The practicality of prayer is sometimes overlooked. Children are largely visual and kinesthetic learners. And because prayer is intangible and invisible, it can be hard for kids to grasp. Demonstrating practical prayers can make prayer come alive and become a real experience for a child.
Although prayer is an internal, esoteric occurrence, children can know and feel its impact when a prayer request is made for something observable. According to a report on UNICEF, “Children learn by doing, using their senses, exploring their environment of people, things, places and events.” To make prayer meaningful for children, try using everyday situations to bring practical prayer into the picture.
Prayer for Healing Hurts
Physical hurts are an inescapable casualty of childhood. Boo boos, bumps, and bruises are nearly an everyday occurrence. This is a prime time to teach the children practical prayer. When the incident occurs, and while administering band aids and kisses, pray with the child for a healing and a cessation of pain. Once the pain subsides, make sure to bring it to the child’s attention that the prayer was answered. Displaying a sense of awe and happiness can help the child understand the importance and gravity prayer has. Doing this on a routine basis will show children that prayer is the best first aid.
Prayer for Finding Lost Items
Children haven’t developed a full sense of responsibility when it comes to toy ownership. Lost toys, especially favorite toys, can be an extremely sad occurrence for young hearts. When a child loses a special item, a practical prayer is in order. Convey the importance of praying first. After the prayer, the hunt can ensue. When the item is found, it's helpful to reinforce good prayer habits by having a prayer of gratitude together.
Kids Can Help Others
Kids are helpful beings. They sincerely enjoy assisting others. Although many families pray together for the general well-being of other people, they don’t often pray for specific, measurable requests. Young children can better understand the functional aspects of prayer when particular needs are prayed for.
For example, don’t just pray “for Grandpa.” Instead, pray together for “Grandpa’s knee to heal.” Instead of using a general prayer for “Daddy,” how about a having a prayer for “Daddy to find a new job?” Since the children will get to see the great effect their prayers have, especially for the well being of others, they will begin to value and develop a real faith in their daily lives.
Prayer is an integral part of spirituality that can be embraced by even the youngest soul. Using prayer that relates to a child’s life is a clever way to make it seem real. Praying for hurts, lost items, and the needs of others are ways to make prayer demonstrable. These kinds of practical prayer are of great value in any healthy spiritual practice.
Resource:
Holdford, Karen. 100 Creative Prayer Ideas for Kids. Pacific Press Publishing, 2003.
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