Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep Prayer
The “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer is a classic bedtime devotion, cherished for its simplicity and heartfelt meaning. Passed down through generations, it has offered comfort and protection to both children and adults alike. Its timeless presence in homes and faith communities across the world provides a quiet moment to reflect on God’s care before sleep.
Dating back to the 18th century, this prayer is often associated with England, and many scholars believe it may have been written by Thomas Ken, a renowned British preacher, around 1695. Originally part of a longer hymn meant to encourage daily devotion, the shortened version gradually became a beloved bedtime prayer, especially for young children.
The most familiar form of the prayer goes like this:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
This prayer is commonly taught to children to help them express trust and faith in God before resting. Its gentle rhythm and rhyming structure make it easy to remember, making it perfect for a nightly family routine.
Present-Day Relevance
Even though the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer is centuries old, it remains deeply meaningful in today’s world. With the stresses and anxieties of modern life often affecting our ability to rest, this prayer provides a soothing, reflective moment before sleep.
To make the prayer more personal, you can include your own thoughts, emotions, and daily experiences. Adding specific requests—such as seeking guidance, protection, or comfort.helps the prayer feel more heartfelt. Speaking to God in conversational, sincere language transforms the prayer into a genuine dialogue. Reflecting on the day and expressing gratitude for His care enhances the sense of peace and connection.
Personalizing the prayer in this way strengthens your relationship with God and makes it a comforting nightly practice.
Example of a personal version:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I thank You, God, for keeping me safe today.
Please watch over my family and friends tonight,
And grant me peace as I rest.
If I should die before I wake,
I trust in Your love to carry me home.
1. Establish a Bedtime Routine
Incorporating the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer into a nightly routine can create a peaceful end to each day. Regularly saying this prayer signals your body and mind that it’s time to rest, helping to reduce stress and encourage relaxation. For children, a consistent bedtime ritual provides a sense of security and comfort, while for adults, it can be a moment of reflection and gratitude.
Example Prayer for a Bedtime Routine:
Heavenly Father,
As I lay down to sleep, thank You for the gift of this day.
Please watch over me and grant me peaceful rest.
Take away my worries and refresh my spirit.
If I should die before I wake,
I trust in Your love to guide me home.
2. Share the Prayer with Family
Praying together as a family can strengthen bonds and create a meaningful spiritual tradition. Reciting the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer with loved ones helps children develop a sense of faith and trust in God’s protection. Each family member can include personal intentions, making the prayer a shared moment of love, care, and reflection before bedtime.
Example Family Prayer:
Dear God,
We come together as a family to thank You for this day.
Please protect us as we sleep and watch over our home.
Guide us through the night and keep us safe in Your arms.
If we should die before we wake,
We trust in Your eternal love.
Amen.
3. Connect the Prayer to Daily Gratitude
Incorporating gratitude into the prayer can make it more personal and meaningful. Reflecting on the day’s blessings, achievements, and lessons fosters mindfulness and spiritual awareness. Mentioning specific moments where God’s presence was evident helps cultivate a heart full of thanks before sleep.
Example Gratitude Prayer:
Loving God,
As I lay down tonight, I thank You for this day.
Thank You for the people You placed in my path,
For the strength to face challenges,
And for the blessings I sometimes overlook.
Please grant me rest tonight and wake me with a grateful heart.
Amen.
4. Reflect During Waking Hours
The prayer’s message of trust, protection, and gratitude can extend beyond bedtime. Starting your day with a brief reflection on the prayer helps carry its peace into your waking hours. This practice can guide decisions, reduce stress, and remind you of God’s presence throughout the day.
Example Morning Reflection:
Lord,
Thank You for another day of life.
Help me carry the peace I felt last night into today.
Guide my steps and protect me from harm,
And remind me of Your love in all I do.
Amen.
5. Personalize the Prayer for Special Occasions
You can adapt the prayer for specific life events, joyful moments, or times of difficulty. Speaking directly to God about personal experiences, hopes, and concerns strengthens your connection and makes the prayer uniquely yours.
Example Special Occasion Prayer:
Dear Lord,
As I prepare for tomorrow, I ask for Your guidance and strength.
Give me courage to face what lies ahead,
And grant me peace tonight as I rest.
If I should die before I wake,
I know You will hold me in Your loving care.
Amen.
6. Use the Prayer to Ease Anxiety
The prayer can serve as a comforting tool for releasing fear or worry, particularly at night. By entrusting concerns to God, you create a sense of calm and reassurance, allowing your heart and mind to rest peacefully.
Example Anxiety Prayer:
God of Peace,
Tonight, I lay down my fears before You.
Quiet my mind and fill me with Your calm.
Help me trust that You are in control
And that You will watch over me and my loved ones.
If I should die before I wake,
I rest in Your eternal love.
Amen.
Different Versions Of The Prayer
Over the years, the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer has evolved into various forms to suit different ages, faith traditions, and personal preferences. Each version keeps the core message of trust, protection, and gratitude while adding unique touches for specific needs.
1. Traditional Version (Original English Version)
The Traditional Version is the classic form of the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer that has been cherished for generations. Its simple rhyming structure makes it easy to memorize and recite, especially for children, while conveying a heartfelt plea for God’s protection through the night.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
This original version continues to be widely used in homes, churches, and bedtime routines, providing comfort, security, and a sense of spiritual connection before sleep.
2. Expanded Christian Version
The Expanded Christian Version builds on the traditional prayer by including references to angels and nightly guidance, offering an extra layer of comfort and reassurance. It emphasizes God’s protection throughout the night.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Angels watch me through the night,
And keep me safe ’til morning light.
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.
3. Modern Version (Inclusive and Accessible Language)
This Modern Version adapts the prayer for today’s audiences, using inclusive and simple language. It maintains the core message of trust and protection while making it accessible to people of different faiths or beliefs.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray to God my soul to keep.
Guide me safely through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.
4. Children’s Version (Simplified for Young Kids)
The Children’s Version focuses on comfort and reassurance, making it easy for young children to understand and memorize. It emphasizes safety and the presence of angels.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
May angels watch me through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.
Amen.
5. Catholic Adaptation
The Catholic Adaptation includes invocations to the Virgin Mary and guardian angels, reflecting Catholic traditions of devotion and protection. It offers spiritual comfort through the night for children and adults alike.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Mary, watch me through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.
My guardian angel, keep me from harm,
And hold me gently in Your arms.
Amen.
7. Spiritual Version (Non-Denominational)
This version is designed for those seeking a spiritual, non-denominational approach. It emphasizes peace, guidance, and protection without specific religious references, making it accessible to a wider audience.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I ask for peace, my soul to keep.
Guide me safely through the night,
And wake me with the morning light.
8. Evening Prayer for Adults
The Evening Prayer for Adults reflects on the day’s challenges and seeks spiritual restoration. It acknowledges struggles while entrusting God with peace, protection, and rest.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to rest,
I pray for peace within my chest.
Thank You, Lord, for this day,
Guide me as I drift away.
If I should not see tomorrow,
Ease my heart from pain and sorrow.
Keep my soul safe in Your care,
And help me rest in peace.
9. Extended Children’s Version
This Extended Children’s Version includes prayers for family members and loved ones, helping children feel connected to their family while trusting in God’s protection.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
God bless Mommy, Daddy, and me,
And everyone who loves our family.
Guide us safely through the night,
And wake us with the morning light.
Amen.
10. “Goodnight” Version
The “Goodnight” Version softens the original prayer for a calming, gentle bedtime experience. It adds a comforting tone to help children and adults feel safe as they prepare for sleep.
Prayer:
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep.
Goodnight, my friends, goodnight, my fears,
I’ll wake tomorrow with fewer tears.
If I should die before I wake,
I know my soul is His to take.
