How to Teach a Child to Pray

Teaching a child to pray is an important skill that he or she will use throughout life. In times of happiness, times of need and times of sorrow, this is one of the greatest gifts you can give a youngster. Follow these steps to teach a child to pray.

Instructions

1. Instill the habit. Say the same prayer every night. Use one that they can memorize and recite as part of their bedtime ritual.

2. Expand on the memorized prayer. After the child has been repeating the memorized prayer for some time, start adding to it. You can have the child thank God for their pets, siblings or grandparents. Teach the child that they can ask God to help someone get well. Start out small and as the child grows and matures, start helping them add on more sophisticated concepts.

3. Use a conversational approach. Teach your child that they can talk to God in the same way as they talk to you, that God wants to know what is in their heart and mind just as you do.

4. Point out prayer in everyday life. When your child does well on a test or makes the basketball team, take a brief moment to thank God for these accomplishments. If they see a beautiful flower or butterfly, thank God for the beautiful creations. If they see a car accident, pray that the passengers are safe. This will get them thinking about God and prayer throughout the day instead of just at bedtime or before a meal.

5. Lead by example. When a child sees you praying, it makes a big impression. Pray as a family at the dinner table or for sick friends and relatives.

Tips & Warnings

• Pick an easy prayer for your little one to memorize.