I’d love to say this comes from the “Penguin Book of Prayers”… simply because this penguin looked just like a child saying their bedtime prayers.
My parents helped me to say my prayers- I’m not sure I was very good at it! Tonight I discovered a Jewish bedtime prayer which could be helpful, especially in seasons of uncertainty or worry.
Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings sleep to my eyes, slumber to my eyelids. May it be Your will, Lord my God and God of my ancestors, that I lie down in peace and that I arise in peace. Let my sleep be undisturbed by troubling thoughts, bad dreams, and wicked schemes. May I have a night of tranquil slumber. May I awaken to the light of a new day, that my eyes may behold the splendour of Your light. Praised are You, Lord whose glory gives light to the entire world.
God is a faithful King.
Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is One.
Praised be His glorious sovereignty throughout all time.
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your might. And these words which I command you this day you shall take to heart. You shall diligently teach them to your children. You shall recite them at home and away, morning and night. You shall bind them as a sign upon your hand, they shall be a symbol above your eyes, and you shall inscribe them upon the doorposts of your homes and upon your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)
Help us, our Father, to lie down in peace; and awaken us to life again, our King. Spread over us Your shelter of peace, guide us with Your good counsel. Save us because of Your mercy. Shield us from enemies and pestilence, from starvation, sword and sorrow. Remove the evil forces that surround us, shelter us in the shadow of Your wings. You, O God, guard us and deliver us. You are a gracious and merciful King. Guard our coming and our going, grant us life and peace, now and always.
Amen.