How To Help Your Kids Explore Prayer

Prayer is a beautiful, life-giving practice of staying in meaningful communication and connection with God! Sometimes, prayer can feel like a big concept that’s challenging to explain to kids. Simply, prayer is talking to God. Romans 8:26 & 27 says, "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God."

Even when you don't have all the right words, the Holy Spirit will pray on your behalf! Isn’t this encouraging? Keep this in mind as you teach your kids to pray. It doesn't have to be perfect. The Holy Spirit is there, partnering with you, and your kids, as you explore prayer together. You can model prayer for your kids and create a safe space for them to discover what it looks like for them to talk to God themselves. Here’s a fun, creative, and meaningful way to help your family embody the practice of prayer while teaching your kids how to pray:

First: Grab large popsicle sticks & any jar you would like.

Next: On each popsicle stick, write a category to pray over. Here are some examples: family, your city, friends, your neighborhood, etc. Think of buckets of people and places that your kids can grasp.

Then: When you sit down to share a meal, have each family member grab a stick from the jar.

Lastly: Take turns praying over whatever is on your stick. This helps to characterize your family meal with prayerful connection, conversation, and practice!

Bonus: Reflect together. What was that experience like? What do each person learn?

The beauty of this activity is your kids will see how prayer is accessible, repeatable, and meaningful. As you develop a rhythm, watch your kids build an understanding of prayer and the courage to pray out loud! Remember, as a parent or guardian, you have a beautiful opportunity to be a disciple-maker in your kids' life!