As a parent, one of the most meaningful gifts you can give your child is the ability to pray. Prayer connects us with God, provides comfort in times of need, and builds faith that lasts a lifetime. Teaching children to pray doesn’t have to be complicated—it can be a natural, joyful part of their everyday lives.
I’m Remi, a certified life coach, and I’ve spent decades helping people live more fulfilling lives. One of my passions is guiding parents in nurturing their children’s spiritual well-being. Let’s explore seven simple and effective ways to teach children to pray.
Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. – Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
1. Be a Living Example
Children learn best by watching their parents. If they see you praying regularly, they’ll understand that prayer is important. Demonstrate how to incorporate prayer throughout the day.
- Pray before meals, giving thanks for food and those who prepared it.
- Express gratitude out loud for daily blessings.
- Let them see you pray for strength, guidance, and others in need.
By weaving prayer into daily routines, you show them that talking to God is as natural as talking to a loved one.
2. Make Prayer a Daily Habit
Help your child build the habit of prayer by setting aside time for it each day. A great way to do this is through bedtime prayers.
- Encourage them to thank God for the day’s joys.
- Guide them to ask for help with challenges they face.
- Allow them to pray for others—family members, friends, and even pets!
By making prayer a consistent practice, children will grow up with faith as a strong foundation in their lives.
3. Teaching Children to Pray Simple and Short Prayers
When children are young, simple prayers are best. Start with short, easy-to-remember prayers like:
- “Thank You, God, for today and for the love You give me.”
- “Jesus, please help me be kind and loving.”
- “God, I trust You with my worries.”
As they grow, you can introduce longer prayers, such as the Lord’s Prayer or Bible verses that encourage faith and trust in God.
4. Encourage Open and Honest Conversations with God
Prayer isn’t just about asking for things—it’s about building a relationship with God. Teach your child that they can talk to God about anything.
- If they’re sad, they can tell God about their feelings.
- If they’re excited, they can share their happiness.
- If they’re struggling, they can ask for strength.
Remind them that prayer is not just about talking—it’s also about listening. Encourage quiet moments where they can reflect on God’s presence.
5. Use Books and Stories About Prayer
Children love stories, so use books to teach them about prayer. Many children’s books illustrate how and why we pray in ways they can understand.
Some great book options include:
Reading stories about prayer makes learning both fun and meaningful.
6. Pray for Healing and Forgiveness Together
Life is full of little bumps—both physical and emotional. Teach your children to turn to God for healing when they feel hurt, scared, or upset.
- When they scrape a knee, say a quick prayer for healing.
- If they argue with a sibling, teach them to ask for forgiveness and to pray for patience.
- When they’re feeling down, remind them that God’s love is always there to lift them.
This practice teaches them that God is their source of comfort and restoration.
7. Send Them Off with a Blessing
Before your child heads out the door for school or an activity, bless them with a simple prayer:
- “May God protect you and guide you today.”
- “May you feel God’s love in everything you do.”
- “May you be kind, brave, and full of joy.”
This small gesture reassures them that God is always with them, no matter where they go.
Bonus Tips for Teaching Children to Pray
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Make Prayer Interactive
Try creative ways to engage your child in prayer, such as:
- Prayer Jars – Write prayer requests on slips of paper and pull one out each day.
- Prayer Walks – Walk around your neighbourhood and pray for the people and places you see.
- Prayer Crafts – Create a prayer board or notebook where your child can draw or write their prayers.
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Let Them Lead the Prayer
Encourage your child to lead prayers during meals or bedtime. Let them use their own words—there’s no right or wrong way to talk to God.
Final Thoughts
Teaching children to pray is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. By modeling prayer, making it a joyful habit, and encouraging open conversations with God, you help them develop a deep and personal faith.
Remember, prayer is not about perfection—it’s about connection. No matter where they are in life, knowing they can always turn to God will be a source of strength and comfort.
Start small, be consistent, and watch as your child’s faith blossoms in beautiful ways.
So, what do you think about teaching children to pray? Do you agree that it’s important to teach children to pray during childhood so that they can develop lifelong habits? Do you think prayer can help children grow and thrive in many aspects of their lives? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.
