Prayer Lessons: Teaching Kids To Pray (Part 3)

I always like to start with something personal, so please bear it with me!

The last time I told you about Jenna. This time I will share the story of Ah Cy, a Chinese-converted Christian woman we met during a missionary trip to China. Compared to decades ago, when China was closing churches and jailing pastors and even believers, the country has now allowed certain state-controlled Christian churches to operate (hiding the fact that it’s trying to “sinicise” Christianity). However, people, especially young people, have been so boxed in by their authoritarian government that they are afraid to turn to a new religion. Only a few people are courageous enough to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior and Ah Cy was among these few people.

Ah Cy is a married woman, working as a clerical officer in China. Being an atheist wasn’t accepted by her Buddhist family, so she lived alone. One day, she had a very close spiritual encounter with Christ. Since that day, she started seeing miracles spreading like wildfire. It took her some time but she eventually opened her heart to God. When we met her, she was married with two grown-up kids and was a religious leader in her church.

There was hope and determination in her eyes when she used to talk about all her personal encounters with God. However, we knew something was off because her kids never came for any sermons. Sadly, she revealed that because she never taught her kids about Christianity, they drifted away and became members of a quite dangerous sect.

I’m not sharing this story to threaten or force you to teach your Christian faith to your kids. But, my point here is you have discovered the “truth”, then how about sharing it with your kids?

It’s not about asking your kids to join you at church every Sunday, but rather encouraging them to live in a Godly manner and to pray. And, if you are not sure about how to teach your kids to pray, follow these guidelines.

Give Example of Christian Prayers

I know there are many of us who’ll pray only when faced with a huge problem, like losing a job. However, prayers are not only meant for big life changes. Remember that Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship with God and one of the ways to nurture your relationship is to pray regularly. Praying everyday will not only bring you closer to God, but also help you in overcoming daily struggles and stick to Biblical principles and values. This is what your kids need to know.

Now, there are all different types of prayers meant for different times and purposes. Let me give you some samples.

Morning Prayer

“Good morning, Lord. I thank you for last night’s sleep. I thank you for your love and goodness in my life. As today is a new day, please let it be filled with your spirit. Help me to set my eyes and heart on you afresh. Renew my spirit and fill me with your peace and joy. Let this day glorify your holy name. Bless this day so it becomes a good day without any regrets, mistakes and failures. Thank you for always being with me. Amen.”

Night Prayer

“Lord Jesus, you are the master of my life. You are my Savior, King and Redeemer. I thank you for all you’ve done for me. I thank you for blessing my day and for being with me. Forgive me for the things I did today that didn’t please or honor you. As I’m preparing to go to bed, I pray that you watch over my soul and guard me through the night. I pray for a good night’s sleep and I also pray for you to visit me in my dreams. Glory to you, Lord. Amen.”