Is Bedtime Prayer Important?

Do you have a nighttime routine? Perhaps you eat dinner, take a walk outside, come home and relax in a warm bath, put on pajamas, read the Bible, or have some other ways to end the day. Is bedtime prayer important? The way we begin, journey through, and end each day can affect how we interact with others and how we deepen our relationship with God.

Scripture tells us to pray to God continually, without ceasing. Praise Him in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Praise Him all day long. Songs and poems express the joy and peace of praying and knowing God is listening.

When I rise in the morning, one of the first things I do is to open my front door and say, “Good morning Lord. Thank You for this glorious day.” Then, I open the back door of the house and repeat my prayer. This is my way of beginning the day.

Praying throughout the day is important. Staying in conversation with God reminds us of His love and constant presence. We can take joys and concerns to God. He knows our thoughts before we share them with Him.

Beginning the day with prayer reminds us to focus on God and not ourselves. Therefore, ending the day with prayer is equally as important.

People of all ages can find comfort and peace in bedtime prayers. Maybe you continue to say a prayer you learned as a child. Some people recite the Lord’s Prayer at bedtime.

Children are often taught prayers at Sunday School, church, and Vacation Bible School. Have you watched a child place their hands together, close their eyes, and begin praying silently or aloud? Knowing that a child is sharing time with God is a balm to the soul.

What if you have endured a traumatic day and you can’t find the words to pray? Maybe you think about skipping the bedtime prayer. Pause and put your focus on God. Ask God to bring rest and peace to your thoughts and body. Praying to God at bedtime allows you to release all worries to Him.

What if the day has been filled with joy and great happenings? During your bedtime prayer, thank God for His provisions. Thank God for joy and laughter. Take this time to pray for others.

Jesus prayed throughout the day and night, including when He was baptized by John. In the book of Luke, we learn that Jesus spent the night praying before choosing the 12 disciples. The Bible also tells us that Jesus went to lonely places and prayed. Jesus prayed alone and with others. He knew His Father was listening. We can be confident God is always listening.

Sharing bedtime prayers can bring families closer together and be a reminder of God’s blessings.

Yes, bedtime prayer is important. Praying at any time of day or night is vital to having a relationship with God.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people” (Ephesians 6:18 NIV).

Blessings,

Melissa Henderson