Creative Ways to Teach Your Child to Pray
Teaching your child to pray allows them to confidently go to the Lord on their own. This will help them overcome shyness about praying in public and reinforce to them that the Lord hears the smallest of prayers. Start the conversation as to why we pray, show them how you pray, and offer creative ways to create their own prayer life.
CHAT
The CHAT method for prayer breaks down the wall of rigidness when it comes to praying. CHAT stands for confession, honor, ask and thank. Confession allows children to confess what they may have done or the things they feel to God. Honor is a space to give God glory for the things that He has done in their lives and for who He is. Ask gives children the opportunity to ask God the questions they may have about their lives. Thanksgiving is important because it reiterates the importance of God’s hand in our lives. This tool can be a great pattern for kids who aren’t quite sure where to get started when it comes to talking with God.
Using Scripture
Using specific scripture to inspire prayer can be a driving force in creating an easier way to pray for children. For instance, mentioning Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” This allows children to come before God humbly and confidently. Their prayer can start by saying, “Lord, it says that we are to always pray and give thanks to You…” There are also plenty of examples in Scripture of how we are to pray. When in doubt, pray the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6:9-13.
Head-to-Toe Prayers
Head-to-toe prayer creates a visual picture of prayer for children. Following this type of prayer allows children to see what they are praying for and helps them understand why we pray for certain things. Toes are for walking in God’s path, knees to confess, tummy to thank God for food, hands to serve, ears to hear God’s voice, eyes to seek God, and head for the mind of Christ. To pray in this way, have your child touch each part of their bodies during the prayer and say the prayers.
Writing a Letter
To alleviate some of the pressure of praying in public, writing a letter is a great alternative. For children, it may be easier to write their prayers out because they’re struggling with the confidence of praying aloud. It’s also a great way for young children to practice writing and the alphabet. Praying through a letter also allows children to be creative in their delivery of prayer; they can add drawings and colors to their letters. One way to encourage kids to pray each day is by making a mailbox for them to place their letters. This creates the idea that we get mail every day, just as we should pray every day.
Prayer is important because it allows us to be in conversation with God, and teaching children about prayer helps to strengthen their relationship with the Lord. With over 57 years of academic excellence, St. Teresa Catholic School, a Titusville Catholic school, provides a quality education that challenges and empowers students to develop to their full potential while also serving them spiritually. Students foster qualities that are essential for lifelong learning and are equipped for future success. To learn more about why St. Teresa is the perfect fit for you and your student, contact us today.