How to Write a Bedtime Blessing for Your Child
Simple Steps to Create a Prayer to Bless Children
Sep 22, 2009
Creating the opportunity to pray before bedtime serves as a consistent opportunity to teach children the value of spirituality, like asking for spiritual help in times of need and giving thanks for the many blessings in life. Creating a bedtime blessing is a wonderful addition to this prayer time. The parent, who has been entrusted with the care of the child, prays for God's blessing upon them and for some, the act can be very powerful.
There are many ways to pray a blessing. However, it can be awkward at first because one can go an entire lifetime without developing this particular skill. Even though there are many ways to bless, here is one process to help create a blessing that expresses the parent’s sentiment and can be unique to the needs of the child.
The Structure of a Bedtime Blessing
The structure of a child's bedtime blessing is simple:
- Name of the child
- Acknowledgment of a good quality the child possesses
- Blessing statements
- Blessing statement that varies depending on the child’s current needs
- Prayer of Protection
- Conclusion
Preparation to Write a Bedtime Blessing for Children
The following formula can be used to write a personalized blessing for a child.
- Acknowledgment – The opinion of a parent has life-long effects. Begin the blessing by acknowledging something wonderful about the child. “You are so smart, you amaze us every day;” “You bring joy in to our lives and we love you so much;” “God has given you a kind and generous heart.”
- Blessing Statements – Parents desire so many things for their children that the most difficult task can be deciding what to ask of God. Plus, it is a challenge to condense these prayers in to a couple of lines. A starting off point is to determine what hopes are strongest for the child. Name them and write them in to short statements that begin with “May you…” or “May God…” Examples of this section may be: "May you never doubt God's love for you;" May you easily find your passion and purpose in life;" "May others know that God loves them through your generosity and kindness;” “ May God give you the strength to always follow what you know is right.” Several statements can be used but is wise to stick to only a few or the blessing can get long!
- Blessing Statement that Can Change – This statement provides an opportunity to pray for something particular in the child’s life, like an upcoming test, difficulty with friends, physical injury, etc.
- Prayer of Protection – At night it is customary to ask for protection for the coming night but is also a good opportunity to ask for protection at all times as well. Children respond to the visual image of angels or a protective light surrounding and protecting them.
- Conclusion – This can be as simple as “Amen,” “In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen” or “Through Christ our Lord, Amen.”
Bedtime Blessing Example
The following is an example of a bedtime blessing that a parent may recite for or with the child before they're tucked into bed for the night.
- Name of Child – “Emily,”
- Special Quality – "You are our gift from God and we love you so much.”
- Blessing Statements – "May you always know that God loves you and that you are chosen to do good and wonderful things in your life. May you always have the confidence to follow your dreams.”
- Blessing Statement that Can Change – “May you feel calm as you take your test tomorrow and do your very best.”
- Prayer of Protection – "And may the angels guide you protect you all the days of your life."
- Conclusion – “Amen."
It is valuable to compose the blessing and commit it to memory (or print it and put it in the child’s room until you do!) The same blessing at night is familiar and comforting to the child. Plus, for a tired parent at day’s end, it is nice to not have to create anything new!
It is natural for the parent to hold the child’s hand or lay hands on the child’s head during the blessing. A sign of the cross can also be traced on the child’s forehead.
The Power of Prayer
A parent’s consistent blessing will build a strong foundation of faith for kids. A blessing written by a parent carries the weight of personal commitment and a deep love for the child. Not only will the children be continually assured of spirituality and love, but the youngster will feel the support and power of the parent’s words.
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