Teach Your Child To Pray Daily

May Celebrations 

Each month comes with lots of things to celebrate. The month of May is no exception. May 5th is Cinco de Mayo, celebrating the anniversary of Mexico’s conquest of the French army in 1862. May 6th is the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby. Then is National Teachers Day, celebrating the amazing educators that guide the learning of children across the nation. This year, it is celebrated on May 9th. May 18th is Ascension Day, a celebration by Christians also known as Feast of the Ascension, when Jesus ascended to heaven. May 19th is Bike To Work Day, a great time to enjoy a jolly ride in the event the weather is dry and allows for the outdoors. May 25 -27 is Shavuot, a Jewish holiday, celebrating the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai and the grain harvest.

Cherished Month

The month of May is a cherished month to me for two reasons. Firstly, it is my birthday month. And those that know me well, know I celebrate all month. Secondly, it is the month we get the opportunity to pray out loud for our nation in unity. May 4th is National Day of Prayer, celebrating the first Thursday of May with local, state and national prayer events. People gather to pray for the nation and our leaders.

The Value of Prayer 

One of the best values we can teach our children is the value of prayer. Prayer is the lifeline to an Almighty God. It is a spiritual discipline that draws our hearts to God. It is a connection to God through the Holy Spirit who is the Master Prayer Teacher. Prayer is a dialogue with the Creator God. Prayer is a supernatural medicine for our soul. It is an elevator for our spirits. Prayer is essential not just in troubled times as our nation did during 911, but at all times. Prayer is the master key to the Door of Life– Jesus Christ. 

More Than Imaginary Friend

My husband and I began teaching our daughters how to pray as soon as they could talk. From one word prayers to conversational prayers, our daughters learned that prayer was not an option but a necessity to the life of the believer in Christ. As I read through my diary entries from those parenting days, I am captivated by a particular entry. We had just tucked our daughters in for the night. As we finished praying with them, one of them said, “It’s cool to have an imaginary friend in prayer.” That was how a five year old understood prayer at that time. For followers of Christ, we can definitely vouch that Jesus is more than an imaginary friend. He is a friend that walks and talks on a daily basis. Prayer gives us this priceless friendship with the Holy Spirit.

The Model Prayer

Teaching your child how to pray is simple. It doesn’t require long hours of studying the Bible or combing through Christian books. Jesus Christ our Savior gave us a timeless model of prayer when He taught His disciples how to pray in Matthew 6, verses 9 through 13. The Model Prayer states:

 This, then, is how you should pray:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread. 

And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

Daily Prayer 

As we celebrate the National Day of Prayer this year, parents seize the moment to teach your child to pray. Begin with the simple model prayer. Pray together at every opportune time. To mention a few prayer points; our nation, states, cities, communities, families, churches, leaders, schools, youth, and law enforcement could use your prayers not just on National Day of Prayer, but daily.