I love to look at prayers for children that were written in at the beginning of the 1900’s and earlier. They are so sweet and inspiring.
Reading through books with these prayers has been a fascinating journey for me. I’ve learned that most prayers for children from this time period have no specific name. Some were assigned to the categories “Morning Prayer” and “Evening Prayer” and were titled as such. Others were for a certain need. Still others were just general prayers that were called “Prayers.”
Reading these prayers has given me some insights as to what the prayer life was like for people from these time periods. It was apparently important for them to say prayers when they first woke up and before they went to bed. Prayers were also said at meal times and for specific needs.
The tone of these prayers was also interesting. The children’s prayers often emphasized good behavior and character. Acknowledging one’s sins was important at the close of the day. And, of course, pleasing God and recognizing Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross were highly valued.
Many of these classic prayers were written in a rhyming form. This is probably because rhymes were, and still are, easier for children to learn and memorize.
These prayers can be used anyway you like. You can select some for your children to say on a regular basis. They can be used as copywork. They can be put into a prayer book. Since they are in the public domain, they can be reworded if you so desire. Feel free to use them as you see fit for your family.
Prayers for Children
Prayers
When I kneel down my prayers to say,
I must not think of toys or play;
No! I must think what I should be,
To please God who is good to me.
He loves to see a little child
Obedient–patient, too–and mild;
Nor often angry, but inclined
Always to do what’s good and kind.
And I must love my dear mamma,
And I must love my dear papa;
And try to please them, and to do
Things that are right, and say what’s true.
For God is always pleased to see
Even little children such as we,
Whose hearts (as angels’ are above)
Are full of peace and full of love.
Flora Hastings
Morning Prayer
Teach me now my heart to raise
In a morning hymn of praise;
And for Jesus’ sake I pray,
Bless and keep me through the day.
Robert Brett
Morning Prayer
Now the dreary night is done,
Comes again the glorious sun,
Crimson clouds and silver white,
Wait upon his breaking light.
Child of Mary, Thou dost know,
What of danger, joy, or woe,
Shall today my portion be,
Let me meet it all in Thee.
Thou wast meek, and undefiled,
Make me holy too, and mild;
Thou didst foil the tempter’s power,
Help me in temptation’s hour.
Thou didst love Thy mother here,
Make me gentle, kind, and dear;
Thou wast subject to her word,
Teach me to obey, O Lord.
Fretful feelings, passion, pride,
Never did with Thee abide;
Make me watch myself today,
That they lead me not astray.
With Thee, Lord, I would arise,
To Thee look with opening eyes,
All the day be at Thy side,
Savior, Pattern, King, and Guide.
Robert Brett
Evening Prayer
At the close of every day,
Lord, to Thee I kneel and pray.
Look upon Thy little child;
Look in love and mercy mild.
O forgive and wash away
All my naughtiness this day;
And both when I sleep and wake,
Bless me for my Savior’s sake.
Robert Brett
Evening Prayer
Soft and quiet is the bed,
Where I lay my little head;
Thou hadst but a manger bare,
Rugged straw for pillow fair.
Savior, ’twas to win me grace,
Thou didst stoop to that poor place,
Loving with a perfect love
Child, and man, and God above.
Hear me, as alone I lie,
Plead for me with God on high;
All that stained my soul today,
Wash it in Thy Blood away.
If my slumbers broken be,
Waking let me think of Thee:
Darkness cannot make me fear,
If I feel that Thou art near.
Happy now, I turn to sleep;
Thou wilt watch around me keep;
Him no danger e’er can harm,
Who lies cradled on Thine Arm.
Robert Brett
I hope you liked these vintage prayers for children. If you’d like MORE religious resources, you might want to get my FREE Angel Learning Resource Pack. It’s 50+ pages of angel-themed math manipulatives, journal pages, game boards, and more.
Katherine says
These are so cute! I’ve never heard of any of them, but I will definitely use the shorter ones with my family. Kids love repetitive prayers, but I get tired of the doing the same ones all the time. Thanks for sharing.
Susan Brown says
I’m glad you like them. 🙂