Bedtime Routines: Reading the Psalms at Bedtime

A bedtime routine is something I have worked on over the years to develop in both of my children's lives. As a new mom with my daughter (who is now 21 years old and married), we basically had bedtime prayers together. After my divorce from her Dad, we were on our own for about three years, during which time I developed her bedtime routine of nightly prayers. I had rededicated my life to the Lord, and I knew I wanted to bring her up in the Lord. When Sarah was about 5 years old, I married again to my wonderful husband, Phil. He and I would tuck Sarah in bed together and she would say her prayers. Then he or I would pray over her. Those are precious memories!

God blessed me and Phil with a son in 2000. Over the years we have developed a bedtime routine with him too. Caleb's bedtime routine has changed from bedtime prayers only to include reading the Psalms at bedtime as well. In an effort to ease some of his anxieties that he has suffered from, I began reading two Psalms with him every night before we pray. Reading the Psalms at bedtime is a nightly bedtime routine for us. It's a special time where Caleb and I get into the Word of God together to quiet our hearts and minds before he goes to bed. There is power in God's Word and a calming that can come from reading the Psalms. I know that whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed, the Psalms are the first place I turn to in the Word of God. When Caleb started to have anxiety issues a couple of years ago, I immediately felt in my heart that I needed to begin reading the Psalms to him as part of his bedtime routine. Each night I pick out two Psalms to read (when I'm not reading his two favorites that are listed for you below). After I'm finished reading, Caleb prays for himself and then I pray over him.

I'd like to share with you today a couple of our favorite Psalms. These two Psalms are Caleb's favorite that he usually wants me to read to him every night:

Psalm 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, 

nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in 

his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, 

nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: 

but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

 

Psalm 100

Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; 

we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: 

be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; 

and his truth endureth to all generations.

How about you? Do you have a bedtime routine with your children? Does it include reading the Psalms together? I'd love to hear from you, so please feel free to share in the comments!

Walking in His Grace,

Laurie