Prayer is usually learned through example. Children begin to understand at a young age, while sitting in their highchairs, the family prays and offers thanks before eating a meal. They see the adults around them praying during a church service. Maybe their parents pray with them before they go to bed each night. It is also important to teach children they can pray anywhere and at any time.
The concept of praying to God in Heaven may be one that takes years to fully grasp. As children begin to develop their own relationships with God they may develop some misunderstandings about prayer.
The habit of praying at particular times with your children is a great habit. But it can create an understanding these are the only times when people pray. It is up to us as parents and grandparents to help them develop a deeper understanding of what it means to pray at anywhere and at any time.
Several years ago, a friend, her young daughter, and I had loaded up my car and were about to make a 4-hour drive toward home. After we had all settled into our seats and had our seat belts fastened, I let them know I would like to ask a prayer for safety during our drive.
The little girl was confused. She couldn’t understand why we were praying in a car. This was a new experience for her. She thought you could only pray at church or in your bedroom.
While we can teach children how to pray and why we pray, we must remember to also teach them we can pray at any time or anywhere. This is an important part of teaching them about God and how close to Him we can be at any given moment. He is right there, and He wants to be a part of our day.
Let’s teach our children to give thanks, to pray for others, to ask for protection, and include God in their daily lives. Let's teach them we can do this at any time during our day.
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When I Pray was written for young children. Follow the little yellow duck as he encounters various reasons for prayer and finds he can pray wherever he may be at the time. It introduces children to the idea of praying to God anywhere and at any time. This book is a great way to begin the discussion on how and why we pray.
When I Pray is available at Amazon. The author of this book is also the owner and operator of Cherish The Journey. I truly hope you and your little ones share many prayers together. It is a beautiful thing to watch children learn to give thanks to Him for all the blessings life offers and to quickly turn to Him when their little hearts are troubled.
Cherish the Journey!
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