Engaging children with prayer

Choose Age-Appropriate Prayers

Try to keep the words and subjects appropriate to your child’s age level so younger kids won’t be scared by serious situations. Prayers for a good day at school, for pets, for friends, family members, and local and world events are perfect ideas for kids of any age.

Show children that there is no prescribed length for prayer. Quick prayers such as asking for help with choices, for blessings on a birthday party, or for protection and safe travels before going on a trip are ways to show kids that God is interested in all aspects of our lives. Another quick prayer to model is as simple as, “Lord be with me,” before getting into a challenging situation or, “Thank you, Father,” when a problem is easier to work out than expected.

Longer prayers are better for older children who can sit still for a few minutes.  They can teach kids about God’s all-encompassing greatness.

Here’s a good way to model these prayers:

• Start off by thanking God for being with you and for providing for your family, thank him for his great, unconditional love, and express your reverence for all that he is.
• Ask God to forgive your mistakes. James 5:16 says, “Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” (NLT)
• Then, present your needs and requests to God.
• Close with thanking and praising him for specific provisions and blessings.

Feb 1, 2018, Kelly Wooderson