Helping Your Child Learn to Pray: Simple Steps for Parents

Introduction to Helping Your Child Learn to Pray

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. Teaching them how to talk with God not only strengthens their faith but also gives them a lifelong connection to the One who loves them most. Here’s a practical, easy way to start.

1. Make Prayer a Normal Part of Life

Children learn best by example. Show them that prayer is as natural as talking with family or friends. Pray aloud before meals, bedtime, and during daily activities. Let them see you talking to God throughout the day.
“Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.” – Colossians 4:2, NLT

2. Teach Simple, Honest Prayers

Teaching kids to pray is not difficult. Encourage them to be real with God. Prayer doesn’t have to be fancy! Show them they can share anything – joys, worries, thanks, or questions. Simple prayers like, “Thank you, God, for today” or “Please help me with my test” are great starting points.

3. Introduce the ACTS Prayer Method

A fun way to help children remember the basics is using the ACTS model:

Adoration: Tell God what we love about Him.
Confession: Admit when we mess up.
Thanksgiving: Thank God for the good things.
Supplication: Ask God for help.

Using ACTS makes it easy for kids to remember what to say.

How to Use the ACTS Prayer Method: A Simple Guide

4. Use Scripture in Prayer

Incorporating Bible verses helps children see the connection between God’s Word and prayer. A verse like Psalm 56:3, “But when I am afraid, I will put my trust in you,” NLT, can remind them to talk to God when they feel scared or worried.

5. Encourage Prayer for Others

Help your children pray for others, from friends to family, neighbors, or even people they’ve never met. This teaches compassion and builds empathy, as they learn to lift others in prayer.

6. Make It Fun and Creative

Add some creativity! Use a prayer jar where they draw names of people to pray for or keep a simple prayer journal where they write or draw their prayers. This makes prayer something they can look forward to each day.

Conclusion

Teaching children to pray is about showing them that prayer is a real conversation with God. By making prayer natural, simple, and a little fun, you’re building a foundation of faith that will stay with them.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6, NLT

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