Sharing Prayer Time with Children
Prayers are whispered, spoken out loud and/or said in our thoughts. We pray for healing, for forgiveness, for guidance. We share prayers of thanksgiving and joy.
We pray during good times and during bad times.
Those prayers are always heard by God. We can be comforted knowing God is listening, whether we speak or the prayers are in our thoughts.
Children can be part of prayer, too. We often have children pray at meal time, thanking God for the food and the hands that have prepared the meal. Sweet rhyming songs of prayer offer memory making times.
Bedtime prayers are special, too. Words of thankfulness for the day, for our family and more often close the day and help prepare everyone for a restful night of sleep. A night time routine can bring peace and calm.
What about “anytime” prayers? Do we encourage children to pray during the day? Do we ask them to participate in prayers at times other than meals or bedtime?
The young ones are watching as the adults pray. Perhaps they may notice us with heads bowed, eyes closed and hands together.
One special bonding time with children can be through encouraging them to express their feelings to God in prayer.
The coronavirus has changed their school routine, their play time with friends and the day to day activities. The children may be missing their grandparents, cousins, and other relatives.
Feelings of doubt, fear and worry may be entering the minds of the young ones, as well as the adults. Instead of bottling up those feelings inside, let’s encourage everyone to share concerns. Family prayer time during the day can offer comfort.
Have you asked a child if they would like to pray with you? The answer may be no, but, the answer may be yes. This prayer time offers an opportunity for bonding and to share the love of God.
Remember, He is always available to hear our concerns and our joys.
Blessings and prayers,
Melissa Henderson
Daily, long-term faithful prayer yields blessings from heaven! This is a great encouragement to be consistent and faithful in praying for our children. Thank you.
Thank you Lisa. I, too, am praying for all the children. 🙂
Being consistent in daily prayers with your children will yield many blessings. Thank you for the encouragement!
Being consistent in prayer definitely blesses everyone. 🙂
Such a timely and encouraging message!
Thank you Nancy. 🙂
Because of this reality –“The young ones are watching as the adults pray” — prayer with and for our children and grandchildren is incredibly important. They need to see us praying alone and praying with others, as well as them.
Yes, Melinda, the young ones are watching. Our grandson, who is 3 years old, watches and listens and prays. He knows prayer is important. 🙂
To teach children to pray anytime, anywhere, and about anything calms their fearful and anxious hearts. It gives them confidence that God hears them even when, maybe, no one else does. We give children a gift when we teach them to pray. Thank you for writing on this, Melissa!
Thank you Marcie. Children are watching and listening. They see us when we pray and our example can draw them to a closer relationship with God. 🙂
For a number of years now, we’ve been in the habit of praying every time we see an ambulance or firetruck go by, every time we are driving to school, and whenever I happen to be near my children and I hear about a prayer request, I always ask them to join in with me.
I love this! We pray when we see ambulances and firetrucks. We pray for police, too. What a great idea to share prayer requests with your children. Praying is important for everyone. 🙂
More is caught than taught – yes, children learn the practice of prayer by seeing the adults in their life pray.
Love this! “More is caught than taught.” Amen. 🙂
You are so correct Melissa. I have not me grandkids about praying anytime. I need to do it. Thanks
Sharing prayer time is important. Our 3 years old grandson is learning the importance of prayer. 🙂
I love your conclusion: “Remember, He is always available to hear our concerns and our joys.” what a privilege He provides.
Amen. Yes, He is always available. Have a wonderful day Diana! 🙂