Many adults assume children automatically know how to pray because they hear prayers in church. In reality, children learn prayer the same way they learn language—through observation, instruction, practice, and encouragement.
Teaching children to pray is not about teaching them perfect words; it is about helping them build a relationship with God.
Matthew 19:14
“Let the little children come to me…for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”
Jesus welcomed children and valued their faith.
Luke 11:1
“Lord, teach us to pray.”
Even the disciples needed to be taught.
If adults needed instruction, children certainly do as well.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Teaching prayer is part of spiritual formation.
Explaining what prayer is.
Children understand simple ideas. Rather than giving complicated theological definitions, explain prayer as:
Talking with God. Not just talking to God, but developing a relationship with Him.
Children should understand that prayer includes:
- Talking
- Listening
- Thanking
- Praising
- Asking
- Confessing
- Trusting
Things to remember.
- Children Learn by watching adults
- Keep prayer simple
- Teach different types of prayer
- Encourage conversation not performance
Important Reminders
Do:
- Pray with children regularly.
- Celebrate honest prayers.
- Model authenticity.
- Encourage participation.
- Be patient.
Avoid:
- Criticising a child’s prayer.
- Comparing children.
- Using prayer as punishment.
- Making children pray publicly before they are ready.
- Expecting adult-level theology.
Conclusion
Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can teach a child. Long before children understand complex doctrines, they can know that God loves them, listens to them, and welcomes them into His presence.
Our goal is not to produce children who can recite beautiful prayers, but children who develop a lifelong habit of speaking with God in faith, honesty, and trust. As adults consistently model prayer and create safe opportunities for children to practice it, they lay a spiritual foundation that can shape a child’s relationship with God for years to come.
Mary Catherine Beek