Bedtime Prayers

As a child, I said my prayers as I went to sleep. Not on my knees by my bedside, but lying comfortably in my bed. I’m sure my parents said the prayers to me at first, and then listened to me say them as I got older, sealing the “Amen” with a good night kiss on the forehead.

There have been times in my adult life that I was in a habit of saying bedtime prayers. When I was pregnant and worrying over the health of my babies. When my children were worrying me with their teenage antics. But usually I collapse into bed exhausted and am asleep without even the thought of a prayer.

But this prayer is so beautiful. When I remember to say it, it perfectly captures everything I want to remind myself of, pray for, and give thanks for. 

Nighttime Prayer from the New Zealand Book of Common Prayer

Lord, it is night.

The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.

It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.

The night is dark;
Let our fears of the darkness of the world and our own lives rest in you.

The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.

The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.

In your name we pray.

Amen.