Bedtime Prayers

One of my most favorite times of the day with my girls has always been bedtime. Not always because they are going to bed, but because it’s actually a point in our day when we slow down, read scripture together, pray and sometimes have a spontaneous stretch or dance party…. and sometimes it is because they are going to bed and the latest episode of whatever we are watching on Netflix is calling my name…

I must admit though that often times when it comes to our nightly prayer times with the girls, our prayers lately have sounded a lot like this :

“Thank you for this day, bless our family, give us a good night sleep and a good day tomorrow…”

We sometimes rush through our prayers, wanting to just be “done” for the evening instead of bowing in reverence before a Holy Father and also modeling for our girls how to love and pray for others.

This could be such a pivotal time for our children as they see and witness the power of prayer, listen and participate in prayer for others, and see how when we pray for others, usually our heart for others grows big too instead of just focusing on ourself.

There are so many things and people we could be praying for including our lost friends who need salvation, brothers and sisters around the world who are being persecuted for their faith, the sick and suffering, ministries and missionaries serving around the world, specific people groups from around the world, and even their own salvation. We also have much to rejoice over too!

What does your bedtime routine look like? Does it include prayer time with and for your kiddos? What are you praying for with your children? Are you pausing to pray for others? Are you bowing in reverence with them? Are you rejoicing with them when God answers a prayer? Or are you rushing through just to be done….

Oh Father, fill us with deep reverence for you every time we come into your presence. Guide us as we guide your children. Help us to slow down, to set our minds on you and the things you love, and help us to model that to our little ones. May our nightly times together with you be filled with joyfulness and your Spirit and may they see You in their little beds, as we tuck them in each evening.