Prayer is powerful! Try these 9 simple and fun ways to help kids in your ministry learn to pray. Use them at church or send them home for families to try together.

Help Kids Learn to Pray!

It’s important that we help children discover that prayer is more than a quiet time—it’s an opportunity to talk to God, praise God, and thank God. By creating unique prayer experiences, your children will learn that talking to God can be as simple as talking to a loving parent or friend.

#1. Prayer Chain

Help children write or draw prayer requests on 2- by 8-inch strips of construction paper. Children might have concerns such as a sick relative, moving to a new home or school, safety, or a friend who doesn’t know Jesus. When each child has written at least 10 prayer requests, show them how to make prayer chains by gluing the strips into links and looping them together. Each day join children in praying for one of the concerns and “breaking the chain” by tearing that link.

#2. Mighty God

Teach children this praise prayer to the tune of “Old MacDonald.” Each time you sing it, encourage children to fill in new words that describe God, such as awesome, gentle, holy, and Father.

You, O Lord, are powerful.
I’ve seen what you can do!
But even though you’re mighty strong,
You’re kind and loving, too!
You help me out
When I’m in need.
Thank you, God, for loving me!
You, O Lord, are powerful.
I’ve seen what you can do!

#3. Hard Times Prayer

Encourage compassion in children by praying for people who are in prison. Start by saying, “Thank you, God, for loving us even when we do wrong things.” Or, pray for someone who is going through a difficult time. Ask God to help that person through the difficulty and to show your family how to be encouragers.

#4. Praise Balloons

Blow up and tie off one balloon for each person. Have everyone write or draw something they love about God.

When everyone has designed a balloon, form a circle. Go around the circle, and have each family member say one great thing about God, such as “God is powerful,” “God is creative,” or “God is loving.” As family members praise God, have them bop their balloons and keep them in the air. Soon you’ll be bopping all the balloons and celebrating our one true God! Close by having everyone sit on a balloon to pop it and then say “amen!”

(Have family members pick up all the balloon bits so toddlers or animals don’t choke on them.)

#5. Counting Commandments

Use this simple counting rhyme to teach children that God’s 10 special rules (the 10 Commandments) help us follow him. Children can hold up the appropriate number of fingers for each line.

One, two,
One, two, three.
Your special rules are just for me! (point to self)

Three, four,
Three, four, five.
As I grow, they’ll be my guide. (move hands up to indicate growth)

Five, six,
Five, six, seven.
Your special rules came straight from heaven! (point up)

Seven, eight,
Seven, eight, nine.
I’ll keep them in my heart and mind. (touch chest, then head)

Nine, ten.
That’s the end! (clap each word)
I’ll thank you for your rules again! (wiggle all 10 fingers)

#6. Community Helper Blessing

Walk to a local fire station, hospital, or police station. Thank God for people who help keep us safe. If you want, make cards or small gifts for community helpers and deliver those items after you’re finished praying.

#7. God Is With Us

Teach children this song to encourage them to pray for friends and family members each day. Sing it to the tune of “Jesus Loves Me,” and include the name of a specific person each time you sing.

Whether I’m at home or play,
God is with me every day.
Thank you, God, for being near.
When I pray, I know you hear.

I pray for [name];
I pray for [name];
I pray for [name];
God, watch over [him/her] today.

#8. Anywhere Prayers

People can talk to God anywhere. Jonah talked to God from inside a great fish; Daniel prayed in a lion’s den; and Elijah heard from God while he was hiding in a cave. Kids and families can talk to God anywhere, too! Allow each family member to find a unique spot such as a closet, a treehouse, the car, or the swing set. Set a timer for 5 minutes, and have each family member pray in his or her unique spot. Topics include…

• thanking God for loving us.
• asking God to help with something.
• praising God for his creation.
• saying sorry to God for the wrong things we do.
• listening to whatever God has to say.

After the 10 minutes are up, reconvene as a family and talk about your experiences. Close with a prayer, celebrating that God can talk to us anywhere.

#9. Shine a Light Over Darkness

God calls us to be lights in a dark world. So find news articles online that involve people living with the consequences of sin. Once you find one story (that isn’t too frightening for children), pray over the situation together. Close the prayer by turning on a flashlight and shining it at the news article on the screen. Thank God that he can shine his light over that situation.

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