Jesus loves for our children and grandchildren to talk to him. In Matthew 18, Jesus’ disciples ask “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” Jesus calls a little child to him and puts the child among them. Then he says, in Matthew 18:1-4:
“I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Each morning before distance learning begins, we come together to read scripture and pray. It took a bit of getting used to, but now we can’t imagine starting our school day without reading our bible and coming to our Heavenly Father in prayer. It has become a treasured time. If they are comfortable, each child takes a turn reading a page or two and then I simply ask if they have any questions… and they always do! It is amazing how children’s minds work and how hungry they are to know more of God’s ways.
The next part of our devotions is learning to have a conversation with God! Prayer is simply talking with a loving God who wants the children to come to him. One way we have helped them to pray is giving each of them a topic, such as “today you will thank God for the sunny weather, or pray for our neighbors to stay well.” Sometimes we pick a country or a theme to pray for, or a subject that has come out of the scripture reading, such as thanking God for his protection.
There is no prescription for praying with your children. Keep it light and fun, like talking with a friend. Model saying a prayer and let your children have a turn. Prayer can be inside, or outside during a nature walk. Thanking God for the beauty around them is a perfect way to express our prayers to God. Focusing on prayer and thankfulness to God is a great way to lower stress and help kids through a challenging season. God loves to hear from your children’s minds and hearts in prayer, teach them to talk to him.
Nancy Finsaas
Happy Valley Elementary Small Groups Director