As believers, we are called to pray. When our children believe in Christ, the call is for them too. So, how do we teach our children to pray?
Start By Understanding Why You Need To Teach Your Children To Pray
First, we need to understand why teaching our children to pray matters. (I wrote a whole post about the benefits of prayer to us as parents here). our kids need to understand the following:
- Prayer connects us with God
- Prayer changes things.
As our children grow and mature we want them to be connected with God. We want our children to go to God for help, and needs, and worship. There will be a time in your child’s life when you arent there (when they go to college, when they are married, when they are at work, etc). When you are not around, God will still be there. Teaching your children to pray will help them connect with God, who will be there throughout their whole life.
We also need our children to understand that God answers prayer and it changes things. Even if God doesn’t change our circumstances, prayer changes us. It gives us a fresh perspective of our circumstances because it fixes our eyes on God. There will be times when either your child or their situation needs to be changed by God. I’m not just talking about a bad attitude as a kid. This is something your child will need throughout their adult lives. Teaching your children to pray when they are young gives you an opportunity to show them how God answers.
Model What You Want Your Children To Pick Up
This may seem easier said than done. When we’re trying to find something lost, try saying a prayer out loud and thanking God when He helps you find it. Praying with our kids during a storm if they are scared will help them see God is with us. Praying as we go through our day and thank him for what’s at hand. Washing dishes: thank God for your food, and the dishes you use. Doing laundry: Thank God that he clothes you like the fields of flowers! Going on a trip: say a prayer for safety before you go. All of these things help you and your entire family learn how to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
Teach Your Chidren To Pray Before Family Meals.
The dinner table is the perfect place to teach your children to pray. Even if you only have 2-3 dinners together each week, start your meal with prayer. As your children listen to you pray for each meal they will hear you thanking God for his blessings. As time goes on offer an opportunity for your children to pray. Some nights all our children want to pray and we just go around the table. Other nights no one wants to pray and we model prayer instead. We’re currently working with one of our children to learn to thank God even in hard times (like when mom serves soup instead of mac-n-cheese).
Teach Your Children To Pray At Bedtime
Bedtime is another great opportunity to teach your children to pray. This is another great opportunity to model prayer for your children. As a parent, you set the example for how your kids pray. When they hear us thanking God for them, and for our day, and asking for rest and a good night’s sleep they learn they can thank God and ask him for things too!
praying at bedtime also provides a bonus opportunity to process through the day as we teach our children to pray. Ask your child what they are thankful for or what the best part of their day was. Next, ask them what they learned today or could have done differently. Going through these simple questions not only gives you an opportunity to connect with your children, but it will also give you prompts on what to pray so our children see and hear us going to God with everything.
For Example:
Your child may say their favorite part of the day was playing outside. You can thank God that the weather was nice to play outside. Or You can thank Him for His beautiful creation. You can even thank him for giving us bodies (and our senses) to be able to play and enjoy his creation!
When asked what they need to learn, your child may say they need to learn how to share. You can thank God that He is a good teacher and for second chances to share and show His love to others. You can ask him to help your child recognize opportunities to share and ask God to help them make the right choice.
I always love starting or ending my bedtime prayers with my kids by choosing something good I saw in them that day and thanking God for that. This helps my kids know that I appreciate them, I’m thankful for them, and that I see their day (even if I’m busy). If your kids are at school, have they done well on a test? Did their teacher give positive feedback? Did a friend/neighbor/church member tell you how great they are? Thank God for that while you are praying for them so they can hear you!
want to learn about how you can teach your children almost anything? check this post out.
