The God Squad: Last list of bedtime prayers
The overwhelming response from readers to my request for bedtime prayers reinforces my belief that children are innately spiritual and remain so until adults take their natural faith away from them. Bedtime is the perfect time to renew and confirm the fundamental belief of all religious traditions, namely that we are not alone in the universe. We are accompanied and we are protected by God.
Of course, life provides us with ample evidence that life is fragile and vulnerable. God does not promise us lives that escape dangers. God promises us a life where we do not have to face dangers alone. God promises us that even if we die, death is not the end of our spiritual journey. God promises us that we will not be separated forever from those we love. These beliefs are not what we know to be true. These beliefs are what we trust to be true. Science is about knowledge. Faith is about belief. Science can bring us to what exists. Faith brings us to what could exist. Science leads to human intelligence. Faith leads to human hope. Both are needed for human flourishing in our broken world.
Let us have one last look at bedtime prayers.
From my dear mother, "ANGEL OF GOD, MY GUARDIAN DEAR, TO WHOM GOD'S LOVE ENTRUSTS ME HERE. EVER THIS DAY BE AT MY SIDE TO LIGHT AND GUARD TO RULE AND GUIDE, AMEN." -- (From H in Shippensburg, PA).
“WE’VE COME TO THE END OF ANOTHER DAY -- HEAR US, OH LORD, TO THEE WE PRAY. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE BLESSINGS WE SHARED AND KEEP US IN YOUR LOVING CARE .”
I followed this prayer with a litany of God Bless -- everyone and anyone was included in this and varied day to day.
Thank you for your wonderful writings and sage advice. You ( and Father Tom) have been a steady reassurance in my life for a very long time.
Be well.
And God Bless. -- (From L)
You made a comment concerning a prayer submitted from "C in Wisconsin" that it seemed to be missing a line the rhymes with "too". You are correct, it was! This is how I remember that prayer. "FATHER IN HEAVEN, HEAR MY PRAYER. KEEP ME IN YOUR LOVING CARE. BE MY GUIDE IN ALL I DO, AND BLESS ALL THOSE WHO LOVE ME TOO."
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