I remember my grandma would always sing to us at bedtime. She lived with us and loved singing to us. She would stand in the hallway leaning against the wall. Our doors were open so my brother, sister, and I could easily hear her while we laid in our beds.

She would sing four or five songs and then slowly and gently sing the word “Goodnight….” Then we would sing it back to her. “Goodnight…”

It was the most relaxing thing to hear her sing and then fall asleep. Thinking about it now, I bet it would be the kind of thing seen in the Sound of Music.

I loved hearing my grandma’s singing before bed and I told myself that I would do the same thing for my children. I’m not a confident singer at all, but I am willing to sing for my children.

I know that you’re not supposed to let your babies get used to falling asleep with a crutch. In this context, this refers to something the baby needs to fall asleep every time.

Nevertheless, I chose to nurse my son to sleep until he was about 9 months old when we sleep trained him. Almost every time I nursed him, I would sing to him. He loved it and I noticed that he would relax faster if I sang.

My grandma sang a variety of songs, some of which were “Abba-Dabba,” “Raindrops on Roses,” “Mairzy Doats,” and “How Much Is That Doggy in the Window?” (Do you know any of them?) She also sang her own version of “Lullaby” about God’s angels surrounding us while we sleep.

I love each of these songs and have sung them to my son. However, there are some other songs I sing more often than these ones.

It’s been said that one way we learn the truths about God and the Bible is through songs. Songs stick in your head and you can still remember them many years after the last time you heard it. This is why it’s important that our children learn biblical songs.

I have put together this list of gentle, biblical songs to sing to your children at bedtime.

1. “Create in Me a Clean Heart”

I love this song and have sung it to my son almost every day since he was born. They lyrics are great for every occasion, devoting your heart to the Lord.

Verse

Create in me a clean heart, O God,
And renew a right spirit within me.

Refrain

Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord,
And take not Thy Holy Spirit from me.
Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation,
And renew a right spirit within me.

2. “Jesus Loves Me”

This is a song that every child should know. It reminds them of the great love Jesus Christ has for us.

Verse 1

Jesus loves me
This I know
For the Bible tells me so
Little ones to Him belong
They are weak but He is strong

Chorus

Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
Yes Jesus loves me
The Bible tells me so

Verse 2

Jesus loves me
He who died
Heaven’s gate to open wide
He will wash away my sin
Let His little child come in

Verse 3

Jesus loves me He will stay
Close beside me all the way
On the cross You died for me
I will ever live for Thee

 3. “As the Deer”

I have loved this song since I was young. It tells of how we long for the Lord and His love.

Verse 1

As the deer panteth for the water
So my soul longeth after Thee
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee

Chorus

You alone are my strength my shield
To You alone may my spirit yield
You alone are my heart’s desire
And I long to worship Thee

Verse 2

You’re my friend and You are my brother
Even though You are a King
I love You more than any other
So much more than anything

Verse 3

I want You more than gold or silver
Only You can satisfy
You alone are the real joygiver
And the apple of my eye

4. “Cares Chorus”

This beautiful song tells of how we can cast all our cares and burdens on the Lord.

Chorus

I cast all my cares upon You
I lay all of my burdens
Down at Your feet
And anytime that I don’t know
What to do
I will cast all my cares upon You

5. “Change My Heart, O God”

This song sings of how we long for God to create a clean heart and spirit within us, similar to “Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God.”

Chorus

Change my heart oh God
Make it ever true
Change my heart oh God
May I be like You

Verse

You are the potter
I am the clay
Mold me and make me
This is what I pray

6. “Seek Ye First”

This song reminds us to seek the Lord first and ask Him for our needs, as in Matthew 7:7.

Verse 1

Seek ye first the kingdom of God
And His righteousness
And all these things
Shall be added unto you
Allelu alleluia

Verse 2

Man shall not live by bread alone
But by ev’ry word
That proceeds
From the mouth of God
Allelu alleluia

Verse 3

Ask and it shall be given unto you
Seek and ye shall find
Knock and the door
Shall be opened unto you
Allelu alleluia

7. “Thy Word”

I love this song because it tells our children how important God’s Word is and how it can impact and guide our lives.

Chorus

Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path
Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet
And a light unto my path

Verse 1

When I feel afraid
And I think I’ve lost my way
Still You’re there right beside me
Nothing will I fear
As long as You are near
Please be near me to the end

Verse 2

I will not forget
Your love for me and yet
My heart forever is wandering
Jesus be my guide
And hold me to Your side
I will love You to the end

8. “You Are My All in All”

This song tells of how Jesus is our strength and comfort in every situation.

Verse 1

You are my strength
When I am weak
You are the treasure
That I seek
You are my all in all
Seeking You as a precious jew’l
Lord to give up I’d be a fool
You are my all in all

Chorus

Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name
Jesus Lamb of God
Worthy is Your name

Verse 2

Taking my sin
My cross my shame
Rising again I bless Your name
You are my all in all
When I fall down You pick me up
When I am dry You fill my cup
You are my all in all

These are all songs that are wonderful to know and have hidden in your heart and in the hearts of your children.

What songs do you like to sing to your children at bedtime?