2. Thanksgiving
Thank God for something that He has done for you today. Encourage the children to make this as specific as possible. Not just, “Thank you for my mommy,” but “Thank you for giving me a Mommy who comes to my hockey game,” or “Thank you for Mommy who hugs me.”
3. Request for Someone Else
Ask God something. Again, make it specific. No “feed all the children” stuff, unless they’re really young. It’s better to ask God to give money to a family you know, or to help your sponsored child and his or her family, or to help someone you know who is sick. If there’s an ongoing need, pray for that every night. But try to encourage them to pray for something new, too.
For instance, we have a close friend whose five-year-old daughter is going through treatment for leukemia right now. We’re praying for her everyday, and then adding other requests, too.
4. Confession
What did you do wrong today? Hint: Kids are far more willing to pray this if you model it. Whenever you mess up, immediately confess it to God in front of them. If they see you doing it, they won’t feel so uncomfortable about doing it, either. And don’t let them say, “Forgive me for being selfish.” Always encourage them to use “when” statements: “Forgive me for being selfish when I wouldn’t share my lego.”
5. Request for You
I think this one should always come last, because the other prayers help get our hearts in line with God. Then you’re in a better place to make your own requests.
But this one can be tough. It’s fine for kids to ask for something for themselves. But make sure it’s not treating God like Santa Claus. No “God, please give me a new bike.” Ask them what their biggest struggle is. Maybe it’s getting along with a sibling, or a teacher they don’t like, or figuring out math. Pray about that.
Now all five fingers are up, and kids haven’t yet said, “help me to have fun tomorrow!” So you’re well on your way to raising prayer warriors! Congratulations, and don’t give up!
http://moderndayparablesrcf.com
Thank God for something that He has done for you today. Encourage the children to make this as specific as possible. Not just, “Thank you for my mommy,” but “Thank you for giving me a Mommy who comes to my hockey game,” or “Thank you for Mommy who hugs me.”
3. Request for Someone Else
Ask God something. Again, make it specific. No “feed all the children” stuff, unless they’re really young. It’s better to ask God to give money to a family you know, or to help your sponsored child and his or her family, or to help someone you know who is sick. If there’s an ongoing need, pray for that every night. But try to encourage them to pray for something new, too.
For instance, we have a close friend whose five-year-old daughter is going through treatment for leukemia right now. We’re praying for her everyday, and then adding other requests, too.
4. Confession
What did you do wrong today? Hint: Kids are far more willing to pray this if you model it. Whenever you mess up, immediately confess it to God in front of them. If they see you doing it, they won’t feel so uncomfortable about doing it, either. And don’t let them say, “Forgive me for being selfish.” Always encourage them to use “when” statements: “Forgive me for being selfish when I wouldn’t share my lego.”
5. Request for You
I think this one should always come last, because the other prayers help get our hearts in line with God. Then you’re in a better place to make your own requests.
But this one can be tough. It’s fine for kids to ask for something for themselves. But make sure it’s not treating God like Santa Claus. No “God, please give me a new bike.” Ask them what their biggest struggle is. Maybe it’s getting along with a sibling, or a teacher they don’t like, or figuring out math. Pray about that.
Now all five fingers are up, and kids haven’t yet said, “help me to have fun tomorrow!” So you’re well on your way to raising prayer warriors! Congratulations, and don’t give up!
http://moderndayparablesrcf.com