New Year, Ancient Habits: Teaching Kids to Pray

Teaching kids to pray isn’t easy – probably because it isn’t easy for most of us to pray.

If you’re like me, prayer is often something that comes with a lot of guilt – I don’t do it enough, don’t do it in long enough spurts, or don’t always remember to pray for all the things I should.

So, first things first – don’t let feelings of guilt and inadequacy stop you from teaching the kids you love and serve how to pray.

In fact, it is in teaching kids – my own kids and the kids in my church family – how to pray, that I have found my own prayer life deepened and challenged.

Let me share with you some of my favourite tips to help kids get into the habit of prayer.

Start with prayers from Scripture.

One of my favorite ways to teach kids how to pray is by teaching them The Lord’s Prayer. Even when we don’t know what to say, words from Scripture help us stay connected to God. We spent the summer teaching kids in our church The Lord’s Prayer (free poster at that link!) and it was awesome and impactful.

Other prayers you could teach from Scripture include Psalm 23 (or any of the Psalms), or if you have older kids, one of Paul’s prayers (Ephesians 3:14-21 is one of my personal favourites to pray).

Incorporate prayer into your daily life.

Prayer doesn’t have to happen in 10, 15 or 20 minute chunks with everyone sitting or kneeling peacefully. Prayer can – and should be! – a part of your daily life.

Incorporate prayer into your mealtimes (saying grace is a great way to start! ) and grow those prayers to thank God for things that have happened in your day.

When your kids have meltdowns, tough moments, or questions during the day, pause to say a quick prayer (a sentence or two is fine!).

We always pray as a family before we take off on a road trip!

You can also pray nightly when you head to bed.

Find daily opportunities to incorporate prayer into your life!

Teach kids that there are creative ways to pray!

Sometimes prayer can feel boring – and it shouldn’t! Prayer is an opportunity for our families to connect with the incredible God of the universe.

If prayer is starting to feel routine in your home, here are some ideas to get kids taking a fresh approach to prayer:

• I love prayer journals! Kids can write or draw in response to God. You can download a free printable one right here at Equip Family.
• Use worship songs to prepare you & your family for prayer, or sing a prayer to God! Any worship song can work.
• Use prayer prompts for your family. You could have a sheet to choose from, or a jar you draw them from! These are a bit like the classic “conversation strater” cards, but to start a conversation with God!
• Let younger kids pray with their bodies! Create actions to go along with prayers.
• Consider using prayer styles that may not be from your tradition (for example, a call & response prayer!)

Prayer is such a significant and rich spiritual practice. Introducing this habit – that Jesus taught His disciples – and the church has been teaching for centuries, is so important for our children!

Prayer is a powerful way for our kids – and us! – to connect with God! Let’s choose to share this habit with the next generation in tangible, creative and impactful ways.