Teaching your kids to pray

Today (5/20/21), The Morning Thing focused on prayer and parenting.

We focused on teaching your kids to pray. We shared some age level insights and how a kid’s perception of communicating with God changes as they grow.

Check out this informative article from mylifetree.com

Click HERE for the full article.

Keep these things in mind as you’re teaching kids to pray and connect with God:

Prayer is an attitude. Praying constantly means we’re always aware that God is here. We can sense God’s presence with us no matter our circumstances. We can pray about anything and everything, including other people and their needs.

Prayer is a routine. Regular times with God help shape our prayer attitude. Help children establish “check in” times with God, not out of obligation but out of love.

Prayer is a first response. When troubles and tough decisions loom, we can turn to God before trying anything else. Prayer should be our first resort, not our last.

Prayer is listening to God. Prayer is a dialogue that involves letting God speak to us through everyday life. Because prayer is two-way communication, we also should practice listening to God.

Prayer is modeled. The best way to challenge your children to pray is by letting them see and hear you praying often. Regularly share with them how you see God at work through your prayers.

---

 Age Level Insights

Children’s perceptions of communicating with God change as they grow:

Ages 2 to 3: Young children understand that Jesus is their friend. Say (or sing!) simple prayers that relate to children’s lives.

Ages 4 to 6: Children this age become very aware of the world around them. Let kids know that God cares about everything that happens to them and other people.

Ages 7 to 9: These children feel a need for God’s help and can verbally express thoughts. Help them look up Bible verses about prayer.

Ages 10 to 12: Preteens realize God is more personal. Let them understand that no prayers are insignificant to their heavenly Father.

---

Conversation Starters

Start a discussion about the importance of talking and listening to God by asking children these questions:

1. Why do you think God wants us to pray to him? How often and how should we pray?

2. Does God hear and answer all your prayers? How do you know?

3. What does it mean to listen to God’s voice? In what ways does God speak to us today?

4. What things should we pray about together as a family? How can we add more prayer time to our daily lives?

---