Teaching a Child to Pray

What is Prayer? (Discussion Guidelines)

  • Prayer is talking and listening to God. The Bible tells us that God hears all Christians who pray to Him. We learn how to pray by the prayers in the Bible. The stories Jesus told help us to understand prayer.
  • Prayers are answered through reading God’s Word and by listening with our hearts to the will of God. Not all prayers are answered the way we would like.
  • Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:6-8 to pray privately and humbly. We should not draw attention to ourselves when we pray. He wants us to speak from our hearts and not use phrases that have no meaning. This means to talk to the Lord as you would a close friend.
  • The Lord wants us to pray at anytime and any place. He is with you and will always hear you. Jesus gives us the model prayer in Matthew 6:9-13.
Ways to Pray with Children

  • Silent Prayer
  • Prayer Letter
  • Eyes Open
  • Guided Prayer
  • Traditional Prayer
  • Whisper & Pass a Prayer
  • Prayer Songs
  • Sentence Prayer
Five Kinds of Prayer

  • Praise – Tell God good things about Himself and what He has done. Say: You are great! You are All Powerful God. You are loving.
  • Thanksgiving – Thank God for things He has given you and done for youSuch as: Family, friends, good health, food, protection, teachers.
  • Confession – Tell God your sins and ask for forgiveness.
  • Petition – Ask God to help you with problems, concerns, and needs.
  • Intercession – Pray for people who are sick, need comforting, help, who are not Christians. Intercession is praying for others.