A Simple Prayer Practice To Help Your Kids Bring Their Anxieties To Jesus | By Roger Bunnell

While living in a broken world, many may experience things that cause stress, worry, or anxiety, and the same can be said for kids. Unfortunately, kids may not know how to express or manage their stress and anxiety without some guidance. Philippians 4:6 says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything,” which is a powerful message, but can often be difficult to teach to children. Whether it’s an upcoming spelling test, or the loss of a loved one, it’s an important reminder for them, that there is no prayer too big or too small to bring to Jesus. Kids need something simple and tangible to help guide them in the right direction. This step-by-step tool can help you teach your kids to bring those things to Jesus in a positive and prayerful way:

What You Will Need:

Marker (or other writing utensil)
Paper bag with “Jesus” written on the front
Sticky notes (or small pieces of paper)

What You And Your Kid Will Do:

Step 1

Begin by explaining, “Sometimes in life, we may face things that feel hard. We might have fears or worries, we might have stress at school or at home, and all of these feelings are okay.”
Then, ask your kid, “What is something in your life right now that makes you feel overwhelmed, anxious, or scared? You don’t have to say it out loud if you don’t want to. You can just think it in your head.”
Once they have had time to think about it, encourage them to, “Take a minute or two to draw or write down what you were just thinking of.” Let them write or draw as many different things as the need!

Step 2

Affirm them that, “We are so lucky, because no matter what we face, we always have someone to help us through it. Remember that no matter what you’re going through, there is nothing too big or too small for Jesus to help you with.”
Then show them the bag that says ‘Jesus,’ asking, “See how this bag says ‘Jesus’? Now we’re going to put our notes in the bag to help us remember to bring everything to Him.”

Step 3

Now, move into an intentional time of prayer, saying, “I’m going to close the bag, and then we’re going to pray for Jesus to help us with these things.”
Take this time to pray together. You can pray however you feel appropriate, encouraging them to pray as well. If you’re not sure what to say, pray one of these phrases to help you get started:
- “Jesus, we’re bringing all of these things to you, and trusting you with them.”
- “Jesus, please help us when we’re afraid.”
- “Jesus, thank you for always being there for us when we need you.”

Remind them that when they feel scared or anxious this week, to ask Jesus for help. Philippians 4:7 continues by reassuring that when you bring Jesus your worries you “will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” So, continue to be someone who prays about everything, helping your kids to do the same.