Teach Your Child to Pray

When prayer is a natural part of your day-to-day routine, your kids learn the value of going to God with little things as well as the big things.

• 
  Help your kids see things around them as visual aids to prompt prayer. If you’re driving and see an ambulance speeding down the street, ask your kids to pray for the person being treated.
• 
  Pray in a conversational way. Instead of saying a formal prayer at meals and bedtime, speak to God as a friend. Use simple, conversational language. Kids will think, I can do that. They will be more likely to talk to God in their own way.
• 
  Use Bible verses. Have your kids ever said, “I don’t know what to say when I pray?” Show them verses that will give them ideas. For example, if they’re having a hard time in math, they can use Philippians 4:13 to jump-start their conversation with God.

“Lord, thank You that I can do all things (even cleaning my messes) because You give me strength.”

Adapted from The Mom You’re Meant to Be by Cheri Fuller (Focus on the Family/Tyndale House, 2003).