Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Prayer

The original text, as printed in The New England Primer (Thomas Fleet edition, about 1737). Public domain. Often searched as “now i lay me down to sleep full 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. Amen.

The most common modern ending, used by many parents in place of the line about dying. Often searched as “prayer now i lay me down”.

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.

Another common version, with two lines added to bless the people you love.

As I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Guide me safely through the night, and wake me with the morning light. Thank You, Jesus, for this day. Bless the ones I love, I pray. Amen.

A version that ends with a new day instead of a death. Often searched as “i pray to lord my soul to keep prayer”.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Watch me, Lord, the whole night through, and wake me to a day that’s new. God bless my family and everyone I love. Amen.

Why the old line is there. In 1737 it was a plain statement of trust, from a time when children often did not survive. Some families keep it, some swap it out. Both are fine.

Lord, the old prayer says, If I should die before I wake. Children long ago knew life was fragile, and they trusted You with it anyway. I want that kind of trust. My life is in Your hands tonight and every night. Whether I wake up here or wake up with You, I am safe. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The same rhythm, written for grown-ups.

Now I lay me down to sleep, after a day that ran too deep. Lord, I give You what I carried, every worry, every hurry. Guard my home and all I love. Send me rest from You above. When the morning comes, I’ll rise with Your mercy in my eyes. Amen.

The version many Catholic families learned adds one line at the end. Many follow it with the Guardian Angel prayer (on our Catholic night prayers page).

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. And this I ask for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

The list many kids add at the end, naming everyone they love.

God bless Mommy and God bless Daddy. God bless my brothers and sisters, my grandmas and grandpas, and all my friends. God bless the people who are sick tonight, and the people who are sad. And God, bless me, and help me be good. Amen.

The morning version, in the same rhythm.

Now I wake up from my sleep. Thank You, Lord, my soul to keep. Thank You for the morning light. Thank You that You held me tight. Walk with me in all I do. Help me, Jesus, follow You. Amen.