Catholic Bedtime Prayers for Children
At the end of a long day, you do not need to find perfect words. Make the Sign of the Cross, thank God for something from the day, and bring Him one person or concern. Choose one of the prayers below and begin there.
A short bedtime prayer
An original prayer from Christus Lumen.
Jesus, thank you for this day.
Thank you for the people who cared for me.
Forgive me for the times I was unkind.
Help me forgive and begin again.
Stay close to everyone who is lonely, sick or afraid.
Keep us in your love tonight.
Amen.
The Guardian Angel Prayer
A traditional Catholic prayer.
Angel of God, my guardian dear,
To whom God’s love commits me here,
Ever this day be at my side,
To light and guard, to rule and guide.
Amen.
Read more about the Guardian Angel Prayer. You can also pray an Our Father or Hail Mary together.
A prayer when your child feels afraid
An original prayer from Christus Lumen.
Jesus, I am afraid tonight.
You know what is on my mind.
Help me tell someone who cares for me.
Be close to me as I rest.
Help me trust that I am loved.
Amen.
After praying, listen to what is worrying your child. Prayer can be part of the comfort you offer alongside your presence and practical care.
A simple bedtime prayer routine
- Begin together. Make the Sign of the Cross slowly.
- Give thanks. Invite each person to name one good thing from the day.
- Pray for someone. Let your child name a friend, relative or person who needs help.
- Choose a prayer. Pray one of the prayers above or another familiar Catholic prayer.
- Close with the Sign of the Cross. Let the routine be simple enough to return to tomorrow.
Adapt the routine as your child grows
With young children
Lead the words and invite your child to join in. A short prayer said with attention is a place to begin. If your child forgets the words or gets distracted, gently help them return.
With older children and teenagers
Offer a choice between a familiar prayer, a shared intention or a quiet moment. Your child does not need to explain every private concern to pray with you. Read our guide to praying with your teenager.
Keep building prayer into family life
For everyday guidance, read how to teach your children to pray without forcing it. If you want to pray for your children yourself, use the Prayer for My Children.
Sources and prayer notes
The short bedtime prayer and prayer for fear on this page are original devotional prayers, not official liturgical texts. The Guardian Angel Prayer is traditional. For further family prayer guidance, see USCCB: Tools for Building a Domestic Church and Loyola Press: Blessings and Family Prayers.
Written by Juan Jovel, founder of Christus Lumen.