Scripture encourages us to have the faith of a child because children inherently embody humility, total dependence, and uncorrupted trust. Those are also three characteristics that should mark our prayers and guide how we teach children to pray.
Prayer is best taught as a simple, honest conversation with God. Preschoolers learn through repetition, example, and concrete routines, while elementary-age children begin to add more personal words and thoughts to their prayers. The goal is not perfect wording but helping children know they can talk to God anytime and about anything.
We want children to understand that prayer is talking and listening to God. They can thank God, ask for help, pray for others, and say they are sorry. Connecting prayer to daily activities — before meals, at bedtime, before school, when afraid, and during good experiences — is important.
We want our children to understand that our prayers do not need fancy words. Short, sincere prayers are enough. Encourage participation with prompts such as, “What would you like to thank God for today?” or “Who needs prayer today?”
Pray aloud over children, even as infants and toddlers. Let them often hear you singing “Jesus loves (include their name), this I know, for the Bible tells me so.” Let children hear you pray short prayers aloud throughout the day: “God, thank You for this meal;” “Please help me to be kind today;” or “Father God, help (include their name) learn to use her hands to help others.”
Pause after praying and invite children to add their thoughts. However, never force children to pray. Always model honesty. Children should hear prayers filled with joy, sadness, fear, gratitude, and guidance. Let your children hear you thank God for them often.
Consider gathering a few materials and activities to use.
• Make a gratitude book and use it when rocking your child or reading to them. The pictures may be of family members, your home, the family pet, your church, and other things you value. With each picture, a prayer can be shared.
• Create a prayer jar or basket with children’s names, pictures, or requests inside, and choose one to pray for each day.
• Develop a prayer journal in which elementary-age children can write or draw prayers and then record answers.
• Create a prayer corner in a quiet space with a children’s Bible, soft seating, and a few visual reminders. Just as adults benefit from having a special place for extended prayer, encourage your children to do the same.
• Trace your hand, then write something on each finger that you thank the Father for concerning your child. Write a Scripture verse on the palm that you will teach your child and talk often about its meaning. My favorite to teach children is, “This is the day that the LORD has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).
Age-specific tips to remember:
• Preschool: Keep prayers short, repetitive, and tied to pictures, songs, and routines. Use concrete prompts such as family, food, pets, friends, and feelings. A one- or two-sentence prayer is appropriate.
• Elementary: Encourage children to pray in their own words, expand beyond memorized prayers, and practice praise, thanks, confession, requests (petitions), and prayer for others (intercession). Guide children toward using journals, prayer lists, and Scripture-based prompts.
• For both: Teach children to always pray in Jesus’ name.
Simple Prayer Prompts
• “Dear God, thank you for _____.”
• “Father God, please help me ______.”
• “God, give me courage to ________.”
• “Dear God, help me to be kind, ______, and _____ today.”
• “Father God, grow my understanding of who You are and teach me to always trust in You.” B&R