How do you teach your children to pray?
What do you teach them about the practice, meaning, and importance of prayer?
What do you pray for children?
When the kids are really young, we teach them to pray simply by example. I have been watching Baby G lately as she is transforming into a little girl. When we say it is time to pray, she bows her head and waits for someone to start praying. She does not really understand who we are praying to or why but she knows it is something we do. As she gets older, her understanding will grow and she will have the habit of praying instilled in her.
The older ones, they know, we have them pray every morning during their Daily 5. Having them pray in the morning every morning is showing them the importance of putting God in the forefront of their minds and recognizing the He is the orchestrator of their day. They are learning how to set time apart in the morning for the Lord at a very early age. When they need an attitude adjustment, we sit down and open the Word. We read what God has to say about their attitude or behavior and then we pray. When I started doing this with them, I would have them repeat after me as I prayed. Now, they can go pray on their own. When I send them to pray, I am also praying. I am praying that God will capture their heart in the area that needs work. I pray that God searches my heart in that area so I will not be an example of that behavior or attitude that I am recognizing needs to change in them. I pray that God will give me the wisdom in parenting them regarding the issue at hand.
Not only do we pray first thing in the morning, but we also pray at the start of our school day, at mealtime, and at bedtime. With prayer, I want the kids to learn to be thankful in all things, put the Lord in charge of all things, ask the Lord for protection, wisdom, guidance. We also pray for others. When someone has a need, we pray together during our morning school time. I want them to learn how to intercede for others and as they are older how to be prayer warriors.
My prayer is that they will be able to stand in the midst of strife and that they will be a living testimony of the glory and power of God. As a mom, I think I am in constant prayer. I pray for myself, that I may be able to survive my day, hold my tongue, and have supernatural amounts of patience, energy instead of exhaustion and a clear mind to handle all that is thrown my way.
Romans 12:12
Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
Ephesians 6:18
praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints,
Philippians 4:6
do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.
Thanks so much for participating! I am so glad to see that you write about praying that as parents we would be a good example to our children!
ReplyDeleteWell your Princess K has demonstrated that you have taught her to not only pray, but have concern over/for the people in her life. It has been a blessing watching these little people shine for God. You are great parents and the munchkins are already shining examples for the Lord.
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