Comments on: Teaching Our Children To Pray

By: Emma

Emma — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:54:31 +0000

It’s good to teach your children to pray for their sick friends, things they want, before meals/bedtime etc. but don’t forget the “thank you” prayers throughout the day also. “Thank you, God, for doctors/firemen/friends that stood up for me/courage to do the right thing when it would have been convenient not to/etc.”

I am reminded of the 10 lepers of the Bible who requested healing and received it, but only one turned back to Jesus to thank Him. Cultivating a thankful spirit in our children (and ourselves!) will make life more pleasant, especially when we realize how much we have been blessed.

And Kama, you are doing the right thing with your 8-week old son. I know I felt a little foolish the first few times I put my newborn to bed with a prayer; after all she couldn’t understand or participate. The first time she ate solid food we said a table prayer.(Don’t ever be afraid to say a blessing when eating at restaurants either; it is a witness to those who may have forgotten to be thankful.) These things became a habit she continues today as a college student. A child that grows up hearing his mother pray will learn to pray too.

Emma

By: Kama

Kama — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:47:41 +0000

Thank you for the encouragement. I have an 8 week old son and need to begin this now!
On a side note, Sandra is my great friend and I didn’t even know that she read this blog!

By: Barb J.

Barb J. — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:46:36 +0000

Good ideas. I want my children to learn to know God on a personal level and not just recite prayers that have no meaning to them.

By: Sandra

Sandra — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:45:16 +0000

Our 3 yo’s prayers have seemed quick and repetitious lately, “Dear God, helpuseatthisfood, Amen.” But maybe mine have been quick and repetitious too! Thanks for the encouragement!

By: Amy E.

Amy E. — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 22:44:01 +0000

Thanks for such a great post!
I need to be reminded of this every day!