Teaching Young Children About God and How to Pray

Prayer is a controversial topic. I realize some people do not believe in prayer, or teaching children to pray. If this is you, please feel free to stop reading now and go on to something else. I am also aware that there are many beliefs and points of view on this topic, but I am writing this entirely from my personal perspective. Please remember, these are just suggestions. They can be modified in any way to suit individual needs and beliefs.

I believe if children learn to pray when they are very young, they will develop the habit of praying throughout their lives. A young child becomes comfortable with praying and will develop a personal relationship with God.

Just as children are taught to say 'please' and 'thank you' to others for a kindness or a gift, or when asking for something they want, children can be taught to be polite to God and thank God whenever something good happens to them, no matter how small it may be. Also, children can be taught to be aware of their prayers being answered and to thank God for the blessings they receive. It is important to teach a child to look for answers from God in their lives, so they can see how He cares about all they do.

Helping children see God's beauty around them--a beautiful sunset, an especially pretty flower or any of God's creations--helps them appreciate God and have an awareness of what they are given. Teach your child to remember to thank God for His goodness to them.

Whenever your child sees someone in need, such as a homeless person, someone who is ill or has had an accident, remind him to say a prayer for the individual, or say a prayer with your child for the person in need. If the child is upset by the situation or afraid that the catastrophe may happen to him or someone close to him, praying can be a comfort. Teach the child to ask God to protect him and his loved ones.