Throughout the year, the children have been introduced to and reminded about different ways, places and reasons to pray. Even the youngest children know that pray can be offered in words, song and dance. This article is reprinted with permission and is a great reminder for us all.
TEN THINGS CHILDREN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PRAYER
By Susan Taylor Brown author of Can I Pray with My Eyes Open?
- Pray is communication. It can be spoken or silent. It can be a song or a story. It can be a picture or a dance.
- Prayer can be done as often as you like. Every week. Every day. Every hour.
- Prayer can be done however you want. There’s no right or wrong way to pray.
- Prayer can be shared, but doesn’t have to be. It can be done alone or with a favorite toy. It can be done with friends, family or pets.
- Prayer can be done anywhere. It can be done in your room or at a kitchen table. It can be done out in your yard, at the park or even at the zoo.
- Prayer can be done in any mood. You can be happy, sad, angry, scared or confused when you pray.
- Prayer can be for yourself or someone else. If you know someone who could use a little help – add them to your prayers.
- Prayer doesn’t need a certain structure, length or specific words. Whatever words you use, long or short, however your prayer comes out is fine.
- Prayer doesn’t need a special occasion. There are certain prayers appropriate to special occasions but you don’t need to wait for a special time to pray.
- Prayer doesn’t have to be a request. It can also be used to give thanks for what you have already received. “Thank you,” is a perfect prayer.
Share this with your family as you practice your prayer life at home.
~Jocelyn Van Heest, Children’s Ministry Director