Christian child's prayer facts for kids

Jesus teaching the children, outside Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Draper, Utah

A Christian child's prayer is a special kind of Christian prayer that children often say. These prayers are usually short, easy to remember, and sometimes even rhyme or have a simple tune. Kids often say them before going to sleep, to thank God for a meal, or as part of a nursery rhyme. Many of these prayers come directly from the Bible or are traditional words that have been used for a long time.

While we call them "Christian child's prayers," the examples here are mostly used by Protestants. Other Christian groups, like Catholics and Orthodox Christians, have their own special prayers for children. These often include prayers to Mary, Mother of Jesus, angels, or saints. Some prayers that adults use are also popular with children, such as the Golden Rule (Luke 6:31, Matthew 7:12) and, for older kids, The Lord's Prayer.

Bedtime Prayers

Bedtime prayers are a way for children to talk to God before they go to sleep. They often ask for safety and good rest.

Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

This is one of the most famous children's bedtime prayers. It has been around for a very long time and has many different versions.

Luther's Evening Prayer

This prayer comes from Martin Luther, a very important leader in Christian history. It's a prayer of thanks and asking for protection.

I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast graciously kept me this day, and I pray Thee to forgive me all my sins, where I have done wrong, and graciously keep me this night. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the Wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Evening Prayer from The New England Primer

The New England Primer was a famous textbook used in early American schools. This prayer was in its 1777 edition.

O Lord God who knowest all Things, thou seest me by Night as well as by Day. I pray thee for Christ's Sake, forgive me whatsoever I have done amiss this Day, and keep me all this Night, while I am asleep. I desire to lie down under thy Care, and to abide forever under thy Blessing, for thou art a God of all Power and everlasting Mercy. Amen

Lullabies

Lullabies are gentle songs sung to help children fall asleep. Many of them are also prayers.

Now the Day is Over

This is a peaceful hymn often sung at the end of the day.

Morning Prayers

Morning prayers are said when you wake up, to thank God for a new day and ask for guidance.

Luther's Morning Prayer

This is another prayer from Martin Luther, similar to his evening prayer but for the start of the day.

I thank Thee, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Thy dear Son, that Thou hast kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray Thee to keep me this day also from sin and all evil, that all my doings and life may please Thee. For into Thy hands I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Thy holy angel be with me, that the Wicked Foe may have no power over me. Amen.

Morning Prayer from The New England Primer

This prayer from The New England Primer is for the morning.

Almighty God the Maker of every thing in Heaven and Earth; the Darkness goes away, and the Day light comes at thy Command. Thou art good and doest good continually. I thank thee that thou has taken such Care of me this Night, and that I am alive and well this Morning. Save me, O God, from Evil, all this Day long, and let me love and serve thee forever, for the Sake of Jesus Christ thy Son. Amen.

Morning Has Broken

This is a popular Christian hymn often sung in the morning.

Giving Thanks (Grace)

These prayers are said to thank God for food before a meal. This is also called saying "grace."

God Is Great

This short prayer is often sung to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".

God is great and God is good.
And we thank him for our food.

By his hands we all are fed.
Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread.
God is great and God is good,
And we thank him for our food. Amen.

Thank You Lord

This prayer is a simple way to express thanks to God for the day and for His love.

Thank you my God for the day you have given us!
Thank you because you are great and worthy.
Thank you for another day of living,
Thank you for each breath we have taken
Thank you for dying on that cross my God
For our sins!
Forgive our sins, Lord
Amen

Come Lord Jesus

This is a common prayer said before meals, especially in some Lutheran traditions.

Come Lord Jesus, be our guest,
let this food to us be blessed, Amen

All Good Gifts

The chorus of the hymn We Plough the Fields and Scatter can be used as a mealtime prayer.

All good gifts around us
Are sent from heaven above,
Then thank the Lord, O thank the Lord
For all His love

Organized Prayers

These are prayers often used in groups or special settings.

Regent's Prayer

This prayer acknowledges God's help and asks for blessings on people, families, teachers, and the country.

Almighty God,
we acknowledge our dependence upon Thee,
and we beg Thy blessings upon us, our parents,
our teachers and our country.

Philmont Grace

This prayer is used at Philmont Scout Ranch, a large Boy Scout camp. It thanks God for many things, from food to friendship.

For food, for raiment,
for life, for opportunity,
for friendship and fellowship,
we thank you, O Lord.

Spirituals

Spirituals are a type of religious folk song, often with deep meaning and a strong rhythm. Many of these songs were created by African Americans.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands

This is a well-known spiritual that talks about God's power and care over everything.

He's got the whole world in his hands.
He's got you and me, brother in his hands.
He's got you and me, sister in his hands.
He's got the little bitty baby in his hands.
He's got the whole world in his hands.

Michael Row The Boat Ashore

This spiritual tells a story and uses the word "Alleluia," which means "Praise the Lord."

Michael, row the boat ashore, Alleluia!
Michael, row the boat ashore, Alleluia!

Sister help to trim the sails, Alleluia!
Sister help to trim the sails, Alleluia!

The river is deep and the river is wide, Alleluia!
Milk and honey on the other side, Alleluia!

Jordan's river is chilly and cold, Alleluia!
Chills the body, but not the soul, Alleluia!

If you get there before I do. Alleluia!
Tell my people I'm coming too. Alleluia!

Kumbaya

This spiritual is a plea for God to "come by here" and help. It's often sung around campfires.

This Little Light of Mine

This joyful spiritual encourages people to let their faith and goodness shine brightly.

I'm going to let it shine this little light of mine I'm gonna to let shine this little light of mine I'm gonna let it shine let it shine let shine oh aye

When the Saints Go Marching In

This is a famous spiritual that looks forward to a joyful future in heaven.

Carols

Carols are songs, often religious, that are traditionally sung during holidays like Christmas.

The Twelve Days of Christmas

This is a fun and well-known Christmas carol that lists gifts given on each of the twelve days of Christmas.

Away in a Manger

This is a gentle and popular Christmas carol about baby Jesus in a manger.

Other Songs

Here are some other Christian songs that children often learn and sing.

Jesus Loves Me

This is a very simple and comforting song that teaches children about Jesus's love. It was written as a poem in 1860 by Anna Bartlett Warner.

Jesus loves me - this I know,
For the Bible tells me so,
Little ones to Him belong,
They are weak but He is strong.

Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
Yes, Jesus loves me.
The Bible tells me so.

Jesus Loves the Little Children

This song teaches that Jesus loves all children, no matter their background or appearance. The words were written by preacher Clarence Herbert Woolston.

Jesus loves the little children,
All the children of the world.
Red and yellow, black and white,
They are precious in his sight,
Jesus loves the little children of the world.

Praise Him, Praise Him

This song encourages children to praise God.

Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love;
Praise Him, praise Him, all ye little children,
God is love, God is love.

All Things Bright and Beautiful

The chorus of this hymn is often recommended for younger children. It talks about how God made all the wonderful things in the world.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.

Zacchaeus Was a Wee Little Man

This is a fun song that tells the Bible story of Zacchaeus, a short man who climbed a tree to see Jesus.

Images for kids

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  Jesus Blesses Children, from an 1888 altarpiece by Elin Danielson-Gambogi in Ahlainen, Finland.