How To Invite Your Kids To Pray

Pray About Everything

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”
Philippians 4:6 (NLT) 

The Simple Joy of a Child

Don’t you love seeing a toddler dance? It’s a moment of pure joy—the music simply moves them. They might sway from side to side, give a little shake, or do the universal baby bounce to the beat.

They don’t know the complexities of the song. They aren’t analyzing the melody, rhythm, and progression; they just respond with simple delight.

Teaching children to pray can be like that too: simple, yet deeply profound.

Back to the Basics of Prayer

Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6 bring us back to the basics:

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated. Instead of worrying, start praying. Tell God what’s on your heart, while keeping a spirit of thankfulness.

A Teachable Moment with My Boys

I remember one of the most profound “teachable moments” about prayer when my boys were young. At the time, I was a single mom and a schoolteacher, and money was very tight. My sons wanted to sign up for sports, and we had extra school fees, so we needed several hundred dollars I didn’t have.

Instead of giving in to worry, I decided to use this need as an opportunity to teach my children about prayer.

I explained, “We bring our needs to God. He’s a good Father who loves to give us what we need.” Deep down, I wrestled with the nagging thought: “But what if He doesn’t come through?” Still, I chose to share this need and pray with them.

My youngest son asked with wide-eyed sincerity, “Can God put the money in our mailbox?”

I smiled and said, “Yes, He can. But usually, He uses people to provide. He often puts it on someone’s heart to give, instead of making money just appear.”

So, we prayed. And then we waited.

God’s Surprising Answer

Within a couple of days, I came home to find $400 cash sitting in our mailbox. No note. No card. No name. Just cash in a blank envelope.

In shock, I pulled it out and showed the boys. My youngest’s eyes grew even wider: “Now I’ll never doubt God again! He put money in our mailbox, just like I asked!”

Of course, someone’s human hands placed it there—but to my son, it was a direct gift from his Heavenly Father. That moment marked my heart. God not only provided, but He also answered in a personal way that my son could understand.

Yes, God Can

  • Yes—God can put money in a mailbox.


  • Yes—God can provide for you in any way He sees best.


  • Yes—you can come to Him with childlike faith, laying your requests before Him with a thankful heart.


    He hears. He listens. He cares.

An Invitation to Moms

Mommas, let me encourage you: pray with your kids. Let them see your faith in action. Don’t let your fear of the “what-ifs” stop you from praying with your children.

Invite them into the conversation with God in simple, yet meaningful ways. When they witness His answers, their hearts will grow to know His care more deeply.

Though it usually isn’t as direct as money in a mailbox, every prayer can be a teachable moment. We thank God in the good times. We pray and give thanks for everyday blessings, such as meals, the weather, family, and provision. When we have needs and challenges, we bring them to God in prayer as well.

Having trouble with friends? Pray.

Is schoolwork a big stress? Pray.

Struggling to be kind to a sibling? Pray. 

Living a life of simple faith—we trust God is the source of all good.

Then, we sit back, moved by the joy of His care, and let our hearts unashamedly dance to the simple rhythm of faith.

A Closing Thought

“Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.”
Corrie Ten Boom


From Another Mother,

Melissa S.

Previous
Previous

Daily Bread for the Overwhelmed Mom

Next
Next

You Did Good Today