February 23, 2000

FAMILY MATERS:
Provide models of prayer for children
___Each time my young granddaughter is in our home, I suggest she say the prayer at mealtime or bedtime. Her reply always is, "You do it." How can I encourage her to learn the joy of talking to God?

KAY TOWERS Program Coordinator LifeWay Fellowship, Killeen

___It is wonderful for you to want your grandchild to experience joy in prayer. She will learn about prayer from observing the importance of prayer in your life. Think about what she sees and hears when she's in your home regarding prayer:
___ Does she only see you pray at mealtime or bedtime?
___It is important that children see prayer modeled often, throughout the day. Thank God for the many ways he has blessed you in one-line prayers. As you do something with her, let her hear you express thanks to God for her. If you're outside and there are flowers, say, "Thank you, God, for the flowers."
___ How long are your prayers?
___When your granddaughter hears you express one-sentence prayers, she will be more willing to try to pray on her own. Often children, even adults, are afraid to try to pray aloud because all they have heard are long, lengthy prayers from others. Help her think about prayer as just telling God one thing at a time in the beginning.
___ What verbiage is used when praying in her presence?
___When children hear us pray in big words they don't understand, they might assume they have to wait until they are big enough to use those words to pray. When we model prayer for children, we must use words they can understand. In addition to praying anytime, anywhere, she also will learn she can pray about anything. As she grows, she will not only thank God, but also begin to tell him her thoughts and praise him.
___ Does she hear others in the family pray?
___The more she experiences prayer in her daily life, the more she will be comfortable expressing her own prayers. It is important not to correct a child's prayer. If she feels her prayers are not good enough, she is unwilling to continue the experience. Use every opportunity available to affirm your granddaughter when she does pray. Let her know it pleases you to hear her pray; and more importantly, it pleases God.
___Things a child prays for may not seem important to an adult, but God cares. Remember, it is the opportunity to talk to God and the willingness to do so that is important. As she grows spiritually, so will her prayer life. So, too, will your joy.

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