A preschool teacher taught her young students the Lord’s Prayer, and each day during the year they practiced it. One morning a three-year-old volunteered to lead the class and enthusiastically prayed, “Our Father, who Artist in heaven, Halloween be Your name. Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, one national under God, invisible, with livery for all. Amen!”
Who is this God we address in prayer? An Artist in heaven and our Father? With these names the little girl was right on target. The “livery for all” I’m not so sure about! But since prayer is a dialogue with God, knowing Him and His attributes is important to the prayer process.
The more children understand who God is, the more confidently they can pray. When we lead them in praying for His peace, for instance, we’re not asking Him for something outside His capabilities, because Jesus is the Prince of Peace. When we ask Him to provide for a need, we do it with confidence because He is the Lord, our Provider.
Consequently, learning God’s attributes and names can be an exciting boost to your child’s prayer life. The Bible is a terrific resource for this endeavor. Throughout the pages of Scripture are countless snapshots of God.
For example, the Psalms declare over and over who God is and how He acts in behalf of His children: “the Lord is gracious and compassionate…holy and awesome is His name” (Ps. 111:4,9). “For the Lord is always good…his faithfulness goes on and on to each succeeding generation” (Ps. 100:5 LB). “He forgives all my sins….He surrounds me with lovingkindness and tender mercies” (Ps. 103:3). He is a God who listens (the word means straining his ears to hear) and pays attention to our prayers (Ps. 66:19 LB).
Here are some ways to help your kids know the God they are praying to:
Snapshots of God
Children can tell God they love Him by describing Him by His names. Talk about a different one during family devotion time. Read the verse and have your kids draw a picture that symbolizes this name of God:
- He is Jehovah-nissi, The Lord My Banner, and His banner over us is love (Exodus 17:15; Song of Songs 2:4).
- He is Jehovah-jireh, The Lord will Provide, and He knows our needs and provides for them (Gen. 22:14).
- He is Jehovah-shalom, The Lord is Peace, who gives us inner peace no matter what’s happening around us (Judges 6:24).
For more names of God check out these verses: Psalm 23:1 (The Lord my Shepherd), Psalm 103:3, 147:3, (The Lord Who Heals), Jeremiah 23:6 (The Lord our Righteousness), Hebrews 13:6 (The Lord My Helper).
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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.