The simple childhood prayer “Now I lay me down to sleep” captures a profound spiritual practice – committing ourselves to God’s care at day’s end. These 25 bedtime prayers expand on that tradition, offering specific evening petitions for protection, healing, gratitude and more.
Powerful Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Prayer
Whether you’re a parent teaching children to pray, an adult seeking peaceful rest, or someone interceding for others through the night, these prayers will help you end your day in God’s presence. Each prayer combines heartfelt petitions with Scripture promises, creating a meaningful transition from wakefulness to restful sleep in divine safety
1. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Children
Dear Heavenly Father, as I prepare to sleep, I commit my little one into Your loving care. Watch over them through the night and keep bad dreams away.
Psalm 4:8
“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” Send Your angels to guard their room. Bless them with sweet dreams and restful sleep. May they wake up refreshed and happy. Thank You for watching over us all night long. Amen.
2. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Protection
Lord Jesus, as I lay down to rest, I ask for Your divine protection over my home and family. Surround us with Your heavenly security through the night.
Psalm 91:11
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” Cover us with the blood of Christ. Keep danger far from our dwelling. Thank You for being our night watchman. Amen.
3. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Peaceful Sleep
Prince of Peace, calm my mind and quiet my thoughts as I prepare to sleep. Remove all anxiety and worry that might keep me awake.
Philippians 4:7
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Slow my breathing and relax my body. Give me deep, restorative rest. Thank You for renewing me through sleep. Amen.
4. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Forgiveness
Merciful Father, as I end this day, forgive me for any wrongs I’ve committed. Cleanse my heart and make me new.
1 John 1:9
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Help me forgive others as You’ve forgiven me. Give me a clean conscience to rest peacefully. Thank You for Your mercy. Amen.
5. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Gratitude
Gracious God, as I lay down to sleep, I thank You for the blessings of this day. Help me remember Your goodness even in challenges.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I’m grateful for [list specific blessings]. Keep my heart thankful through the night. Thank You for Your constant love. Amen.
6. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Healing
Divine Healer, as my body rests tonight, renew my strength and heal what needs restoration.
Jeremiah 30:17
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord.” Repair cells, regulate systems, and refresh my whole being. Thank You for Your healing power at work while I sleep. Amen.
7. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Loved Ones
Loving Father, I lift up my family and friends as I go to sleep. Protect them and meet their needs through the night.
Numbers 6:24-26
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you.” Watch over those who are traveling, sick, or lonely. Thank You for caring for those I love. Amen.
8. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Anxiety Relief
Comforter God, quiet my anxious thoughts as I prepare to sleep. Replace my worries with Your perfect peace.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Take the burdens I’ve carried today. Help me trust You with tomorrow. Thank You for carrying what weighs me down. Amen.
9. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Night Workers
Almighty God, bless those who work through the night while others sleep. Keep them safe and alert.
Psalm 121:4
“Indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” Protect nurses, police, drivers and all night workers. Thank You for their service. Amen.
10. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Sweet Dreams
Heavenly Father, fill my mind with good thoughts as I sleep. Guard my dreams and imagination.
Philippians 4:8
“Whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable—think about such things.” Replace nightmares with visions of Your love. Thank You for peaceful dreams. Amen.
11. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for the Homeless
Compassionate Lord, remember those with no safe place to sleep tonight. Provide shelter and comfort.
Isaiah 58:7
“Share your food with the hungry and provide the poor wanderer with shelter.” Move hearts to help. Protect the vulnerable. Thank You for being their refuge. Amen.
12. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Tomorrow’s Strength
Sustainer God, prepare me for whatever tomorrow holds. Renew my energy as I sleep.
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” Give me wisdom for decisions ahead. Thank You for new mercies each morning. Amen.
13. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Spiritual Protection
Mighty Warrior, guard me from spiritual attacks during the night. Defeat every scheme of the enemy.
Ephesians 6:11
“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” Cover my mind with the helmet of salvation. Thank You for victory in Christ. Amen.
14. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Parents
Faithful Father, give weary parents restful sleep tonight. Renew their patience and joy.
Matthew 11:28
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Bless them with uninterrupted rest. Thank You for the gift of children. Amen.
15. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Seniors
Eternal God, comfort elderly ones who struggle to sleep or feel lonely at night.
Psalm 71:9
“Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.” Ease their pains. Remind them of Your presence. Thank You for their wisdom. Amen.
16. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Students
Wisdom Giver, help students rest well despite exams and assignments. Quiet their busy minds.
Ecclesiastes 5:12
“The sleep of a laborer is sweet.” Help them balance work and rest. Thank You for the gift of education. Amen.
17. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for First Responders
Protector God, watch over police, firefighters and EMTs who remain on call through the night.
Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.” Keep them safe as they protect others. Thank You for their service. Amen.
18. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Hospital Patients
Great Physician, comfort those spending the night in hospitals. Ease their pain and fear.
Psalm 41:3
“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.” Give doctors wisdom. Bring healing. Thank You for medical care. Amen.
19. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Travelers
Guardian God, protect those sleeping in unfamiliar places tonight – in hotels, planes or on roads.
Psalm 121:8
“The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” Guide them safely to their destinations. Thank You for watching over journeys. Amen.
20. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Broken Hearts
Healer of Hearts, comfort those going to sleep with grief or sadness. Dry their tears.
Psalm 34:18
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Wrap them in Your love. Bring hope by morning. Thank You for Your comfort. Amen.
21. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Nighttime Fears
Prince of Peace, calm children (and adults) afraid of the dark. Remind them of Your constant presence.
Psalm 27:1
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?” Replace fear with faith. Give peaceful rest. Thank You for being our security. Amen.
22. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Shift Workers
Lord of All Times, bless those whose sleep schedules are disrupted by shift work. Help their bodies adjust.
Psalm 3:5
“I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the Lord sustains me.” Give them quality rest whenever they sleep. Thank You for providing work. Amen.
23. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for New Mothers
Creator God, give exhausted new mothers rest between feedings. Strengthen them for parenting.
Isaiah 40:11
“He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms.” Bless their bonding with babies. Thank You for the miracle of life. Amen.
24. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer for Wisdom
All-Wise God, speak to me in the stillness of night. Give me insight through dreams or quiet moments.
Job 33:15-16
“In a dream, in a vision of the night…he may speak in their ears.” Guide my subconscious thoughts. Bring clarity by morning. Thank You for divine wisdom. Amen.
25. Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer of Surrender
Loving Father, as I close my eyes, I surrender all to You – my worries, plans and very breath.
Psalm 31:5
“Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.” Hold me through the night. Prepare me for whatever tomorrow brings. Thank You for never leaving me. Amen.
Conclusion:
As you make these “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayers part of your nightly routine, may they become more than words – may they be genuine encounters with the God who watches over you without slumber. From children’s bedrooms to hospital wards, from busy family homes to lonely apartments, these prayers carry your heart to the One who neither sleeps nor grows weary. May they bring you peaceful sleep tonight and awaken you to new mercies each morning, confident that the same God who guided your evening prayers will greet you with fresh grace at sunrise.