Teaching Children to Pray and Grow
As Christian parents, we have high goals of encouraging our children to learn to pray and to grow in their understanding of what it means to be a follower of Christ. Then, “life as it is” hits us and our good intentions falter. Here, however, is one creative solution to teach children to pray and grow, encourage family discussions, and help build our own faith at the same time.
First, decide to make the family evening meal a place of gathering together without distractions. It is so easy to grab a plate and leave the table for the television program or the important phone call. Then, as a ritual, the family can take time to pray together. This brings consistency into the picture. Psychologists tell us that being consistent helps build a sense of rootedness and belonging in children
Do a project together, which needs to be fun, include participation and be simple enough to hold the attention span of your children. This suggestion will fit all three – intentionality, consistency and simplicity. Here are the supplies needed for the project: mason jar or other container, flat craft sticks, colored markers, one black marker (and patience).
Have the children color the sticks red, blue, yellow, green and purple. The adult or older child then prints with the black pen the meaning for the colored sticks. On the red stick print PRAISE, on the blue stick print PETITION, on the yellow stick print PRAY FOR OTHERS, on the green stick print CREATION, and on the purple stick print THANKS. Place these sticks in the jar.
Each day when the table is set add the jar to the middle of the table. Each person in the family picks a stick and prays according to their stick – short prayers of praise, prayers for the self, prayers for others, prayers for God’s creation, and prayers of thanksgiving. When guests come, they may be asked to participate too (perhaps with extra sticks). The prayers for God’s creation can lead to further table conversation. (For example, a prayer for bees might lead to a conversation about where we get honey, or how bees help flowers grow.)
Beyond this prayer stick idea, it is a good plan to use bedtime to discuss the day with children, learn of anything the child wants to share about their day that might lead to asking for or working toward confession and forgiveness. Bedtime is a good time to teach the Lord’s Prayer and the deep meaning of the words.
Earth Steward Action: Find ways to teach your children or grandchildren the power of prayer. If you have no children, please pray for children everywhere in the word in need.
Sources:
https://buildfaith.org/prayer-sticks
https://buildfaith.org/interactive-holy-week-for-children for a family-based Holy Week observance