Teaching Children to Pray

Today, as I was pondering the beauty and effectiveness of children’s prayers, I realized that teaching new believers to pray is almost the same as providing a child with their first instructions on talking with God. So I thought I’d share with you some tips on encouraging the prayers of “little ones.”

First, conversational prayer is always the best place to start, since it’s the easiest for a child to imitate. Short, to-the-point, natural, one topic at a time, building-block prayers that seem to flow one to another. E.g.:

• “Father God, give our national leaders wisdom,” to which someone else says

• “Help them be good parents, Lord,” while a third chirps in

• “Show them how to love You”

When a topic is exhausted, or a long pause ensues, simply start off in another, perhaps related, direction.

Most important though, is to encourage these beginning pray-ers to keep their spiritual eyes and ears open to hear from God. You could suggest they walk around in silence for a moment or two, asking God, “How do you want me to pray, Lord?” Then gather them back together and inquire about verses, clear thoughts, poems, nursery rhymes, songs, or images that came to their minds. Work with, explore, and expand upon what they say, and pray accordingly.

It’s only natural to be a bit shy when it comes to praying out loud, so gently ask each one to pray about one specific need or praise report. Allow most of the beginners to pray before having the experienced believers wade in with their prayers. Forewarn these mature Christians to pray “kid-friendly” prayers – short, simple language, relevant, concise, single topic, etc.

Use the setting of the room to draw out the kids and support them, making them feel comfortable with their surroundings. Facilitate and confirm their prayer efforts with your prayers. Mention some Scriptures, for example – “suffer not the little children to come unto Me” – perhaps reading all of Mark 10:13-16 pertaining to children, which is followed up by Christ’s discussion of how to be saved. Keep returning to Scripture, pointing out how Jesus prayed and thought and sought to follow the Father’s will.

Emphasize the importance of their prayers … that the Lord hears each one … that their prayers make a real difference … that God responds to each prayer in His time and with His perfect answer.

Eliminate as much stress as possible in your place of prayer, and “lighten-up the feel” of this place by finishing off with some casual conversation, snack time, or gentle de-briefing of their impressions and experiences of their time spent talking with God. Remember that you may have the privilege of starting a young believer off on a lifetime relationship of discovery, joy, wonder, and awe of the God of the universe.

Warren D. Carter

Teach Kids 2 pray

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