I. IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY

If children learn to pray when they are very young, the chances that they will develop a good, strong lifestyle of regular prayer will be much better than if they are not taught to pray until they are older. Building a personal relationship with God through prayer on a daily basis can become as regular a habit as brushing teeth. Children can become comfortable with praying out loud at very early ages so that it will not be a frustrating experience to learn as a "more inhibited" adult. Knowing God's will by studying His Word and listening to His voice can be developed through encouragement at very young ages.

As adults, we often have the misconception that little children are "practice praying", and that their prayer lives will develop as they get older. Let me assure you that children who pray to their heavenly Father are not practicing. Their prayers are heard by the Lord as loudly and clearly as any well-practiced adult (Matt. 19:14). and are often even more effective because they are always prayed with belief that God will hear and answer.

II. LEARNING BY EXAMPLE

As with any learning experience. the development of a strong prayer life in a child will be mainly dependent upon whether or not it is modeled by his or her parents, grandparents, etc. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 says, "Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to His voice, and hold fast to Him." What a good illustration of the importance of family devotions. Give your child a variety of opportunities to experience prayer in your home, and in other settings. Prayer needs to be extended into other areas of the day besides meal times and bed times. The more you incorporate prayer into every aspect of every day life, the more likely a child will be to consider talking to our Heavenly Father as natural as breathing. Here are some examples:

III. TEACHING THE ELEMENTS OF PRAYER

There is no right or wrong way to teach children the basic elements of prayer, and there are many ways it can be done. In the process of teaching about prayer many children can also be taught God's plan of salvation. The following is just one possibility. and can be adapted to fit your own needs.

A. God loves you - no matter what; and He wants to listen to and answer your prayers. Children need to be assured that God is always available to listen to them, and that even when they do something which is not pleasing to Him. they can be forgiven. God always knows what is in our hearts. It is always important to be honest and truthful - especially with God.

B. What is prayer?

1. It is important to teach children right away that our prayers are not for the purpose of getting everything WE want from God. Prayer is the way that God gets His will done on this earth. It is the way He has chosen to communicate with His people. Prayer can go all around the world as it unites earth with heaven.

2. Prayer is talking freely to God from our hearts. This communication deepens as our relationship with God grows. Prayer is telling God our fears, worries and concerns. It is telling Him about our problems and needs, and talking to Him about things we don't understand. It is sharing our joys. Prayer is conversation with God. We can talk to him as a friend.

C. Does God always answer our prayers? Yes, God always answers - but not always in the way we want or expect. He can say "Yes" or "No" or "Wait". God answers our prayers to bless us, to teach us, to guide us, or to protect us(sometimes from ourselves). He can answer our prayers even when He knows it isn't best for us, if it will teach us an important lesson. Often, God will answer our prayers to give us exactly what we need at just the right time. Sometimes His timing is different from our own - we always want things right away. but God knows that sometimes it is important to wait. He always has our best interests in mind, and we can trust Him to do what is best for us.

D. How should we pray?

1. In The Name of Jesus - probably the most important thing to teach children about prayer is that it should always be done in the name of Jesus. "And I will do whatever you ask in my name. so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for any thing in my name, and I will do it." (John 14:13-14).

2. The different parts of prayer - of course there is no set formula for prayer, but it helps children. as well as adults, to have some kind of "plan" for prayer. Many adults use ACTS - Adoration. Confession. Thanksgiving, Supplication. as they pray. Unless a child is older, some of these are big words which they don't understand. We prefer the following: Praise & worship, Confessing our Sins. Thanking God, Praying for the needs of others, Praying for our own needs.

Praise & Worship: It is very important to tell the Lord how we feel about Him and how much we love Him. We can sing. read Psalms aloud. and tell Him how wonderful He is. "How good it is to sing praises to our God, how pleasant and fitting to praise him!" (Psalm 147:1)

Confessing Our Sins: It is important to let children know that we are all sinful by nature, and that without the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, we would all deserve death. What a neat way to teach children about God's tremendous love for us. This is a good time to teach about how Jesus took our sins upon Himself No matter how bad we have been, we can be forgiven. This also gives opportunity to talk about how we need to try to better the next time, so that our lives become more pleasing to God all of the time. "The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective." (James 5:16) Righteousness can be taught to a child simply as: doing what is right. If we do what is right in the eyes of the Lord, and confess our sins, our prayers will be more effective "If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness." (I John 1:8-9) This is a good time to teach about the importance of always telling the truth and not blaming others for our mistakes.

Thanking God: So often. even as adults, we forget to thank God for the things He does for us in our lives. We will pray for something to happen. and when it happens, we are pleased. but forget to offer thanks to the Lord for His answer. He is worthy of our thanks in all circumstances of our lives. We spend much time teaching children to say "Please" and "Thank you" but often don't extend this politeness to the Lord. ''Do not be anxious about anything. but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." (Phil. 4:6) "Give thanks to the Lord for He is good." (Psalm136:1).

Praying for the Needs of Others: Most children have phases where they are basically very. selfish - where their needs and wants outweigh anything else. Teaching them to focus on others and their needs helps to balance this selfish nature It is important for kids to be made aware of the needs others have - whether physical emotional or spiritual. It is a good time to teach them about evangelization - reaching others for Christ. Children are generally very enthusiastic about their faith. and will be very eager to invite their friends and neighbors to VBS, or camp, or church programs. etc. They can be wonderful witnesses. Encouraging them to share their faith is part of teaching them to reach outside of themselves. We can teach them to pray for friends and family who don't know the Lord, and to pray for the needs they have. It is also important to teach them to pray for the needs of others they might not even know. We particularly emphasize missions and the needs of missionaries in this area. There are so many wonderful ways for children to get involved in missions through prayer. If children are taught that their prayers are just as valuable to God as those of adults, they can begin to see how important their prayers are in getting God's will accomplished on the earth. Everyone can pray - it is not just for "older" people. "I urge, then, first of all, that requests. prayers. intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone - for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Timothy 2:1-4)

Praying for Our Needs: Children take to this pretty readily. They generally have no problem asking God for things on their own behalf The teaching here would involve making wise decisions about what they want to ask God. It is good to ask children to evaluate their requests based on the following criteria: is my request going to make me a better person or Christian, and, is what I am asking pleasing to God. Both of these things are obviously going to be within God's will for their lives. "...and receive from him anything we ask. because we obey his commands and do what pleases him." (I John 3:22)

All of us have probably seen illustrations about learning the different parts of prayer, but here are two quick ways to reinforce them: Have the child trace his or her hand on a piece of paper. Along the thumb write "Praise and Worship". Then, in order on the other 4 fingers; Confessing Our Sins, Thanking God. Needs of Others, Our Needs. Across the palm, write: In the name of Jesus. The fingers will remind children of the 5 parts of prayer. The palm will remind children of how Jesus died, and that He is now interceding on our behalf before God.

Another way, is to make a paper chain out of construction paper. Each ring will be a different color, and will again be a visual reminder of the parts of prayer. You can use any colors you wish. Here is an example: White (Praise & Worship); Black (Confessing our Sins); Blue (Thanking God); Rainbow - a white piece with colors of the rainbow drawn in strips (Needs of Others); Red (Our Own Needs); Yellow - to represent the SON (In the Name of Jesus). Children can hang this colorful chain in a place that will remind them to pray, and give them guidance in prayer until it becomes a habit that no longer needs this type of reinforcement or reminder. What a joyful day when prayer becomes totally spontaneous in the life of a child, or for any believer.

Remember, as we teach young children to pray, we have a tremendous opportunity to lead them to a saving faith in Jesus, if they have not already made that commitment.

E. When should we pray?

Many children know the obligatory times of prayer - before meals and before going to bed at night. Once they realize that God is ALWAYS listening, and that He never goes on vacation, or sleeps, they readily embrace the idea of talking to Him on a regular basis, and as often as possible. We feel that it is very important for children to know that they have access to God whenever they have a need, or whenever they have a desire to express praise or thanksgiving. It is also important that they know we are to set aside time each day to pray in our "prayer closet" and there are other times when we need to pray corporately, with others. The book of Acts is filled with examples of Christians coming together to pray.

One good way to illustrate that personal prayer can happen anytime. is to show the example set by Jesus, who had many different times to pray recorded in the Bible. Some of these are: Morning Devotions (Mk 1:35); Evening Prayer (Mk 6:46-47); Solitary Communion (Luke 5:16); All Night Prayer (Luke 6:12).

IV. THE POSTURES OF PRAYER

Many children are fascinated to hear that there are other ways to pray other than head bowed, eyes closed and hands folded. It is important that they realize the purpose for doing so at a young age. Most children know that they are taught this way so that they will pay attention and not become distracted. Most of us retain this posture as adults, and for many of us, it is helpful for the same reasons.

One fun way to teach children about different postures of prayer is by reading how different people in the Bible prayed, and then trying them out. We did this one night during family devotions, and it is one our boys have really remembered. Here are some of the scriptures we used:

1. Kneeling - 2 Chronicles. 6:13; Acts 9:40
2. Bowing - Genesis 24:26
3. Standing-I Kings 8:22; Mark 11:254.
4. On the Face before God - Joshua 5:14; Matt. 26:39

V. PRAYING OUT LOUD

Many of us, as adults, are uncomfortable praying out loud. We know that God is perfectly capable of hearing our prayers whether they are expressed audibly or quietly. We have met so many adults who wish that they were not inhibited about audible prayer. If our children learn to speak to God in this way, and can participate in corporate prayer with other believers, they will most likely carry this into adulthood. Here is a simple way to teach the skill of praying out loud (it can work with adults too):

1. Begin with Echo Prayers - pray a short phrase or sentence which the child can repeat - like a responsive reading, only now it is responsive praying.

2. Finish a Sentence - this works well either one on one, or in a group. Have the child complete the sentence:

• "Lord, you are____." (Praise & Worship)
• "Lord, forgive me for_____ (Confessing sin)
• "Lord. thank you for_____ (Thanking God)
• "Lord, please help_____ (Praying for the needs of others)
• “Lord, I need_____ (Praying for own needs)

3. Sentence prayers - have the child pray one sentence only. If in a group. begin with a sentence, and have the children pray a sentence on the same topic. Later, you can suggest that they pray whatever they feel led to. if you are one on one with the child take turns in the same way.

Each of the examples above can be done one-on-one with a child, or in a group. Sometimes kids are more willing to work on these skills if they are not the only one. Others are more comfortable if others are not around. You will need to be sensitive to the preference of your child or to the group of children you may be working with.

VI. PRAYING SCRIPTURALLY

We mentioned earlier the importance of teaching children that prayer is not for the purpose of getting everything WE want from God. Prayer is the way that God gets His will done on this earth. Our all-powerful God has chosen, to a large extent, to limit His power to the prayers of His people. How do we know what God's will is? We can be completely confident that God's will is contained in the pages of His Word. Teaching children to pray utilizing the Word of God is teaching them how to pray powerfully and totally in the will of God. Teach them how to begin their prayer time by reading from the Psalms. What a wonderful way to begin worship and praise to the Lord - by reading the words of David as he worshipped.

There are many wonderful new choruses which are taken verbatim from Scripture, and which are very valuable in teaching your child how to enter into the presence of God in prayer. The resource section, has some very good books which illustrate Scriptural prayer.

VII. PRAYER LISTS/PRAYER JOURNALS

As soon as a child has the necessary skills, we recommend helping him or her to get in a habit of making prayer lists, and writing in a prayer journal. If it can become a habit when a child is young, he or she can carry this valuable skill into adulthood and be blessed immeasurably throughout life. We recommend a spiral notebook, or a loose-leaf. Both of these can allow for continuation, and it is wonderful to go back and look at prayer growth and answered prayer.

A. Prayer Lists: There are many ways to do this; however, a method we recommend is as follows: The first section should have several pages dedicated for the purpose of immediate needs, or things which the Lord has placed upon a child's heart to pray for every day, such as members of the child's family, and any situations or illnesses that need prayer until an answer comes. My husband, Dave, calls this his "HOT" list. The next section is divided into the seven days of the week. The child needs to decide what will be prayed for on each of these days. For example: Sunday - the pastor and his family, Sunday School teachers, etc.; Monday - Neighbors or friends at school who need to know the Lord - listed by name; Tuesday - the Missionaries supported by the child's church; etc. Teach the child to write the date when each request is placed on the list. The last section will be for answered prayer. Each time an answer to prayer comes, the child can be taught to write the date he or she first began praying, and the date when the prayer is answered. This is a real faith-building skill as the child begins to record many answers to prayer. When a prayer is answered, remind the child to immediately thank God for the answer, record the answer, and then, if it is a situation that no longer requires prayer, it can be crossed off of the list to make room for other needs. As we mentioned, there are many ways this prayer list can be set up. Feel free to use whatever method or system works for the child(ren) you are working with.

B. Prayer Journals - a journal can be many things. We suggest teaching a child to use it on a daily basis to write down prayers, thoughts to the Lord, or anything the child feels the Lord is trying to teach him or her. It is a great way to keep track of personal study, scriptures which the child is memorizing, etc. It can function as a kind of 'spiritual" diary.

VIII. PRAYERWALKING

One of the newest ideas to become popular in prayer, is the idea of "prayerwalking" This concept was made popular by Steve Hawthorne in his book by the same name. Families, small groups, or entire churches can participate in this powerful activity. It can take on many forms, but the basic idea is to walk neighborhoods for Christ doing nothing but praying for homes, people you see, businesses, churches, etc. This can be done very discretely without those being prayed for even knowing about it; however, it is a wonderful way to involve children in participatory prayer.

IX. SCHOOL PRAYER

See You At the Pole is a way for kids to be involved in prayer at school. There is a nationally organized movement of junior/senior high students to meet once a year before school around the flag pole to pray for the school year teachers, administrators, one another, curriculum, etc. It has become so popular that many student prayer groups do it on a regular basis.

Many student-initiated groups meet for prayer before or after school, or during the lunch hour. Prayer Groups at school face much opposition which is unnecessary Even the schools do not really know what is allowed and what is not. You can obtain a very clear statement of the rights of students to pray in school, and exactly what is "illegal" from such agencies as Focus on the Family, or the Rutherford Institute.

X. INVOLVE CHILDREN IN THE PRAYER LIFE OF THE CHURCH

Whenever possible, involve your child(ren) in the prayer activities, events, vigils, concerts of prayer, etc. which go on in your church. If your church has a prayer room, have times available for children to participate in intercession for others. The bottom line here is that everyone learns to pray by having opportunities to pray with others. Children learn by the example of those around them. Is your home and your church a good example? The more a child is exposed to prayer, and involved in the prayer activity of the church the better. It can also be a tremendous blessing to others as they are prayed for and/or encouraged by "a little child". Remember, as we stated earlier, children's prayers are very real and are heard by God just as readily as those of an adult. They are not practicing - they are participating in God's work in and will for this earth.

TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO PRAY - By Susan Lingo; Standard Publishing; A wonderful resource with patterns, pictures, and reproducible charts. Here are sound, biblical prayers for children 2-10, plus effective methods for teaching how to pray at three different age levels: 2-4 years, 5-6 years, and 7-10 years. Start the children you love and teach on a lifetime of effective prayer.

TEACHING CHILDREN TO PRAY - By Keith Wooden; Zondervan Publishing House. Keith Wooden writes as a pastor and father for parents, grandparents, pastors, and Sunday school teachers with easy4o-read and practical suggestions about teaching children to talk with God in a natural and intimate way

.PRAYERS THAT AVAIL MUCH FOR CHILDREN - A Child's Handbook of Scriptural Prayers By Angela Brown; Published by Harrison House. This is a two-volume series written as a tool for instruction of children in praying effectively and establishing an intimate relationship with God.

52 SIMPLE WAYS TO TEACH YOUR CHILD TO PRAY - By Roberta Womas; Published by Oliver-Nelson Books, a division of Thomas Nelson, Inc. A wonderfiti resource with practical suggestions for teaching your child how to talk with God in a variety of different settings: asking God for courage to tell the truth and to overcome peer pressure, praying about world leaders, current events, and disturbing news stories, before a visit to the doctor, dentist, or hospital, etc.

WHAT IS PRAYER? By Carolyn Nystrom; Published by Moody Press. Here are simple, direct thoughts for children on prayer. How to pray, when to pray, and a host of other questions are answered. It is written especially for young ones beginning a relationship with God.

YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD - Learning to Pray For People Mound the World; by Jill Johnstone; Zondervan Publishing House Publishing House; the children's version of Operation World, there are 26 countries and 26 people groups who have not yet heard the Good News of Jesus to pray for. It is a powerful prayer tool.

MY FAMILY'S PRAYER CALENDAR -365 Createive Ideas and Activities to Bring Your Family Together in Prayer; created by Shirley Dobson and Pat Verbal; Gospel Light; With stickers for special days and wonderful, unique activities for families, we highly recommend this prayer calendar.

A GIRL'S DIARY OF PRAYERS - by Mary Hollingsworth; Thomas Nelson Publishers; a personal diary about prayer, which would be a very special resource for school-age girls!

DEVOTIONALS FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

THE ONE YEAR BOOK OF FAMILY DEVOTIONS -365 Stories That Apply the Bible to Life Today; Children's Bible Hour, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc. Wheaton, IL. Besides the readings, this unique devotional also includes a topical index so you can look up stories that apply to particular situations - say, a new baby in the family, accepting criticism, prayer, sickness, and so on. The book also includes a useful Scripture index.

GROWING UP TOGETHER - A Special Book for Mom and Child by Jan Kempe; Discovery House Publishers; This is a devotional calendar and activity to help moms and children grow together in faith. It shows how to use Scripture to give children the essential nutrients that growing souls need. A different character development theme is introduced for each month, with a special place to record prayers.

THE FRIENDSHIP FACTORY - Devotional Readings for Children About Being a Friend, About Courtesy, About "The Golden Rule" By William L. Coleman; Bethany House Publishers; although not specifically about prayer, this devotional allows a parent to easily lead a child into prayer about each topic.

PRAYING FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILIES

HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR LOVED ONES - By Kathy Casto; Hisway Prayer Publications; P0 Box 418, Rockwall, TX 75087; This book is designed to help you pray effectively for the ones you love. No one will consistently pray for your loves ones like you will. If you don't pray for your spouse or children. ...who will?

PRAYER PORTRAITS - A Keepsake Journal Personalized with Photos of Those You Love - by Catherine Hocsterey; Thomas Nelson, Inc. Publishers; A unique keepsake journal which allows you to use photos to help you focus more clearly on those for whom you are praying. It allows you to keep a personal record of your prayer requests and God's faithful answers.

HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS - and HOW TO PRAY FOR YOUR CHILDREN - by Quin Sherrer; Servant Publications; these powerful books will show you how to: pray according to God's will, be confident, persistent, and specific, base your prayers on scriptural promises, etc.

PRAYERS THAT PREVAIL FOR YOUR CHILDREN - A Parent's and Grandparent's Manual of Prayers - by Clift Richards and Lloyd Hildebrand; Victory House Publishers; More than eighty topical prayers will lead you into anointed intercession for your children. You will learn to focus on God's promises for your children as you pray His Word in their behalf. "Your prayers are the key to releasing God's prevailing power in the lives of your children and grandchildren!"

PRAYING GOD'S WILL FOR MY SON and PRAYING GOD'S WILL FOR MY DAUGHTER - by Lee Roberts; Thomas Nelson Publishers; books of prayers taken directly from God's word and applied to the daily needs and desires of your son/daughter. Thre are journaling pages for recording intentions and documenting answers to prayers.

A VERY SPECIAL RESOURCE

ESTHER NETWORK INTERNATIONAL - Founded by Esther Ilnisky; In association with the AD2000 and Beyond Movement, EM is working to develop a very special prayer army of one million Christian children ages 6-12, to pray for the children of their generation all over the world who do not know Jesus. They are especially focused on the 10/40 Window, where 97% of the unreached peoples of the world live. They teach simple prayer strategies for kids and have a wealth of exciting "PRAYERTOOLS" available, including a cassette tape which Harvest Prayer Ministries recommends highly: House of Prayer has four wonderful songs about praying for the children of the world. For more information, contact: Esther Network International, 854 Counistson Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33405. The telephone number is (407) 8324490.

THE 10/40 WINDOW FOR CHILDREN - a very well-done six minute video narrated by children to acquaint children with the 10/40 window. It is currently being used across America by many different missions agencies and denominations. There is also a version for adults.

PRAYERWALKING FOR KIDS - a brand new video based on Steve Hawthorne's book Prayerwalking. It is narrated by kids, and teaches children how to pray for their own cities. It is six minutes long. (see below)

These videos were produced by "Concerts of Prayer Ventura County. Both of these videos are high-interest and we recommend them for parents, Sunday School teachers, children's ministers, youth groups, etc. They cost $11 each by regular mail, and by priority mail, the cost is $14. Order from: Joey & Fawn Parish, 6673 Sora St., Ventura, CA 93003. They will also take orders by phone and bill you. The number is: (805) 650-3511.

EVERYBODY NEEDS JESUS - a four minute video by Good News Productions, 2111 N. Main; Joplin, MO 64802. The cost is $10 (does not include postage). Not just for children, although of high interest for kids of all ages, this video presents the need for us to pray and develop faith necessary to complete the task of the Great Commission. The music is sung by Acapella, and is a wonderful way to teach children how important our prayers are to those who don't know Jesus.

OLDER CHILDREN

THE WORD ON PRAYER AND THE DEVOTIONAL LIFE - By Jim Burns; Gospel Light - written for high school age, it can easily be adapted to junior high and even upper elementary. "Here's a way you can help your young people learn how to spend time talking with - and listening to - God. The Word on Prayer and the Devotional Life is a cutting-edge Bible curriculum that helps your youth learn how to communicate with God.

TRACKING YOUR WALK - Youth Prayer Journal; YWAM Publishing: Great for young people to keep track of their own quiet time, Bible reading and prayer journal. Available from Family Mission/Vision Enterprises, P0 Box 7198, Bend, OR 97708; (503) 317-1763.

EVERY HOME FOR CHRIST WORLD PRAYER MAP - Every Home For Christ. A beautiful, full color detailed map and prayer guide presenting creative ways to pray for an hour a day, to pray for every nation and its leader, and for the least evangelized areas of our world. Available from Family Mission Vision Enterprises, P0 Box 7198, Bend, OR 97708; (503) 317-1763