How to Teach Your Child to Pray
From your Parenting of K-6 Children Guide
Use this project to teach your child to easily remember a model for his own personal prayer.
30 minutes, plus occasional reminders
- Let your child trace his hand on a sheet of art paper.
- Tell your child that he can use his fingers to remember how to pray.
- Over the thumb, write "Praise".
- Tell your child to start her prayer by praising God in words or song.
- Over the first finger, write "Thanksgiving".
- Tell your child that next she can thank God for something He has done.
- Over the second finger, write "Confession".
- Tell your child that, in prayer, it's good to tell God the things he has done wrong.
- Over the third finger, write "Petition".
- Tell your child that next she should ask God for the things she needs, including asking for forgiveness for the things she confessed.
- Over the fourth finger, write "Intercession".
- Tell your child that he can close his prayer by asking God to help others who need Him.
- Put the picture up where it can be seen and remembered. When your child has it memorized, she will have the steps in prayer with her all the time.
- This is best for children grades four and up.
- Reassure your child that it's OK to tell God the things he does wrong.
- Reinforce the prayer model over time so that it becomes natural for your child to recall the steps on his fingers.
What You Need:
More How To's from your Guide to Parenting of K-6 Children