My youngest daughter’s confirmation day was a proud parent moment. The thing that really stood out to me was when the Pastor said (as he announced our daughter to the congregation) how he knew our family for a long time; and what stood out to him was that all 3 of our daughters knew how to pray. Wow, I was surprised. He said we as parents taught them well. I am not comfortable with praying in public or leading prayer but I know who God is.
For as long as I can remember, praying and talking to God are simply part of my day. For me, there is no real formula but this is how I encouraged my kids to pray.
1- Start Early (Even Before They Understand)
My kids have been praying for as long as I can remember.
When they were little, we had simple chore charts posted in the bathroom. At that age, they couldn’t even read yet—so the charts were pictures.
One of those pictures?
Pray before bed.
It became part of their daily rhythm—just like brushing their teeth.
Not forced. Not complicated. Just normal.
2 – Keep it Simple
When they were young, we used easy, fill-in-the-blank prayers.
I would ask:
👉 “What are you thankful for today?”
👉 “What do you want to pray for?”
👉 “Who needs God today?”
That was it.
These simple questions helped them:
- build gratitude
- express their thoughts
- grow compassion for others
One time, my daughter wanted to pray for a girl at school who always seemed sad.
Moments like that reminded me…they weren’t just learning how to pray—they were learning how to care.
3 – Why We Pray
Kids need to know that prayer isn’t about saying the “right words.”
It’s about talking to God.
We explained it like this: God is your friend, your protector and your Creator.
Just like you talk to people you love… you can talk to Him.
As they got older, they began leading prayers at dinner and even asking for prayers.
Because the goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection.
4 – Make Time with God a Daily Rhythm
Now that my kids are older (teens and young adults), I still ask them if they pray. They all do.
We don’t always get to sit down together—life is busy now—but when we do, we take turns praying at dinner.
Each person shares something on their heart.
Sometimes it’s gratitude. Sometimes it’s a struggle.
But every time—it brings us closer.
5 – Show Them the Power of Prayer
One of the most impactful things you can do is share your own experiences. Tell your kids how God has answered your prayers.
We also created a family tradition:
👉 A prayer jar
We write down prayer requests throughout the year. Then at Thanksgiving, we go back and read them. We talk about how God answered each one in His time not ours. Not always how we expected…But always in a way that reminds us He was working.
Final Encouragement
As parents, we carry a big responsibility—but also a beautiful opportunity. We are the ones our children watch most. School may have them for 30 hours a week. Church may have them for one. But we have them every day.
And the truth is—you don’t need to be perfect at praying to teach your kids how to pray. You just need to be willing.
Because the greatest gift we can give our children…is helping them build a relationship with Him.
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