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Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith, serving as a means of communication with God. For children, prayer is both a spiritual discipline and a formative experience that shapes their understanding of God and their relationship with Him. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of prayer in the lives of children and the role of parents and the faith community in nurturing this practice.

Biblical Foundations

The Bible emphasizes the importance of teaching children about God and His ways from an early age. InDeuteronomy 6:6-7 , it is written, "These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." This passage underscores the responsibility of parents to instill a love for God and His commandments, which includes teaching children how to pray.

Jesus Himself highlighted the significance of children in the Kingdom of God. InMatthew 19:14 , Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." This statement not only affirms the value of children but also suggests that their simple, trusting faith is a model for all believers. Encouraging children to pray is a way to nurture this faith and help them develop a personal relationship with God.

Examples of Children and Prayer in Scripture

The Bible provides several examples of young individuals who engaged in prayer and were used by God in significant ways. Samuel, as a child, heard God's voice and responded in prayer, saying, "Speak, for Your servant is listening" (1 Samuel 3:10). This illustrates the potential for children to hear from God and participate in His work through prayer.

Another example is found in the account of Jesus' interaction with children. InMatthew 21:15-16 , after Jesus cleansed the temple, the children shouted in the temple courts, "Hosanna to the Son of David!" When the chief priests and scribes expressed their displeasure, Jesus responded, "Have you never read: 'From the mouths of children and infants You have ordained praise'?" This passage highlights the purity and sincerity of children's prayers and praises, which are pleasing to God.

Teaching Children to Pray

Teaching children to pray involves more than instructing them in the mechanics of prayer; it is about guiding them to understand prayer as a conversation with a loving and attentive God. Parents and caregivers can model prayer by praying with and for their children, demonstrating how to express gratitude, seek forgiveness, and present requests to God.

The Lord's Prayer, found inMatthew 6:9-13 , serves as an excellent template for teaching children how to pray. It encompasses praise, submission to God's will, requests for daily needs, forgiveness, and protection from evil. By learning this prayer, children can grasp the essential elements of a balanced prayer life.

The Role of the Faith Community

The faith community plays a crucial role in supporting the spiritual development of children, including their practice of prayer. Sunday school classes, children's ministries, and family worship services provide opportunities for children to learn about prayer and participate in communal prayer experiences. Encouraging children to pray in group settings helps them understand the power of collective prayer and the importance of interceding for others.

In summary, prayer is an integral part of a child's spiritual journey, and the Bible provides clear guidance on its importance and practice. By teaching children to pray, parents and the faith community help them develop a lifelong habit of seeking God's presence and guidance.

Topical Bible Verses

Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Topicalbible.org

John 15:7
If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done to you.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Prayer forChildren.
... HYMNS before annual Sermons to young people, on new-years evenings. Hymn 12Prayer
forchildren.... 7,7,7,7.Prayer forchildren. Gracious Lord, ourchildren see,....

Children's Prayer.
... EARLY RELIGIOUS CULTURE. 747. "Children's Prayer. 747. 8s. & 7s. M. R.
Streeter.Children's Prayer. 1 God of mercy and of wisdom...

Prayer forChildren. 1 God of Mercy
... EARLY RELIGIOUS CULTURE. 738. "Prayer forChildren. 1 God of mercy.
738. 7s. M. Campbell's Coll.Prayer forChildren. 1 God...

1861-1869.Prayer of Hon. And Rev. Baptist Noel --Residence in...
... I was once in this ward before, so ill of black cholera.' Dearchildren! ourprayer
was that it might still be a house of mercy to many a sin-wearied soul....

APrayer of Trust
... PSALMS APRAYER OF TRUST.... He will teach him the way to choose. That man shall
continue to prosper, And hischildren inherit the land....

After this Manner Pray;' or the ModelPrayer.
... By God Himself: 'I will hallow My great name which ye have profaned.' Ourprayer
must be that in ourselves, in all God'schildren, in presence of the world...

TheChildren's Bible
TheChildren's Bible. <. TheChildren's Bible Henry A. Sherman.... GOD'S LOVING
CARE. TRUSTING IN GOD'S CARE. APRAYER OF TRUST. SAFETY IN GOD'S CARE....

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch untoPrayer. "
... must have a clean house; ye must touch no unclean thing, if you would have God to
receive you into the holy adoption of hischildren. (6.)Prayer cannot thrive...

Jesus Christ an Example ofPrayer
... We must live aschildren if we would ask aschildren. We must act aschildren if
we would pray aschildren. The spirit ofprayer is born of the child spirit....

Chapter Iii Precious Answers toPrayer
... After they had made their appearance, our especialprayer was: 1. That there might
not be too manychildren ill at one time in this disease, so that our...