One Reason Kids Won't Pray

Do the children in your church love to pray?

Like, are they excited about prayer?

Prayer is an incredible privilege because it’s communication with the living God!

Yet many kids have the prayer doldrums and struggle to pray in a way that’s heartfelt and meaningful.

And here's the really bad news...

Many times, it is we, the adults, who are keeping children from developing vibrant prayer lives. Ouch!

If you want to help children embrace the amazing gift of prayer and renew their excitement about communication with God...

STOP TRYING TO FORCE THEM INTO A COOKIE-CUTTER PRAYER MOLD.

You see, there are many different styles of prayer.

And there are different styles of kids.

It's very likely that each child will relate to God according to their unique design and bent.
 

• An introverted, idea-oriented child, for example, may feel more comfortable expressing thoughts to God in a journal rather than praying aloud in a group.

• A highly kinesthetic child who is full of energy may respond well to prayer-walking, music and dance prayers, or "popcorn prayers".

• A tactile learner may like to express prayers through doodling, scribbling, painting, or play-dough or foil sculpting.

• A visually oriented child may enjoy praying with Skittles or M&M’s where each color represents a different prayer concern.

If we try to squeeze children into the prayer model that doesn't align with their design, they may become discouraged and eventually lose any desire to talk to God.

Remember, our goal is not to raise copycats.

What’s the use of getting kids to say words copying someone else's prayer style?

Trying to imitate another person’s style of praying may very well end up being a “Saul’s armor!”

In 1 Samuel 17, we read about young David preparing to face the Philistine giant, Goliath. Remember how King Saul urged the young shepherd boy to don the royal armor when he challenged Goliath?

Imagine how awkward, uncomfortable, and even silly David felt as he tried to maneuver in the clumsy stuff. Young as he was, David had the wisdom and the boldness to throw it off, saying, “I cannot go in these… I am not used to them” v. 39.

Although this passage is not specifically about prayer, it is a good analogy for what we do to our children when we fail to train and equip them according to their spiritual design.

Let us remember that our goal is to introduce children to many different styles of connecting with God, and encourage them to discover a personal way to commune with God.

That is exactly why the second issue of What's for Dinner? magazine is jam-packed with practical ideas and hands-on activities that not only teach children about prayer but invite them to experience communion with God in many fresh and creative ways.

See it for yourself >>> HERE.

What an awesome responsibility and privilege we have—to teach, train, and mentor the next generation in prayer.

I hope this magazine will be a blessing to you as you train the children in your life to grow in their experience of prayer.

• Do you agree that the child’s original design (learning style) may affect his or her prayer style?

• What has your experience been like with helping children discover their unique way (voice, style, approach) of connecting to God in prayer?

Please let me know in the comments below.