For many adult Christians, prayer comes as second nature. It’s the vital practice which helps us establish and maintain a strong relationship with God. Although the experience is deeply personal can be challenging to teach, there are many ways you can encourage your child to pray.

A Guide to Teaching Children to Pray

Start With a Simple Routine

As you tuck your little one in at night, consider saying a simple bedtime prayer, and once they’re old enough, invite them to say it with you. Although they may be too young to understand the meaning behind the words at first, they’ll establish the notion that communicating with the Lord is an important part of daily life.

Invite Them to Talk to God

Have consistent conversations about God with your child and tell them the role He plays in their life. Once your child is old enough to grasp deeper concepts, follow up on their bedtime routine by asking if there’s anything else they’d like to say. You can encourage them to give thanks for something that made them happy or speak a prayer for someone in need. Most importantly, enforce the idea that praying is simply having a conversation with God and that He always listens.

Explain the Principles of Prayer

As your child matures, start to explain some of the key themes of praying, including praising God and Jesus, confessing sins, and giving thanks for their everyday life. You might also consider having your child dedicate their prayer session to a particular person on each day of the week, like a friend, teacher, or pet. Don’t forget to lead by example. If your child asks what you pray for, be open with them and explain how you find comfort in speaking with the Lord.

While prayer can be practiced anywhere, the members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church know worshiping as a community is a special and rewarding experience for all involved. If you’re seeking a place where you can pray, visit this welcoming church in Honolulu, HI. They offer Bible study and Sunday service, and their staff coordinates outreach projects in the community. View a schedule of their sermons online, or call (808) 922-6011 to speak with a member of the church.