Each night John Paul, his wife Sara, and his sons Jacob (3), and Noah (1), held hands while John Paul led them in a prayer of thanks for their dinner and blessing for each child. A few months later, John Paul’s work schedule changed and he couldn’t be with his family for evening meals.
At the first dinner without dad, Sara asked the three-year-old, “Would you pray for us, Jacob, since Daddy’s not here?”
Jacob took his baby brother’s and mom’s hands and said, “Father, God, we just thank You for this day and everything You gave us. We ask that You bless this food in Jesus name, Amen.” A tear trickled down Sara’s cheek as she realized Jacob had prayed almost exactly his dad’s words from the Sunday before.
Jacob had been listening to his father’s prayers and used them as a model for his own. Because kids primarily learn by imitation, it’s no surprise that they discover how to pray from praying parents.
Parental example packs a lot of power in children’s lives, whether it’s teaching them to wear seatbelts, be honest, or bow in prayer. Kids are careful observers, and often what they see us do is just what they do!
Here are some ways to model prayer for your children:
Pray Conversationally
Cindy was taught only the “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” prayer as a child but she never saw her parents praying in a conversational way. Later as an adult, Cindy found great comfort in speaking to God as a friend.
Now she wants her daughter to experience that closeness with God, so she prays with her child in simple, conversational language rather than with flowery, formal, or rote words.
Be Honest With God
Avoid using prayer as a guilt trip or for scolding your kids. Instead of praying, “Lord, help these kids to straighten up and mind me so You won’t be disappointed in them” be honest about your weaknesses: “Lord, forgive me for losing my temper with the children. Give me patience and wisdom and fill our home with Your love and peace.”
Your vulnerability and willingness to receive God’s help will be a greater witness to your kids than trying to be the perfect parent.
Include Your Children In Prayer Gatherings
You may think “I’m not one of the designated intercessors at our church” or “I’m more like Martha, busy doing things instead of in the prayer closet praying. Where do I start?”
Start right where you are. Take the ordinary experiences of life—your trials and the needs of others—and turn them into “prayer moments” with your children.
Look for opportunities to model prayer in daily situations like car trouble, sickness, and sibling conflicts. You’re helping your kids “catch” prayer by praying with them about issues like friendships and school problems.
Also, bring your kids into the circle of prayer when there’s a church or city-wide gathering of prayer. Encourage the planners to have small group praying and prayer activities that can integrate children and teens.
As you model conversational prayer, are honest with God, and pray with your kids, you’ll be mentoring them into a closer relationship and an ongoing, lifetime conversation with their heavenly Father.
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Known for her warmth, authenticity, and love for people, Cheri Fuller is a gifted, inspiring communicator who speaks nationally and internationally. From the east coast to the west coast and as far away as South Africa, Brazil, Switzerland, and Singapore, Cheri presents encouraging programs that impact people. Through her engaging storytelling style and practical wisdom, audiences leave inspired and challenged to face life's struggles with hope and purpose. She keynotes at women's retreats and conferences, writers' conferences, Christmas events, and national parenting seminars.
Cheri is an award-winning author of forty two books including her newest, Mother-Daughter Duet and The One Year Women's Friendship Devotional.
A former Oklahoma Mother of the Year, Cheri has been a frequent media guest on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, NBC Radio News, Moody Broadcasting, and other national radio and TV programs. Her articles have appeared in Family Circle, ParentLife, Guideposts, Focus on the Family, Today's Christian Woman, Better Homes & Gardens Faith & Spirit, and other publications.
Cheri's passion is encouraging women and inspiring and equipping people of all ages to connect with God in their busy life and impact their world through prayer, as they live life to the fullest, focus on what really matters, and build loving connections with family and friends no matter what their circumstances.