Parents can share this ritual and prayer with children. This is based on traditional liturgy, the bedtime Shema.
Comfort your child with the idea that we are never alone, not even in the dark of night. We are surrounded by God’s Love (felt in the loving embrace of the parent) and God’s messengers (the four angels of this simple prayer) who bring us strength and courage.
On my right is Michael (mi yemini Michael). (Touch your child’s right arm.)
On my left is Gabriel (mi s’moli Gavriel). (Touch your child’s left arm.)
Before me is Uriel (mil’fanai Uriel). (Tuck the covers around your child and trace a line from chest to tummy.)
Behind me is Raphael (v a-harai Raphael). (Rub your child’s shoulders and back).
And above my head, above my head, is God’s Loving Presence (v’ al roshi, v-al roshi, v-al roshi, Shehinat El). (Kiss your child’s head).
To talk to your child about these angels of protection:
Michael holds out a flaming sword of light. This sword is a source of courage, strengthening you.
Gabriel stands with a golden horn, playing celestial music for you to feel free from fear that you are alone, you are not alone.
Uriel stands at the foot of the bed, holding a blazing torch. The flame warms you and makes you feel good and safe.
Rapael stands behind your bed, with wings outstretched spreading over you a soft curtain of love and sweet dreams.
Above you head, God’s Loving Presence, like a canopy never slumbers nor sleeps but watches over your sleep like a mother’s love and surrounds you with hope like a father’s loving presence.
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