Teaching Children to Pray

Prepare a gentle beginning

Use this in a family or an approved children’s group. The purpose is to help children understand whom Christians pray to and find ordinary words for prayer. A session of about twenty minutes can introduce the idea without requiring every child to speak. Bring a Bible, a few simple prompt cards, and drawing materials if the group uses them.

Work within the congregation’s arrangements for children and the family’s appropriate involvement. Explain that a child can listen, pray quietly, or choose to speak. A child should not have to give a public religious performance in order to receive the group’s welcome.

Read a short portion and explain it

Read Matthew 6:9 to 11. Explain that Jesus teaches his disciples to address the Father, honour him, seek his will, and ask for daily needs. If you read the remaining lines, explain forgiveness and deliverance in language the children can follow. Keep the actual KJV words beside the explanation. ¹

Matthew 6:5 to 8 warns against praying for public admiration and assuming many words will secure a hearing. ¹ This gives the leader a reason to keep the session free from competitions over long or impressive prayers. Thank a child for participating without ranking one child’s prayer above another’s.

A twenty minute group plan

These timings are suggestions for a short session. Reduce the number of prompts if the children need more time for one idea. Make sure the words on a printed card are large enough to read from where it is used.

1. First three minutes: ask what the children think prayer means. Receive their answers without ridicule.
2. Next five minutes: read Matthew 6:9 to 11 and explain the Father, honouring God, and daily needs.
3. Next five minutes: demonstrate a short prayer using one real but ordinary reason for thanks.
4. Next five minutes: offer a choice of silent prayer, a short spoken sentence, or a question.
5. Final two minutes: close with a brief prayer and invite any remaining questions.

An original demonstration to adapt

The leader might say: “Christians pray to God through Jesus. We can thank him and ask for help in words we understand. Here is a short example: Father, thank you for the people who care for us. Help us show kindness today. Please provide what we need. Amen.”

Explain that the example is not a special set of words that must be copied. A child can use a different sentence or remain quiet. If they do copy it, do not tell them that copying is wrong. The purpose is understanding and sincere participation, with freedom to learn at a suitable pace.

Simple prayer prompts to choose from

Offer one prompt at a time. Do not expect a child to name a private difficulty before the group. A prompt can be answered with a general sentence, and a child may pass.

1. Father, thank you for: ____________________.
2. Please help me show kindness when: ____________________.
3. Please care for: ____________________.
4. Help our family or group with: ____________________.
5. Please forgive me and help me do what is right.
6. Help me understand something I am learning about Jesus.

Protect the child’s freedom and privacy

Respect for children’s views, family guidance, privacy, and protection appears among the principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. ² Use an appropriate, protective approach in this lesson, while following the church’s actual safeguarding procedures. The treaty is not used here as a substitute for local policy.

Do not make the group a place for public disclosure of family problems or personal harm. If a child raises such a concern, listen calmly and follow the approved safeguarding process. Avoid promising secrecy. A prayer card containing personal details should not be placed on a public wall or photographed for promotion without appropriate permission and consideration.

Answer questions with care

A child may ask, “Why did something I prayed for not happen?” Avoid blaming the child’s words or faith. You can say: “We can bring our needs to God. We do not always understand what happens, and we can keep asking questions and praying. Let us talk about what is worrying you.” Follow the concern with suitable pastoral care rather than a quick promise.

If the question concerns illness, safety, or a family crisis, involve the appropriate adults or qualified support. Prayer can accompany real care. Do not suggest that asking an adult for help shows a failure to trust God.

A leader’s preparation card to copy

Fill this out before the session. It belongs with the adults preparing the gathering and should not contain private details about children.

1. The short Bible portion we will read: ____________________.
2. Words that need an ordinary explanation: ____________________.
3. Our demonstration prayer: ____________________.
4. The two or three prompts we will offer: ____________________.
5. How a child can participate without speaking aloud: ____________________.
6. How we will receive a question or a request to pass: ____________________.
7. The responsible adult and safeguarding arrangements: ____________________.
8. What, if anything, will be shared with parents or carers: ____________________.

Offer a family invitation without an obligation

If appropriate, give parents or carers the short passage and one prompt used in the session. They may choose to use it at home. Do not ask children to report whether a family member prayed or require a completed card to prove participation.

A simple invitation could be: “Today we read part of the prayer Jesus taught. If you would like, read it together and name one reason for thanks.” Families vary in belief and circumstances, so keep the communication clear about what the church taught and respectful toward the family.

Finish with welcome and a clear point

Return to the idea that prayer is directed to God and can include honest thanks and needs. Give children space for a final question. Mark 10:13 to 16 describes Jesus’ welcome to children. ¹ Let patience and warmth mark the close of the session.

Review the session with the responsible adults. Note any word that confused the group, any question that needs a researched answer, and any practical change that would make participation easier next time. A small, clear beginning can help a child learn without turning prayer into a performance.