Ever since my daughter Emma was in the womb, it has been my passion to introduce her to Jesus Christ and help her to know Him. I remember attending prayer meetings and fondly praying specific spiritual attributes over her, in anticipation of her arrival. When I was able to hold her in my arms, I would cuddle with her and spend time in prayer. Yet, I wanted her to feel welcome to come to Christ for herself. After all, Jesus loves our children and wants to be active in their lives from the start! As Luke 18:16 tells us, "Let these children alone. Don't get between them and me. These children are the kingdom's pride and joy." (MSG) Below are just a few ways I have sought to incorporate prayer into my own daughter's life.
1) Establish a regular prayer time with your kiddos
It is never too early to start! Depending on what age your children are at, this may began with you simply praying, if they are too young to express themselves. When Emma was a baby and a young toddler, and could not express herself, I would do my own praying. In fact, some of my best prayer times were crying out to The Lord while snuggling and rocking her to sleep. Sometimes it was more focused on Emma, at other times I was calling upon God for my own needs or even the needs of others. When she was able to speak in sentences and communicate her needs and simple feelings, we switched gears. I would encourage her to pray, and then I would follow up. At first, her prayer was pretty much a one liner, followed by "Amen," but it has expanded since she has grown older. This regular routine has provided opportunities for me to model interaction with Christ and opened up doors for spiritual conversation. Bedtime was the ideal time for us, after the demands and distractions of the day had passed, but you may find another time of day is optimal for interacting and praying with your little one. If you miss that regular prayer time, don't fret - just pick right back up and keep going! Today is a new day! (Lam. 3:23)
2) Seize the opportunity for spontaneous prayer
"Pray without ceasing" -1 Thess. 5:17, ESV
"Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication..." -Ephesians 6:18a, ESV
Have a regular time of prayer with your child but...allow the Holy Spirit to prompt you throughout the day to pray with your child. Invite Him in and ask Him to open your eyes to key opportunities to talk to God with them. For Emma, it is typically when she is under the weather or has a "boo-boo." Often, we will pray about these things - no matter how seemingly small. At first I would suggest, "Let's pray and ask God to touch you," and then I would pray out loud with her. Now, she prompts me, and even says after prayer, "God will touch it, Mommy." I remember vividly one day Emma removed a bandaid, saw her scrape was gone, and exclaimed with great excitement, "God healed me, Mommy! God touched me. I'm all better!" Of course, your child's needs may be vastly different, based on their age. A teenager has far deeper hurts and may not readily welcome prayer together, particularly if it has not been the norm in your household. But don't let that hinder you from offering. You never know when they will open the door and let you in. And even in your suggestion, they will see that you love them, you care for them, and you are there for them - as is Jesus..even if they utterly reject your suggestion.
3) Keep it Simple!
"And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words." - Matt. 6:7, ESV
Don't worry about it being the length or saying all the right things - just keep it simple, honest, and genuine. In this way your child will come to see that God is their friend and there is nothing they can't bring to Him. Remember to tailor your language and subject matter to your child's level of maturity and understanding.
4) Celebrate answered prayers
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." -Col. 4:2, ESV
Pray, and keep an eye on those prayer requests. Include verbally thanking God for the answer even before it comes, when you and your child pray. (This is particularly important with an ongoing issue - like nightmares, bedwetting, grades, bullies, etc.) Then, be watchful - be on the lookout and expect God to move! When He does, point it out to your child and celebrate with them. Even recognize answers to "little" requests. This will build their faith (and ours, too!) that God hears and responds to their prayers. It also demonstrates God pays attention to us and cares for us in the smallest details.
5) Mix prayer into the highs and lows of life
Insert praise into the happy times of your child's life. Thank Him for the goal at the soccer game. Acknowledge His help with an improved grade. Also, stop and take a moment to petition God in the low moments of your kiddo's life. In serious times of discipline, for example, lead your child in a moment of repentance. Avoid shaming them - show them simply how to ask and receive God's forgiveness. Then affirm to them your forgiveness, along with God's (1 John 1:9). Once released in prayer, resolve not to rehearse your child's mistake, unless needed to further explain something. Let them experience Psalm 103:12: "as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us." (ESV)
6) Give your child positive reinforcement
When your child steps out and prays, especially in the beginning, shower them with praise. As they grow more confident in expressing themselves to God, simply compliment them as you feel led. For example, I may point out to Emma, "I like how thankful you were to God for your toys," or, "That was nice of you to ask God to heal your sick friend." This encourages your kiddo to approach God just as Hebrews 4:16 instructs: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (ESV) Don't criticize - let them freely talk to God without fear of being censored.
There are many creative ways to help children know Christ and began to interact with Him on their own. I am sure a quick search of Pinterest would come up with hundreds of crafts, tools, visual aids, and such that are truly, and honestly, great. However, for me, a working mother with a lot of demands on my time, it was not always a good fit. Whether time, budget, or even simple motivation are limited for you, I hope I was able to offer some simple ways for you to get the ball rolling (or rolling once more. :)). After all, you are the best person to lead your child to Christ and model how to be a prayer warrior! Never forget that as their parent, you have been handpicked and anointed by God to teach your child about spiritual things.
This article was written by Elizabeth Hamm
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