Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep

Perhaps the earliest version was written by George Wheler in his 1698 book The Protestant Monastery, which reads:[1] Upon lying down, and going to sleep.

Grace Bridges, 1932: Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray my lord my soul to keep, In the morn when I awake Please teach me the path of life to take.

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; His Love to guard me through the night, And wake me in the morning's light amen.

[3] Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; Please angels watch me through the night, And keep me safe till morning light.

It is sometimes combined with the "Black Paternoster", one version of which goes:[5] Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Bless the bed that I lie on.