Praying with Children

"This, then, is how you should pray: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one, for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen" Matthew 6:9-13

A cherished moment in our house is at bedtime, after the day's dirt has swirled down the drain, the tangles are straightened, and the kids are adorned in their super hero or princess pjs. We all snuggle together to sing and call on God. We pray the Lord's prayer often, as taught by Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

We share stories of prayerful people in the Bible. My oldest son is in awe of Paul and Silas singing hymns and praying while being wrongfully imprisoned. We point out that Jesus would go off in solitude to pray to His father. Prayer is, in fact, embedded throughout the beloved story of the birth of our Savior. Mary's song, the Magnificat, is a prayer that gives all glory to the Lord for fulfilling His promises to His people. When the shepherds returned from seeing the Holy infant, they praised God.

Our hope is that our children learn to call on the name of the Lord at all times and in all purposes. Below is a poem that I wrote for our kids that follows the Lord's Prayer.

Through Jesus, you made me your own and created me.

I'm not perfect, but I know you have a perfect plan for me.

You give us love and food and shelter and all we need.

Forgive us all we do wrong and help us take your lead.

Help us to forgive and love others just as you forgive and love perfectly.

Protect us from all sin that we can feel, hear, taste, speak, and see.

Let us put on your full armor so that we do not give in to what is bad,

Smiling with the knowledge that we belong to You, our heavenly dad.

Amen.