Bedtime with a little one can look many different ways. Some nights it is a sweet, sleepy snuggle. Other nights it is one more song, one more sip of water, and one more trip back down the hall. And when the house is finally quiet, a parent\u2019s own mind does not always quiet down right away.<\/p>\n
Scripture has a short, lovely verse that fits the end of the day perfectly. It is a prayer of rest, and you can speak it over your little one and over your own heart, too.<\/p>\n
David wrote, \u201cI will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety\u201d (Psalm 4:8).<\/p>\n
These are the words of someone who knew where his rest came from. David did not say his circumstances were perfect. He said the Lord was the One who made him dwell in safety. That is a beautiful truth to whisper over a child at bedtime: the same Lord who cared for David cares for your little one tonight.<\/p>\n
Proverbs offers another gentle bedtime promise: \u201cWhen thou liest down, thou shalt not be afraid: yea, thou shalt lie down, and thy sleep shall be sweet\u201d (Proverbs 3:24).<\/p>\n
Little ones sometimes feel afraid of the dark, of being alone, or of a bad dream. As they grow, you can pray this verse with them and remind them that God is with them all night long. Long before they can say the words back to you, they can hear the calm and loving way you speak them.<\/p>\n
Bedtime peace is not only for the child. Jesus said, \u201cPeace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid\u201d (John 14:27).<\/p>\n
If you finish the day feeling tired, or wondering whether you did enough, this verse is for you. The peace Jesus gives does not depend on a perfect day. You can lay your little one down, and then lay your own worries down before the Lord as well.<\/p>\n
If you would love to make Scripture and prayer a steady part of bedtime, I wrote Bedtime Blessings for My Baby: 365 Spoken Prayers and Scripture, a Keepsake for New Parents<\/a> with you in mind. It gives you a prayer and Scripture to speak over your baby every night of the year, so you always have gentle words ready at the end of the day.<\/p>\n