Prayer: Hello God, It's Me !

One of the most awesome responsibilities of parents is to give children the tools of prayer. Even young children can approach their heavenly Father with the confidence that He hears their prayers. It’s never to soon for children to establish a habit of daily prayer.

WHAT TO TEACH ABOUT PRAYER

God listens.
Children may feel that they are too young or insignificant for God’s attention, or that God is only interested in grownups. Assure children that God cares and wants to hear from them at any time (see Matthew 7:7-8).
Some children may feel that when they pray, they must feel or express deep emotions. Let your children know that God hears, even if they don’t feel like anything happened!

God provides.
God is the source of everything on Earth. Children can give prayers of thanksgiving for food, shelter, clothing, friends, family and safety (see Psalm 103:1-5).

God is not a magician or Santa Claus.
Prayer is often seen as something magical that grants instant requests. A child may feel sad or angry when a prayer did not “come true” right away. Sometimes prayers are answered after a long time. For example, a chemistry set is a great birthday present, but a very young child would not be able to use it. The child would need to get older and learn more before using it. Sometimes God waits for children (or adults) to mature before answering a prayer.

People commonly pray when they want something. Children often pray to get certain gifts for Christmas or that their team will win the championship. Sometimes God answers prayer not by giving us what we want but by giving the strength and wisdom to work for it. A child who works hard to earn an allowance can save money for a bike. A team can win a championship with practice and good sportsmanship. Reassure children that God wants them to pray about all their needs and concerns, and that they can depend on God to always love and care for them (see Philippians 4:6).

God likes to hear prayers for others.
Besides praying for their own needs, encourage children to think about and then pray for the needs of others. Children can pray for their family members, friends, schoolmates, neighbors, teachers and pets (see Matthew 5:44; Ephesians 6:18; James 5:16).

Why didn’t God answer my prayer?
In an imperfect world, bad things happen. A child can be caught in an ugly custody battle during a divorce. A child may be the victim of abuse or a criminal act. Natural disasters and accidents can destroy a family home. Afamily member or favorite pet dies. Children may wonder why a caring God would allow things to happen that they consider tragic. Reassure children that God understands how they feel and that God can make something good come out of a bad situation (see Romans 8:28). For example, when a disaster happens, people in a church or community often help each other. God is still present and working through these people to see that needs are met.

HOW TO PRAY

Keep it simple.
Children may feel that they need poetic language and “thees and thous” to pray. Children can talk to God in ordinary language. Keep it honest. Children may feel that God will punish them if they are angry, upset or doubtful. It’s okay to talk to God about unhappy feelings. God wants to hear how we feel.

Keep it honest.
Children may feel that God will punish them if they are angry, upset or doubtful. It’s okay to talk to God about unhappy feelings. God wants to hear how we feel.

Keep it short.
Prayers don’t need to be long or cover every subject. Young children can begin with short sentence prayers as they learn to pray.

Be a role model.
Children will become comfortable with prayer when they see adults praying in ways that are appropriate and appealing. Make prayer a regular part of your time together. Look for chances to talk about personal answers to prayer.

Use a simple format.
ACTS is a common acronym you can use to teach children how to pray.
Adoration: Praise and thank God for His love and power.
Confession: Admit actions and attitudes that do not show love for God and others, and say “I’m sorry” for sins.
Thanksgiving: Thank God for the good things He gives us.
Supplication: Ask God for things you need.

Keep a prayer journal.
Older children can write down their petitions, thanksgivings and answers to prayer. Help children to make prayer journals by decorating a notebook or attaching sheets of paper together with a ribbon and cardboard cover. Prayer journals may be kept as personal, or you can create a family journal.