A traditional prayer, not a Bible passage
The prayer beginning, “Now I lay me down to sleep”, does not appear in the Bible. It has been passed down as a children’s bedtime prayer for generations. Different families know slightly different versions, especially in its final lines.
That does not make it wrong to pray. The Bible includes many written prayers, but it also shows that prayer can be a direct, honest conversation with God. Jesus warned against empty repetition, not against using familiar words sincerely. What matters is that the heart is turned towards God, not that every line comes straight from Scripture (Matthew 6:7).
Why its words sound biblical
The prayer asks God to watch over a person through the night. That is a deeply biblical confidence. David said he could lie down and sleep in peace because the Lord alone made him dwell safely (Psalm 4:8). Sleep can be an act of trust when the day has been heavy or tomorrow feels uncertain.
Its language about giving one’s soul to God also echoes a biblical truth: our lives belong to God, and he is faithful. The exact wording is not from a particular verse, but the prayer points towards the security David found in God’s care (Psalm 31:5).
I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety.
A difficult line for some people
Older versions of the prayer include words about dying before waking. Some people find that line comforting because it expresses trust in God even in death. Others, especially children or anyone living with anxiety, find it frightening. You do not have to use words that leave you afraid at bedtime.
Scripture does not require one fixed bedtime prayer. Jesus gave his followers a pattern for prayer that begins with knowing God as Father and asking for daily needs, forgiveness, and protection from evil (Matthew 6:9-13). You can speak to God with that same trust in language that is gentle and true for you.
After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
Simple words are enough
A bedtime prayer can be as simple as thanking God for the day, naming a worry, asking him to care for people you love, and trusting him with the night. There is no need to perform or find perfect words. God knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8).
If you are struggling with fear at night, you might pray through Psalm 4:8 slowly, then tell God plainly what is on your mind. And if frightening thoughts or feelings are overwhelming right now, please speak with someone you trust or contact a local crisis support line. You do not have to carry that alone.