I recently had the opportunity to model prayer for my 7-year-old son, Noah. Here’s the thing: At that moment, modeling prayer wasn’t intentional. I was on the phone with a family member who needed prayer. As I began to pray with him, I noticed Noah sitting next to me. His hands were folded, fingers interlocked, and eyes closed as I prayed. My prayerful words began to mean more and became more deliberate. Why? Shouldn’t it always be the same?

At that moment, I was reminded of the cliché, “Kids are always watching.” Just as it states in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (NIV). Our prayer was being heard, and we felt it. What happened next was even better! Ten minutes after hanging up, I received another phone call from my family member shouting, “The prayer worked!” That moment had an impact that shaped Noah’s view of prayer and communication with God.

It’s important that we are intentional in teaching and modeling prayer for children. Here are three simple steps to build confident, praying kids:

1. PRESENT. Present occasions for children to see others praying in a way they can understand. Conversations with God can be just like our conversations with each other. Sometimes they are easier!
   • Pray simple prayers over your kids that they can hear.
   • Pray from your heart in a way they can understand.

      

2. PARTICIPATE. Provide chances for children to participate in corporate prayer and praying for specific needs. These opportunities can be included at various times during your Sunday services.
   • Small group time can allow them to pray with each other. Consider utilizing older students to help facilitate.
   • Celebrate answered prayer.

      

3. PROVE. Allow the Bible and Holy Spirit to prove and reinforce the power of prayer.
   • Give children Bible verses that talk about prayer and focus on those verses regularly. Verses like Matthew 18:20, Philippians 4:6,7, and Matthew 6:9-13 (The Lord’s Prayer) are a good place to begin.
   • Provide occasion for the baptism in the Holy Spirit that John talked about in Matthew 3:11, when he said, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire” (NIV).

Want to explore additional goals for your children’s ministry? Visit our 8 Goals for AG Kidmin. 

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