Teaching Kids to Pray

I started with getting them to think of one thing to be thankful for every night at our family time. Then they would “tell God” what they were thankful for…. and that is prayer! When they start to see after a while that saying thank you to the Lord is as simple and natural as saying thank you to Mom or Dad then they start adding in other little things as well. Plus it just helps them to really see how much God has done for us and that then cultivates a thankful heart to the Lord, which then helps to cultivate an atmosphere of praise, which is a form of prayer. It is good for them to see the connections between these things and the simplicity (but also great importance) in them all. Then it doesn’t seem as intimidating and they will have a starting place to grow from.

I don’t know if that was clear or not, I am tired, it is late here and I have had a pretty tiring day. I don’t know why I am still up!

If you want me to try to clarify in the morning, just ask! This is a very important issue that can be taught in a very gentle manner and one that I have been personally putting effort and thought into as well, so I would like to help if I can!

God Bless!

Miranda

Don’t know if this will help, but….

We pray frequently throughout the day (at meals with Dad, as well).  We always pray before we read our Character stories (Missionary and the Millers right now) and at their request I pick a number between 1 and 10.  And, I prefer to say to my kids, “Let’s give thanks to God for our day.”  I’m hoping that will ‘prompt’ thanking Him first for His love, mercy, forgiveness, etc. Also, I try to ‘talk’ to God when I pray aloud so I don’t sound like I’m trying to be  so mature and spiritual:) Anyway, the one that is closest prays.  My kids are big on prayer requests (like they hear at church service) so they ask each of us for a prayer request or praise (my 8yo will call on us like at church, “Br. So ‘n So, do you have a prayer request or praise?”  Then we share. Usually it is a long list of those we know are unsaved, sick, homeless, missionary families, and that their dad comes home safe from work, etc.  I also try to say, “Let’s give thanks for our food,” instead of let’s pray for our food.  Our food doesn’t need to be prayed for does it?? IDK, maybe I’m wrong:)

Since you asked this question Lindsey, it gave me a chance to make sure the my 8yo and 5yo knew that they can tell God anything.  So, while we were playing War, I asked them.  My 5yo was certain we could because He is our Savior and our Father, my 8yo thought it was a trick question (he’s a perfectionist and doesn’t like to be wrong).  I whispered to him that He knows everything anyway.  I explained that He wants you to tell Him everything….if you are sad, happy, scared, frustrated, thankful, etc….just like your mom and dad wants you to. I also explained that if you can’t tell us (for whatever reason) you can always tell God.  I know as a child that I did not feel comfortable talking to my parents, but I knew that I could talk to God.  Sometimes He was the only one I had to talk to, so I am thankful that at some point someone (maybe my mom) told me I could.

I’m so thankful for the questions that are asked on this site.  They encourage me so much and prompt so many good discussions with my own kids:)

Hi Lindsey,

Are you familiar with Stormie Omartian?  She’s the author of the Power of a Praying….wife, husband, parent, etc.  She also has a book for children called The Power of a Praying Kid.  I just purchased it for my dd as she has been asking for Bible study books.  We haven’t gone through it yet, but it looks good!  I have really loved the Power of a Praying Wife, so I thought I’d give this a try.

Other things we do – we have a “blessing” jar where we write down names of people we’d like to pray for (family, friends, missionaries, etc.) and then at each meal we rotate who picks a card and then we pray for them.  At bedtime we think over our day and do a thankful list of how we have seen God love us that day and each child picks one or two things to pray for. We also pray over everything during the day – someone got hurt?  Pray!  Something happy just happen?  Pray! 

A study of the Psalms might help your oldest – David prayed over everything – he laid out his tears, complaints, joys, everything to the Lord.

Anyway, I think the more ways you bring prayer into your home, the more they will feel comfortable praying themselves.  Maybe they need to practice with just you or your husband (away from the sibling) if they are shy?  Or keep a prayer journal where they privately write prayers until they are comfortable praying aloud?

Looking forward to hearing more answers from others!
Erin

I like that Christie.  May have to incorporate:)

Hi Lindsey. About 10 years ago, I read a little book that changed my life – Praying Gods Word by Beth Moore. It taught how to take the scriptures and turn them into personal, heart-felt dialog with the Lord. My oldest ds, 5 at the time, quickly caught on and started turning his Awana verses into prayer; As his personal relationship with the Lord deepened, the Holy Spirit would spur him on & natural conversation with God became the outflow. We’ve since seen this with our other dc to, though at different measures. I really think prayer is better caught than taught. It sounds like you are doing all you can – including dc in your prayers and being an example to pray without ceasing. Here’s a short article from hstreasures that might be helpful. Also, for us having the children present at prayer meetings and small groups, while also hearing & seeing other kids praying has helped. May you and your family continue to grow in the knowledge and love of Christ! ~ Heather