Day 11: Teach Them To Pray
Lord, teach these children to pray. May they learn that they should not worry about anything but instead pray about everything. May they tell You their needs and not forget to thank You for Your answers. And may they experience Your peace which passes all understanding. Matthew 6: 5-13; Philippians 4:6-7
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
I have a very beautiful memory that makes me smile every time I think of it. When my 28-year-old daughter, Katie, started school she and I both were very nervous. The first day I walked her to the classroom, helped her find her desk and put away her supplies, and then quickly walked toward the door to leave, knowing that neither she nor I would fare very well if I didn’t leave. As I walked through the door, I looked back one last time and she was looking straight at me. I mouthed, “It’s okay,” and she folded her little 5-year-old hands and mouthed, “Pray for me.” I nodded yes and walked quickly away, trying to make it to the car before I cried.
Even today, I treasure that memory for two reasons. First of all, at that young of an age, she knew to pray and secondly, she knew she could ask me to pray. Those two nuggets of truth have not left her to this day. I have made ALOT of mistakes in my years of parenting. I think it is a gift when the Lord gives us a memory like that one.
I think the best way for our children to learn to pray, and to understand the importance of praying about everything, is to see and hear us pray about everything. The Bible says that Jesus taught His disciples to pray—so we should teach this to our children or grandchildren. They learn best by watching us. Maybe this is intimidating to adults as well, but what better way to learn to pray aloud—we don’t have to be embarrassed in front of children!
Maybe today you are worried about something. Pray about it. Tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank Him for his answers. He will answer. And that truth will provide the peace that passes all understanding. That is my prayer for you. Peace.
