Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7
These verses holds many great truths – we don’t have to be anxious about our kids, we are invited to pray about everything, we can petition God, we can thank Him, and make requests to Him about anything.
When we connect with God in prayer, we are promised that peace will be ours. Even if the answers we seek are years in coming, or life is truly overwhelming – we are free to have peace now. All it takes is a good chat with God. That same peace is available to our children now and as they grow up.
Prayer really is just talking to God. And it’s never too early to start talking to God. We can talk to Him about whatever we want, whenever we want, wherever we want, and however we want.
From peaceful thank yous to frustrated screaming and ranting – He wants it all. And He wants the same thing from our children. Their prayers are just as powerful as ours, and all are music to the ears of the One who loves us most.
It’s all about relationship, and it’s not much of a relationship if you’re not on speaking terms, or if you’re not honest and real with one another.
The best way to encourage the prayer life of our kids is to model it for them. What about praying at different times throughout the day – instead of only at meals or before bed? How about on the way to school, before play dates, as an ambulance races by, as you drive by the mission, when a beautiful rainbow appears, when you see an answer to prayer, when you hear someone is sick, or when your children share a problem with you. The trick is to remember to pray out loud, so they can hear the example you’re trying to give them.
The more I put this concept of continuous praying into action, the more it takes root in me. The benefits go beyond my children, to my own relationship with God.
It’s wonderful how that works. My kids help me grow in God as I help them grow in God. And slowly but surely we become a praying family.
Family Prayer
Lord, thank You that we can come and talk to You anywhere, anytime, about anything. Thank You for listening, thank You for answering. Help us to become a family that prays together. Help us to leave all our worries with you. Grant us Your peace that passes all understanding. Help us to bring all our praises to You. Grant us hearts full of thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Here’s a list of some of the wonderful prayer resources by Stormie O’Martian. I’ve been using her books in my own family for years:
The Power Of A Praying Woman Book Of Prayers
The Power Of A Praying Wife Book Of Prayers
The Power Of A Praying Husband Book Of Prayers
Prayers And Promises For My Little Girl
Prayers And Promises For My Little Boy
What Happens When I Talk To God?: The Power Of Prayer For Boys And Girls
The Prayer That Makes God Smile
*This post contains affiliate links
Living in the Moments 