I have the joy and privilege of teaching third grade Sunday school. Recently, the boys and girls and I have been exploring prayer. Of course, prayer has always been a part of our meeting. I never want to send them on their way without closing in prayer, asking that God will be with them throughout the week and that He will guide each of us in applying the lesson.

Recently, though, we have added a second time of prayer to the beginning of our small group meeting. During this time we talk more deeply about their prayer requests. Having a simple chart on the board helps them consider more deeply what they are praying. Here are a few of my observations about third graders and prayer.

1. Their prayers for needs are actually needs, not wants.

Third grade is about the age when children are taught the concept of need vs. want. Certainly they have heard it all along from their parents and teachers. They are now old enough to analyze something as one or the other. Food, shelter, clothing, good health are things they need. A new toy, a special privilege, or that expensive brand of clothing are all wants, not needs.

The children always list actual needs (not wants). I wonder at what age we cross over to the please give me prayers.

2. They most often pray for others, not themselves.

It never fails. I look at our prayer board and I see a long list of selfless requests. Often the list includes illness, injury, job loss, and school difficulties that others are experiencing (bullying, few friends, academic struggles).

Very seldom do I see their own names on the prayer list. Perhaps their own requests are too personal to share with their peers. Perhaps it is easier to see the needs of others and more difficult to understand that God truly cares about the situations in their own lives.

3. They are delighted to see that something fits into the praise category.

The children love deciding where each item should be written: need or praise. They are thrilled when something is an agreed upon praise. For example, a friend who has broken an arm, but now is doing better, changes from our needs to the praise column. What an affirmation that God cares and answers prayer!

4.  Most are eager to pray aloud.

Unlike adults, most of the children are anxious to pray aloud. So many of them want to pray that we usually use “popcorn prayer”, allowing each child to pray as we go around the room. Of course, beginning and ending the prayer are both treasured opportunities.

I am honored to explore prayer with this group of children!

What do you observe with children as they explore prayer?