Sometimes prayer can be rote. Sometimes it can be about the small stuff. And sometimes it can be heavy. Establishing a rhythm of prayer sets aside specific times and places for prayer, but it should never limit it to those times or locations. So how does a family establish a rhythm of prayer?
Determine the why. Why is prayer important to our families? We want to guide our kids to understand that prayer is talking to God. It builds a relationship with Almighty God, our Father. When we pray, we show our kids that God is accessible and cares about our lives—the mundane and the monumental. He cares when we pray about finding an empty parking spot at the hospital, a lost stuffed animal, and positive test results.
Establish a routine. Find times to add prayer to routines you’ve already established. Meal times are a good place to start, but don’t forget to thank God when you grab food on the go or eat at a restaurant. What if you always prayed before dropping the kids off at school? Praying for concerns before a child goes to bed is another calming routine. Look for opportunities to pray during your day, outside your routine. When you come across an accident, ask God to intervene. When bad news comes your way, recall God’s goodness. You’re showing your kids to depend on God at all times.
Guide your kids. When they’re little, start a prayer with, “Let’s thank God for the food,” then pause to let them share what they’re thankful for. As they get older, remind them that God hears their prayers.
For teenagers, encourage them to journal their concerns and hurts, ask God for help with decisions and strength to make the right choices, and then record what they hear from God. Acronyms like ACTS (adoration, confession, thanksgiving, and supplication) and CHAT (confess, honor, ask, and thank) can help your kids remember not only to ask for things but also to praise and thank God and to include times of confession. Use these prayer tools to introduce God’s names and attributes. When they are older, they’ll remember to lean on God’s character rather than on their feelings.
Model prayer. Our kids need to see and hear us pray, not only when the promotion comes in or your child makes the basketball team, but also when finances are tight, when you’ve messed up, and when God doesn’t answer your prayers. These are times to remember God’s character and to remind kids that even though he doesn’t always answer our prayers right away (and sometimes not at all while on Earth), God is still good. He still sits on the throne in heaven and cares for your family.
—Sally is a freelance writer and author of “The Dance of Easter.” Connect with Sally through her email list and receive “31 Prayers for Grandchildren.”
