’m sorry. Help me to do better tomorrow. Wash away all the mistakes from today and give me a fresh start when I wake up. Thank You that You love me even when I mess up. I know You’re always helping me grow into the person You made me to be. Amen.
17. I Trust You, Lord
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
—Proverbs 3:5
God, I don’t always understand everything that happens. Sometimes I hear things on TV or at school that make me confused. But I don’t need to know it all—I just need to trust You. And I do. I trust You with my day, my night, my heart, and my future. I know You’re in control, even when things seem a little messy. So tonight, I rest in Your arms with full trust in my heart. Thank You for never failing me. Amen.
18. Shine Bright Inside Me
“Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
—Matthew 5:16
Dear God, please make my heart shine bright with Your love. Let the things I do and say be full of kindness and joy. Even while I sleep, help me to dream of ways I can help others and make the world a better place. Let my light shine like a candle in the dark, showing others how good You are. Tomorrow, help me be a blessing to someone. I want to make You proud. Amen.
19. I Am Never Alone
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
—Deuteronomy 31:6
Father God, sometimes the night feels lonely. But then I remember—I am never alone. You are with me, always. Even when I don’t feel it, You’re near. That makes me brave. That helps me relax. So tonight, I close my eyes knowing You’re right here in my room, smiling over me. You are the best Father, and I feel safe with You. Thank You for being so close. Amen.
20. Tomorrow is a New Gift
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.”
—Lamentations 3:22-23
Dear Lord, thank You that tomorrow is a brand new gift. I don’t know what it will bring, but I’m excited to live it with You. Whatever mistakes I made today are already covered by Your mercy. Thank You for giving me another chance to grow, love, and live for You. Help me wake up ready to smile, to try again, and to walk in Your love. I can’t wait to see what You have planned. Goodnight, Lord. Amen.
CONCLUSION
Bedtime is a holy moment. It’s not just about closing the day—it’s about entering into rest with God’s presence wrapping around your child like a warm blanket. These goodnight prayers for children create peace in their minds, courage in their hearts, and faith in their spirits.
As you pray over your child tonight, remember: you’re not just helping them sleep better—you’re building a lifelong foundation of trust in God. You’re teaching them that prayer isn’t complicated. It’s simply talking to their Heavenly Father who delights in their voice.
Let every night end with God’s comfort, protection, and promises. And let your child grow up knowing, without a doubt, that they are loved, seen, and never alone—even when they sleep.
