Faith @ Home!

Night Time Blessing

In addition to (or instead of) evening prayers, a bedtime blessing from parents is a wonderful tradition.  Not only can it be done with children who are too young to speak, but if frees a busy child from the need to do or say anything.  The blessing is simply received.  It is a gift from the parent and an expression of the child being loved by God.  consider using the same blessing night after night so your child may begin to internalize and anticipate it.

Designed for Newborn through School Age

(As long as children are being tucked into bed by parents)

Time Investment:  30 seconds - 1 minute

Materials: None

How To

1.  At bedtime, after the child has finished his or her usual bedtime routine (teeth brushed, pajamas on, story read, etc.) say to your child, "Daddy (or mommy) is going to say a night time blessing now!"  

2.  Place your hand on the child's head or shoulder and say a short blessing.  Use one of the examples or write your own.

i.  (Child's Name), may God bless you and keep you.  May God be kind and gracious to you.  May God give you peace tonight and every night. Amen.  

ii.  (Child's Name), may the peace of God, which is bigger than anything we understand, fill your heart an d your mind, and may you know God's love always.  Amen.

iii.  (Child's Name), may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace, not only tonight, but tomorrow and the next day and all the days of your life.  Amen.

iv.  God Bless (child's name).  Amen.

3.  At the end of the blessing, say, "Amen," give the child a hug or kiss, and leave the room.  

Notes

• The bedtime blessing can be shared by whichever parent or caregiver is putting the child to bed.  The consistency in the blessing through a variety of different propel provides a sense of security and safety to children.
• There is not age too small for this blessing.  Begin to bless your children at bedtime from their very first day of life!