Raising Children Who Talk to God

When I was a little girl, I vividly remember my mom praying with me at night. Even over 30 years later, I can still remember what she prayed and the things she said. It’s something that has stayed with my whole life and reminds me, now as a mother myself, how important prayer with my children is. As my children head into their teen years, I remember fondly those years of praying with them when they were little, modeling how my mother did. For those of you, like me, in the “thick of it” raising our children the way God has called us to, it’s important to remember the promise the Lord gives us in Proverbs 22:6. “Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old he will not depart from it.” 

How beautiful to know that as we raise our children, knowing prayer is powerful, effective and important, they will grow to be praying adults. We must model prayer, stay consistent and keep it simple. Take moments each day to talk to God, praying in front of your children so they see that it’s a part of your every day. 

1 Thessalonians 5:17 says to “pray without ceasing,” which means making prayer a part of your day no matter what circumstances may come. Many of us as parents know our children will model our behaviors. Therefore, let prayer be something they see you doing regularly. Especially in the times of our lives where things are challenging, or we face hard circumstances let them see that going to God in prayer is what we do first and the most important response. If prayer is a consistent daily action, then when they face hard things in their life, it will be a natural response to pray with them and teach them that prayer is simply talking to God. How wonderful that because of Jesus, we can go directly to our Father in heaven. Keeping it simple is important so they know it doesn’t have to be special words or ritualistic. Talking to the Lord in prayer can be like talking to a friend or loved one. 

Jesus shared with us in Matthew 6 what we call “the Lord’s prayer.” This was an example for us to follow as we pray. We can use this scripture to help guide us, reminding us to honor the Lord, that His ways are higher as he reigns in sovereignty. Remember to forgive those because we have been forgiven of so much and God provides all we need. However, those are not the only prayers we can pray, the Bible is full of prayers we can pray to God. For example, Philippians 4:6 shares that by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, we can present our requests to God. It’s our honor as parents to teach our children how to converse with the Lord, so as they grow, they in turn, will help share with others about a loving Father in Heaven who listens and responds.