In all that we do as parents, perhaps the greatest legacy we can pass on is a legacy of faith. To see my kids have a firm foundation to build their futures on is one of my greatest aims in my parenting. However, it can be difficult to know if you are making an impact, or at times we wonder how to make an impact. Will our kids follow in our footsteps? Will our kids stick with their faith when things inevitably get tough? We may not be able to control what happens in their future; all we can control is what we teach them today.
With that in mind, I want to give you 6 things to think about for teaching our kids to pray.
- Model prayer for your kids. Children learn best by example, so make sure they see you praying regularly. You can pray before meals, before bedtime, or during family devotions. Let your kids see you talking to God in different situations and in different ways.
- Use simple, age-appropriate language. When teaching your kids to pray, use language that they can understand. You can use the Lord’s Prayer as a guide and help them to understand the different parts of the prayer.
- Encourage them to talk to God about their own experiences and feelings. Prayer is not just about reciting words but also about having a conversation with God. Encourage your kids to talk to God about what’s going on in their lives, their joys, and their struggles.
- Teach them to listen for God’s voice. Prayer is not just about talking to God, but also about listening to Him. Encourage your kids to take time to be still and listen for God’s voice.
- Make prayer a part of your daily routine. Just like brushing teeth, reading or other daily routines, make prayer a regular part of your child’s daily routine. This will help them to see prayer as an essential and necessary part of their lives.
- Use Bible verses as a guide. The Bible is full of verses that teach us how to pray. Use these verses as a guide for teaching your kids how to pray. For example, Philippians 4:6-7 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Break a verse down and pray it back to God.
Prayer is so important in our relationship with Jesus. Let’s show our kids that it matters by being intentional about how we teach them to pray.
Kyle Wood
Director of Operations and Communication