Most moms agree that teaching kids to pray is an important responsibility. One that will lead them through life as they learn to seek, depend and lean on God in good times and hard times. Developing a pattern of daily prayer knowing how and what to pray about can be a challenge for grownups and kids alike. Use this colorful, Time to Pray Every Day printable to encourage kids in developing a lifelong joy spending time daily with the Lord.
Time to Pray Every Day can be used in several ways
- Print and laminate to use as a write-on wipe-off
- Place in a frame and use as a write-on wipe-off
- Print out on computer paper and keep pages in a binder as a prayer journal
What is Prayer
Prayer is simple talking with God. Having an honest conversation with him. Nothing fancy. Just speaking what is on our heart. Like we are speaking with a friend. No problem is too big and no problem is too small.
I love how clearly Billy Graham speaks on prayer…
Prayer is possible because Jesus Christ has removed the barrier between us and God—a barrier caused by our sins. You see, sin separates us from God, and because of that we have no right to come before Him. But by His death on the cross, Christ paid the penalty for our sins and removed the barrier. God then gives us the privilege of coming into His presence when we commit our lives to Christ.
The Bible says, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). If you have never done so, ask Christ to come into your life today.
Then understand that God now welcomes you into His presence and promises to hear you—and He cannot lie. The Bible says, “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1 John 5:14). Trust His promises and learn to bring every concern to Him in prayer.
God answers prayer
God is not a magic Genie: God does not reward good behavior with treats and saying yes to prayers. God’s favor in our life is not based on our behavior. God’s favor in our life is based on His love for us. We should not only go to God with our desire for “stuff”. Prayer is also about confession, thanksgiving and praying for others.
Why we should pray
God invites us to pray and have a relationship with him.
Isn’t that an amazing thought? The creator of the universe, the maker of heaven and earth would desire to be involved in our lives? He does. He says:
“Call to me and I will answer you.” (Jeremiah 33:3a)
We have a promise that He hears us: “You will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12)
Paul’s words in Colossians 4:2, “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful,”
Areas of Prayer
When you pray, it will be helpful to think of these five main areas.
- PRAISE: We can see examples of praise in the book of Psalms. It is a collection of songs filled with praises to God. Psalm 9, says, “I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High” Psalm 18:3 says God is “worthy of praise.” Psalm 21:13 praises God both for who He is and for His great power: “Be exalted in your strength, LORD; we will sing and praise your might.”
- CONFESSION: Telling God you messed up and failed. Acknowledgment of sins to God. 1 John 1:8-10 “If we confess our sins, [God] is faithful and just to forgive us…”. James 5:16 “Confess your faults one to another”
- THANKSGIVING: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances;” (1 Thes. 5:16-17)
- PRAYER FOR OTHERS: friends, parents, siblings, grandparents, people facing difficult circumstances.
- PRAYER FOR MYSELF: God loves to hear our petitions and when we go to him for what we need. We can pray for healing, strength, protection, forgiveness, guidance, to name just a few.
When and where to pray
It is wise to to have a specific time to pray so that it becomes a habit. Pick a consistent time and place when you can be alone. It might be in the morning before classes, or when you are ready for bed. Choose a time and place when you will not be disturbed.
Matthew 6:6 encourages this: But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
Find a time and place that works for you and stick with it.
There will be other times when you will pray in the moment or when God lays something on your heart. You can be assured that God is always listening and you can go to him at any moment.
Don’t give up
Some days prayer will come so easily. Other days might be filled with distraction. But, don’t let those days cause you to stop praying. Even if several days (or more) have slipped by, get right back on track.
Pray and watch for God’s answers, so you can thank Him. He might answer differently than you expect, but His answer will always be the very best for you personally.
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Time to Pray Every Day
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What a neat way to help children learn to pray