I’ve been teaching my grandson some rudimentary sign language (mostly spelling). We have a poster hanging on the wall of our home that shows each letter of our last name in sign. Every time my grandson and I pass the picture, I sign his last name. Last week, he moved his chubby fingers like he was signing. Not precisely, but he mimicked what I had been doing.
Preschoolers model so much of what we say and do—the good and not so good. Prayer is the perfect spiritual discipline to teach your kids at this early age for they will model your every word and action. Even the very youngest can fold hands, join hands in prayer, or say a simple prayer.
Consider using these slower summer days to introduce your preschooler of ways to talk to God. Watch for times to guide your child in prayer when:
fighting occurs between siblings
someone is hurt or ill
it’s a beautiful day
it’s an everything-went-wrong day
your child is frustrated
your child rebels
someone or something is lost
When you stumble on one of these moments, pray right then. Try starting with one-sentence prayers, prompting your child to fill in the blank with his own words.
God, you are __________.
Thank you, God, for ____________.
I am sorry I _______________.
Help me _______________.
Help _____________ get better.
Help me to obey ______________.
Don’t just teach them to pray for themselves but also for others. If you hear of a friend who is sick, pray for that person by name. If you see a homeless man on the street, ask God to provide for him and stir his heart toward God. If an ambulance whizzes by, pray for all those involved. Be brave and pray before meals at restaurants or for the waiter. You’re showing your child that prayer is important.
Do you have a memorized prayer during mealtime at home? Keep it short and simple. Soon your preschooler will be saying the prayer with you or on his own. Consider starting a prayer wall or prayer jar where family members can keep prayer concerns front and center. Even a picture on the refrigerator could prompt daily reminders to pray.
Allow each child to mature at their own spiritual pace. One might not seem interested or even listening at the moment. Another will want to pray on and on every time. Your job is to keep praying so your kids can hear and model your prayers. Remind them that it is an honor to pray to God. Compliment them after they pray. Most importantly, assure your child that God hears them and delights to answer prayers.
Sally Cressman is the author of “The Dance of Easter.” Sign up for her email list to receive “31 Empowering Biblical Affirmations” cards or connect with her on Instagram.
