Hearing my children pray makes my heart smile. Their simple, child-like faith always humbles and encourages me. I want them to know that they can talk to God about anything, their struggles, their triumphs, their worries, and their needs. As a mom, one of my main goals is to teach them to know God more through reading their Bible and talking to Him in prayer. So, I have some simple, short prayers for children to say.
There is also a scripture verse attached to each section. When in doubt, we can always encourage our children to pray scripture back to God. It is full of truth and God’s will.
A Prayer of Praise
Prayers of praise teach our children that God is worthy of praise. Prayer is not about what we can get from God. He is our Creator and King. We teach our children how to revere and respect God as Lord.
Praise be to God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!
Psalm 66:20 NIV
Dear God, I praise you because You are my God. You made me and take care of me. You are loving and you hear my prayers. Amen.
A Prayer of Thankfulness
We encouraged continually in the Bible to have a thankful heart. I know we all want to raise grateful kids so let’s teach them how to express their thankfulness to God. See also, ABC Gratitude List.
always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:20 NIV
God, thank you that you give me all I need to live. Thank you for my family, friends, for my home and food. Thank you that you take care of me and give me all I need. Thank you for the world you created. Amen.
A Prayer for Forgiveness
One of the most important concepts that we can teach our children as we pray for their salvation is that we are sinners in need of God’s forgiveness. So, use this prayer to guide them to admit wrong to God and to know they need His forgiveness.
Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Psalm 32:1 NIV
Jesus, please forgive me for _________________. (Ideas to get started: My bad attitude, not obeying mom and dad, being mean to my siblings, or disrespect of my teachers.)
God, please help me to _________________. (This would be an opposite, positive behavior: Have you joy, obey my parents, be kind to others, or show my teachers respect.)
A Prayer for When Your Child is Sad
Nothing satisfies our soul like the joy of the Lord. Let’s teach our children that they can trust and hope in God in every situation. He can give them peace and comfort in times of sadness.
Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.
Psalm 42:5 NIV
God, I feel sad today. Please give me joy and hope in you. I trust you to do good even in hard times. Amen.
A Prayer for When Your Child is Sick
Nothing is worse that seeing our children sick or hurting. While its important that we pray for them, it is equally as important that we teach them that they can ask God for healing on their own.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Romans 12:12 NIV
God, I don’t feel well today. Please help me to get the rest I need and please make me better again. Thank you for being a healer. Amen.
Prayers for Others
Praying for others is a great way to encourage a heart of empathy and care to God’s people. I have included a few prayers here. For family, friends, enemies, and for others’ salvation.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.
Ephesians 6:18 NIV
God, I want to pray for ________________. Please show them your love and care. Keep them safe. Amen.
God, I pray that _______________ would be saved and know you. Please help me to show them your love. Amen.
A Prayer of Salvation
Our main goal as Christian parents is to raise children who follow Jesus. Let’s teach them how to cry out for salvation so when they are ready, they know how to repent and ask God to take control of their lives.
Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
2 Corinthians 7:10 NIV
God, I am a sinner and I need a Savior. Thank you for sending Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I believe that He died and rose again so that I can be free from sin. Make me clean from sin and take control of my life. I want to live to obey and serve you. Amen.
Night Time Prayers for Your Children
Many children have trouble setting down to go to bed or are afraid of the dark. Having a habit of praying before bed is a good way to set a routine that will calm them and remind them that God is with them.
On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night.
Psalm 63:6 NIV
- God, I am scared of the dark. Please calm my fear. Be with me and help me to remember that dark is as light to you.
- God, I am not ready for bed but its time. Please calm my mind and body. Help me to relax and sleep. Thank you for giving me sleep so I can have more energy.
- God, watch over me as I sleep. Please help my mind to think on you. Protect me from bad dreams. Amen.
Short Bible Prayers to Teach Your Children
There are numerous prayers through out the Bible. The Psalms is stuffed full of beautiful prayers. So, this is not a list of all Biblical prayers but some that are easier for children to learn. Bonus, they are also memorizing scripture. Win-win! I have included a link to each for a song that will help with the memorization in a fun way.
- The Lord’s Prayer- Matthew 6:9-13
- Prayer for a Friend-3 John 2
- Prayer for God’s Presence and Protection-Psalm 23
Related:
So beautiful and simple! I’ll be printing these off and adding them to our index card ring – thank you!
My pleasure. That is an excellent idea. Thanks for sharing.
I love the simplicity of these prayers. Thanks for sharing and wish it were a single printable document.
My pleasure. Oh, good idea. I will work on that. 🙂
Pingback: Moms in the Bible: Eve - A Child Shall Lead Them Blog