In each newsletter I recommend at least one practical prayer activity to help teach the topic of prayer to children of all ages. Here is my current suggestion:
“What Did I Say?”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Gather your children and have them sit on the floor in a large circle. Play loud music, have a few children rustle papers, bang a drum, or do other noisy activities. Tell the rest of the children to talk out loud as a distraction. Then whisper something in a child’s ear. God around to the other children and whisper the same thing in each child’s ear. Ask the kids to tell you what they heard.
Point out how difficult it was to hear the whisper when the other voices were so distractions. Explain to the kids that sometimes it is very heard to hear God because we are hearing distracting things from other people and even Satan. Remind the children that God does want to be hard, but sometimes we have to get rid of the distractions.
Next, have all the children sit quietly. God to each child and whisper the same thing in each child’s ear. Ask the children what you whispered to them. Point out how much easier it was to hear the whisper without and distractions. Explain that when we get rid of distractions, we hear God better!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“What Did I Say?”
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
Gather your children and have them sit on the floor in a large circle. Play loud music, have a few children rustle papers, bang a drum, or do other noisy activities. Tell the rest of the children to talk out loud as a distraction. Then whisper something in a child’s ear. God around to the other children and whisper the same thing in each child’s ear. Ask the kids to tell you what they heard.
Point out how difficult it was to hear the whisper when the other voices were so distractions. Explain to the kids that sometimes it is very heard to hear God because we are hearing distracting things from other people and even Satan. Remind the children that God does want to be hard, but sometimes we have to get rid of the distractions.
Next, have all the children sit quietly. God to each child and whisper the same thing in each child’s ear. Ask the children what you whispered to them. Point out how much easier it was to hear the whisper without and distractions. Explain that when we get rid of distractions, we hear God better!
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In each newsletter I recommend at least one practical prayer activity to help teach the topic of prayer to children of all ages. Here is my current suggestion:
Praise Balloon Activity
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done (Ps. 9:1).
Praise Balloon Toss
Supplies needed: balloons for each person, permanent markers
Give each person a balloon. Have them blow up the balloons and tie them securely. With a soft-tipped permanent marker, have each member of the group or class write on the balloon something they can praise God (name, characteristic or attribute of God). When all have finished their balloon, have them gather in a large circle. Give a signal and have everyone throw balloon in the air. Tell them to hit the balloons and to keep them all in the air until you give the signal to stop. After you signal, instruct each person to grab a balloon and join the others to form a circle. Go around the circle and have each person take turns reading the praise on their balloon and attempt to explain how it praises God. Repeat this activity several time, making sure that each time the participants get a different balloon.
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Praise Balloon Activity
I will praise you, Lord, with all my heart;
I will tell of all the wonderful things you have done (Ps. 9:1).
Praise Balloon Toss
Supplies needed: balloons for each person, permanent markers
Give each person a balloon. Have them blow up the balloons and tie them securely. With a soft-tipped permanent marker, have each member of the group or class write on the balloon something they can praise God (name, characteristic or attribute of God). When all have finished their balloon, have them gather in a large circle. Give a signal and have everyone throw balloon in the air. Tell them to hit the balloons and to keep them all in the air until you give the signal to stop. After you signal, instruct each person to grab a balloon and join the others to form a circle. Go around the circle and have each person take turns reading the praise on their balloon and attempt to explain how it praises God. Repeat this activity several time, making sure that each time the participants get a different balloon.
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In each newsletter I recommend a few practical prayer activities to help teach the topic of prayer to children of all ages. Here is my current suggestion:
CHRISTMAS PRAYER
Taken from Helping Kids Pray
by Katie Barbee
Supplies: holiday-print ribbon, ornaments children can write on, permanent markers, ornaments hooks
Christmas is a wonderful time of year to teach children the importance of considering the needs of others. This prayer activity invites children to pray for someone they may have never met and whose needs they may not know.
Before class, hang a holiday-print ribbon along one wall or across the room clothesline-style. Make sure it is secured firmly, as it will need to hold the wright of several Christmas ornaments.
Give each child an ornament or allow children to choose their own. Ask children to think of someone they know, other than themselves, who is in need of prayer. Then have children write that person’s name on their ornament. If time and resources permit, allow children to spend time decorating their ornaments. Then invite children to hang their ornaments on the ribbon using ornament hooks.
When all of the ornaments have been hung, invite children to select one ornament made by someone else. Then ask children to return to their seats holding the ornament. Have children spend a few minutes silently praying for the person whose name is written on the ornament. Remind them that even though they may not know what need this person has, God knows and hears their prayers. They can take the ornament home and continue to pray for that person over the weeks or days. They can also bring them back and trade ornaments and continue to pray for the next person. Eventually the ornament can be returned to the person who put the name on the ornament. Encourage this person to give it to the person whose name is on the ornament and share how they were prayed for during the previous days.
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I’m recommending in each newsletter a few practical prayer activities to help teach the topic of prayer to children of all ages. Here is this issue’s suggestion on teaching:
THANKFULNESS
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God (Philippians 4:6).
When Paul wrote to the Philippians He instructed them to offer prayer and supplication “with thanksgiving” in chapter 4 verse 6. Thanksgiving differs from praise in that praise recognizes God for who he is, while thanksgiving recognizes God for specific things he has done.
The Thanksgiving season is wonderful time to remind children of the importance of praying thanks-only prayers to God. It is easy to become accustomed to asking God for things. Here are three activities that will promote thankfulness.
1. THANKFULNESS CHARADES or PICTIONARY
- Have each person think of something he or she is thankful.
- Try to get the rest of the family to guess what it is by acting it out or drawing it.
2. COUNT YOUR BLESSING PARTY
- Get as creative as you want to with games and prizes.
- Give each family member a piece of paper and pencil and set a timer.
- See who can come up with the most things to be thankful for in a specified time.
3. THE FIVE FINGER PRAYER ACTIVITY:
- Thumb - Your thumb is closest to your heart. Thank God for immediate family members.
- Pointer - Your index finger is used for pointing. Thank God for close acquaintance or a friend.
- Tall Finger - Your third finger is thanking God prayer for those in leadership positions.
- Ring Finger - Your ring finger is the weakest. Thank God for those who are older and near the end of their lives.
- Pinky – This is your smallest finger. Thank God for material blessings personally received.
PRAYING IN AGREEMENT
Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them (Matt. 16:19-20).
Being with Korean Christian believers on individual prayer mats at Jesus Abbey exposed me to agreeing in prayer. This was a new fervency in praying that I had not experienced before with Christians in other places. At their prayer services a scripture passage was read and studied. A situation or place was mentioned as how this topic could apply to the world today. Then when it was time to pray, everyone prayed out loud and at the same time. They did not hold back their tears, passion and cries. At first I was surprised, confused, and distracted. The leader gave the signal to begin, and a roar of prayer flooded the chapel until the leader spoke above the noise or a bell signaled that it was time to quit. I could not keep my mind on my own conversation with God. I was listening to the Korean language being spoken by the approximately one hundred people in the prayer service. When they said “Amen!” Everyone knew they were agreeing with one another.
The question is: How do we teach this agreement to our students?
My experience, of course, has been as most Americans. Most often we have conversational prayers led by one person in the group. With the Koreans I was experiencing what is called "Concert" prayer. It is very much like playing in a huge orchestra. Everyone plays or prays their notes or prayers at the same time. It becomes a concert like a person has never heard before. I couldn’t understand it but I’m sure God could. There was more passion and desire demonstrated than I had ever heard.
Unfortunately, I never did discuss concert prayer with my Korean friends. I just accepted it as being the norm for them. There seemed to be far more power and unity when everyone was praying instead of listening to one person. It certainly removed fear that others would be critical of the words the person was using to speak to God. I do know Korean Christians have popularized this style of prayer. Compared to the Korean Christians, my prayer life seemed to be halfhearted. I left Korea inspired to bolster the fervency of my prayer life.
Here are a few steps in teaching agreement:
1. Prayer Concept: What does the word amen mean?
So be it, this is truth, I really mean this, I agree, and this is my prayer, too.
2. Why is it important to agree with a prayer?
It show God that more than one person thinks it is important. We are acknowledging the importance of others in the body of Christ. God loves unity.
3. How can students show God they agree with someone’s prayer?
Students can suggest ways. Pray the same thing or say yes or amen to show they agree. Make up a hand motion that means they agree.
4. What does the Bible say will happen if we agree with someone in prayer (Mt. 18:19-20)?
Matthew 18:19-20New International Version (NIV)19 “Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
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I’m recommending in each newsletter a few practical prayer activities to help teach the topic of prayer to children of all ages. Here is this issue’s suggestion on teaching:
PRAYING FOR THE LOST
Many people claim to be Christian and yet deny that people outside Christ are lost – this is in spite of the fact that the Bible teaches, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:16). We want to teach our children to believe the Gospel and will also pray the Good News of Jesus Christ will reach people who are lost.The four featured resources I recommend to have at your fingertips for teaching the Great Commission and praying for the lost are:
Try this activity: Before class, attach a world map to one wall of the classroom or project on your screen. Explain that they are going to play a game that is similar to the game Pin the Tail on the Donkey. But instead of a donkey and a tail, students will be using a map and stickers.
One student is blindfolded and spun around a few times. Lead the student to the map to place a sticker on the map. People in this country that are closest to the sticker are studied and prayed for. This could be a weekly activity.
When we pray for the lost – whether those who have never heard or those who have heard and rejected the message of Jesus – to be transformed by His love and the power of His life.
Also include prayers for laborers: pray that the Lord would send more laborers to harvest lost souls.
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PRAYING FOR THE LOST
Many people claim to be Christian and yet deny that people outside Christ are lost – this is in spite of the fact that the Bible teaches, Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned (Mark 16:16). We want to teach our children to believe the Gospel and will also pray the Good News of Jesus Christ will reach people who are lost.The four featured resources I recommend to have at your fingertips for teaching the Great Commission and praying for the lost are:
- Barbee, Katie. Helping Kids Pray. Cincinnati, Ohio, Standard Publishing, 2011.
- Mandryk, Jason, OPERATION WORLD. Colorado Springs, CO. Biblica Publishing 2010.
- Spraggett, Daphnes and Jill Johnstone. Window on the World: When We Pray, God Works, Bethany House. 2002.
- Lawrence, Arlyn. PrayKids Teacher’s Guide. Colorado Springs, CO Navpress. 2015.
Try this activity: Before class, attach a world map to one wall of the classroom or project on your screen. Explain that they are going to play a game that is similar to the game Pin the Tail on the Donkey. But instead of a donkey and a tail, students will be using a map and stickers.
One student is blindfolded and spun around a few times. Lead the student to the map to place a sticker on the map. People in this country that are closest to the sticker are studied and prayed for. This could be a weekly activity.
When we pray for the lost – whether those who have never heard or those who have heard and rejected the message of Jesus – to be transformed by His love and the power of His life.
Also include prayers for laborers: pray that the Lord would send more laborers to harvest lost souls.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I’m recommending in each newsletter a few practical prayer activities to help teach the topic of prayer to children of all ages. Here are this issue’s suggestions on teaching:
CONFESSION
Key Scriptures for Memory Verses: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
But your wrongs have separated you from your God, and your sins have made him hide his face so that he doesn’t hear you (Isaiah 59:2).
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. And you forgave the guilt of my sin (Ps. 32:5).
Create in me a pure heart, God (Psalm 51:10).
It is important to teach the relationship between pure hearts and prayer, and encourage confession of sin as a regular part of prayer. Confession is not a dark fearful response to an angry God if we don’t shape up. Instead, confession becomes an act of anticipation, a response to the unconditional call of God’s love. It is the promise that “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).” The word “confess” means to say the same thing or agree with God about a transgression.
The Bible defines sin as falling short of God’s standards or missing the mark, somewhat like an archer who fails to hit the target. Scripture says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), but as you confess your sins, He is “faithful and just” to forgive your sins (I John 1:9).
Perhaps the most difficult lesson for us to understand is the painful point of confession. Our acknowledgement of sins is where life begins and joyful growth continues to becoming His excellent servant. Understanding what it means to confess sins becomes the doorway for approaching God in prayer.
You might ask “if God is all knowing, why confess sin?” Doesn’t He already know about it? The answer is yes, but the question misses the point: confession is not for His sake, but ours. Admission of wrong brings an acknowledgement that a thought, word or deed is displeasing to the Father. As the Holy Spirit reveals areas of sin, admitting it is a tangible way of agreeing with God that the behavior, whether in word, deed or thought, displeases Him and fails to meet His standard.
Confession also helps grow our faith by making a believer more sensitive to behaviors that aren’t pleasing to the Lord. While some sins are more obvious than others, it’s often the more subtle behaviors that can trip up a person.
Below are a few questions that can help to teach students to confess sins.
Below is my personal chart for examining my life with the 10 commandments.
1st Command
Am I putting any people or things ahead of You in my life?
(Idols in the heart)
2nd Command
Am I misusing your name by cursing or swearing?
(Misuse of the tongue)
3rd Command
Have I been worshipping or reading your word?
(Not knowing God through His word)
4th Command
Have I dishonored any authorities?
(Unloving attitude or actions)
5th Command
Have I said or
done anything that could destroy life?
(Critical spirit)
6th Command
Have I kept my thoughts words, and actions pure? (Lust)
7th Command
Have I been dishonest with someone’s money?
(Undisciplined life)
8th Command
Have I lied, betrayed, or hurt someone?
(Untruth- Gossip)
9th Command
Have I been discontented with what has been given me?
(Self-pity)
10th Command
Have I desired someone else’s property?
(Jealousy)
Sometimes in an effort to try to make prayer time memorable and powerful for students, teachers and parents try too hard. Allow students some time to be still and listen to God speaking to their hearts about any unconfessed sins. They will enjoy one-on-one personal prayer time with their Lord and Savior. Remind them of Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Challenge them to believe this. God’s thoughts will lead us to His love and forgiveness!
Author Rich Bimler wrote a prayer way back in 1972 in the book called Pray, Praise and Hooray that I think captures this positive feeling.
Lord, I confess to You that there are often times that I don’t feel like confessing to You. Sometimes in a worship service, when I’m supposed to feel sorry for my sins or feel bad and unworthy, I really don’t feel bad at all.
Is that bad, Lord? Because sometimes during confession I really feel great because I know all my sins have been erased, and I just can’t make myself feel bad about that!
Forgive me, Lord, for feeling forgiven!
And help me, Lord, to act forgiven to others!
The cross is the expression of God’s great desire to forgive the sins we confess. This was not cheap. It cost His son’s life. Confession is an expression for a need of healing. The healing is the forgiveness Jesus earned through His sacrifice. People who confess find God’s love and mercy.
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CONFESSION
Key Scriptures for Memory Verses: If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
But your wrongs have separated you from your God, and your sins have made him hide his face so that he doesn’t hear you (Isaiah 59:2).
Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. And you forgave the guilt of my sin (Ps. 32:5).
Create in me a pure heart, God (Psalm 51:10).
It is important to teach the relationship between pure hearts and prayer, and encourage confession of sin as a regular part of prayer. Confession is not a dark fearful response to an angry God if we don’t shape up. Instead, confession becomes an act of anticipation, a response to the unconditional call of God’s love. It is the promise that “…the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin (1 John 1:7).” The word “confess” means to say the same thing or agree with God about a transgression.
The Bible defines sin as falling short of God’s standards or missing the mark, somewhat like an archer who fails to hit the target. Scripture says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), but as you confess your sins, He is “faithful and just” to forgive your sins (I John 1:9).
Perhaps the most difficult lesson for us to understand is the painful point of confession. Our acknowledgement of sins is where life begins and joyful growth continues to becoming His excellent servant. Understanding what it means to confess sins becomes the doorway for approaching God in prayer.
You might ask “if God is all knowing, why confess sin?” Doesn’t He already know about it? The answer is yes, but the question misses the point: confession is not for His sake, but ours. Admission of wrong brings an acknowledgement that a thought, word or deed is displeasing to the Father. As the Holy Spirit reveals areas of sin, admitting it is a tangible way of agreeing with God that the behavior, whether in word, deed or thought, displeases Him and fails to meet His standard.
Confession also helps grow our faith by making a believer more sensitive to behaviors that aren’t pleasing to the Lord. While some sins are more obvious than others, it’s often the more subtle behaviors that can trip up a person.
Below are a few questions that can help to teach students to confess sins.
- What does the word confession mean?
- What does God want us to know about sin?
- Why does God want us to agree with Him about our sin and confess it to Him?
- Does God remember our sins and hold them against us after we’ve confessed them?
- What does it mean to repent?
- Why do you think some people don’t confess their sins to God?
- How did you feel before you confessed to God? How did you feel after you confessed?
- How does not confessing your sins affect your relationship with God?
Below is my personal chart for examining my life with the 10 commandments.
1st Command
Am I putting any people or things ahead of You in my life?
(Idols in the heart)
2nd Command
Am I misusing your name by cursing or swearing?
(Misuse of the tongue)
3rd Command
Have I been worshipping or reading your word?
(Not knowing God through His word)
4th Command
Have I dishonored any authorities?
(Unloving attitude or actions)
5th Command
Have I said or
done anything that could destroy life?
(Critical spirit)
6th Command
Have I kept my thoughts words, and actions pure? (Lust)
7th Command
Have I been dishonest with someone’s money?
(Undisciplined life)
8th Command
Have I lied, betrayed, or hurt someone?
(Untruth- Gossip)
9th Command
Have I been discontented with what has been given me?
(Self-pity)
10th Command
Have I desired someone else’s property?
(Jealousy)
Sometimes in an effort to try to make prayer time memorable and powerful for students, teachers and parents try too hard. Allow students some time to be still and listen to God speaking to their hearts about any unconfessed sins. They will enjoy one-on-one personal prayer time with their Lord and Savior. Remind them of Romans 8:1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, Challenge them to believe this. God’s thoughts will lead us to His love and forgiveness!
Author Rich Bimler wrote a prayer way back in 1972 in the book called Pray, Praise and Hooray that I think captures this positive feeling.
Lord, I confess to You that there are often times that I don’t feel like confessing to You. Sometimes in a worship service, when I’m supposed to feel sorry for my sins or feel bad and unworthy, I really don’t feel bad at all.
Is that bad, Lord? Because sometimes during confession I really feel great because I know all my sins have been erased, and I just can’t make myself feel bad about that!
Forgive me, Lord, for feeling forgiven!
And help me, Lord, to act forgiven to others!
The cross is the expression of God’s great desire to forgive the sins we confess. This was not cheap. It cost His son’s life. Confession is an expression for a need of healing. The healing is the forgiveness Jesus earned through His sacrifice. People who confess find God’s love and mercy.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Guided Prayer
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, be hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14, 15).
This prayer activity is tailored to the needs and attention spans of your child or group of children. They are guided through various topics. Leader walks through ACTS.
Begin by asking the individual or group to sit down. They may bow their heads, and close their eyes.
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Helping Kids Pray
By Katie Barbee
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me” (Psalm 34:4).
A great way to remember our prayer requests is to write them down. As each week brings new joys and challenges, it can be easy to forget about the needs we prayed for just the week before. This activity teaches children to keep a record of prayer requests handy, where they can be referred to easily and often.
Prepare a prayer box. You will need a small box sized to hold index cards and a pack of index cards containing a few divider cards with raised tabs. Label the divider cards with titles and Scriptures that pertain to specific kinds of prayer. See below for a list of examples:
God Heals
“O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me” (Psalm 30:2).
God Comforts
“May your unfailing love be my comfort” (Psalm 119:76).
God Provides
“God will meet all your need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)
God Guides
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
God Gives Blessings
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17).
Answered Prayers
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me” (Psalm 34:4).
Gather your child or children’s prayer requests and praises. Record the requests on index cards and then pray for them. File the cards in the box behind the appropriate dividers. Each week review prayer requests. Record answers to prayers on the backs of the prayer cards; then file those cards in the section labeled Answered Prayers.
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“Colossians Prayer” Colossians 1:9-14
The book Helping Kids Pray p.41 explains details of how young people can reword this prayer and make it their own.
It is important to remember to stick to the words of Scripture when you word your prayers. Be careful not to give others the idea that you are adding your own words to a Scripture. Simple reword what is there from your own perspective, keeping the meaning and intent of the passage true to the Bible. I’ve used this section of scripture for many years of praying for our sons and also now our grandchildren.
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However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me
—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24).
It is a privilege of someone who is farther along on life’s journey to share advice with another Christian. This person can impart true wisdom collected through years of experience, understanding, reflecting, and applying the Word of God. I’m going to recommend in each newsletter a practical prayer activity to help teach prayer. Here is this month’s suggestion: PRAY WITH A PENCIL.
Christians often may not notice the many answers that God gives to their prayers. Therefore, I suggest an individual, family or a classroom begin a prayer journal. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple. Write down prayer requests. Watch for God’s answers to prayers. And when answers are seen, hold a little celebration, thank God together, and write down the date. Be creative in doing the journal to fit the needs of the individual or group.
JOURNAL SETUP:
DATE
PRAYING FOR
DATE
HOW ANSWERED
It is important that we learn to pray within God’s will, with a specific purpose, and with perseverance. Journaling with a pencil can help a person to see progress and the power of prayer.
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, be hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him” (1 John 5:14, 15).
This prayer activity is tailored to the needs and attention spans of your child or group of children. They are guided through various topics. Leader walks through ACTS.
Begin by asking the individual or group to sit down. They may bow their heads, and close their eyes.
- Adoration: At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth… (Matthew 11: 25). Address God by calling Him any name they might have on their hearts. (ex.: Jesus, Lord, Savior, Father) They can say these names out loud as they think of them.
- Confession: Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord. And you forgave the guilt of my sin (Ps. 32:5). Each child can silently ask for forgiveness of something they know that they have done wrong.
- Thanksgiving: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (I Thess. 5:16-18 NIV). Have children share what they are thankful for in their lives.
- Supplication: You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, because the work of the Son brings glory to the Father. Yes, ask anything in my name, and I will do it (John 14:13-14). Tell group they can prayer about any situation that is on their heart that they are personally facing silently. Then you may ask for suggestions of topics the whole group might want to pray about. You may do this silently or have someone lead the prayer.
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Helping Kids Pray
By Katie Barbee
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me” (Psalm 34:4).
A great way to remember our prayer requests is to write them down. As each week brings new joys and challenges, it can be easy to forget about the needs we prayed for just the week before. This activity teaches children to keep a record of prayer requests handy, where they can be referred to easily and often.
Prepare a prayer box. You will need a small box sized to hold index cards and a pack of index cards containing a few divider cards with raised tabs. Label the divider cards with titles and Scriptures that pertain to specific kinds of prayer. See below for a list of examples:
God Heals
“O Lord my God, I called to you for help and you healed me” (Psalm 30:2).
God Comforts
“May your unfailing love be my comfort” (Psalm 119:76).
God Provides
“God will meet all your need according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19)
God Guides
“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).
God Gives Blessings
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father” (James 1:17).
Answered Prayers
“I sought the Lord, and He answered me” (Psalm 34:4).
Gather your child or children’s prayer requests and praises. Record the requests on index cards and then pray for them. File the cards in the box behind the appropriate dividers. Each week review prayer requests. Record answers to prayers on the backs of the prayer cards; then file those cards in the section labeled Answered Prayers.
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
“Colossians Prayer” Colossians 1:9-14
The book Helping Kids Pray p.41 explains details of how young people can reword this prayer and make it their own.
It is important to remember to stick to the words of Scripture when you word your prayers. Be careful not to give others the idea that you are adding your own words to a Scripture. Simple reword what is there from your own perspective, keeping the meaning and intent of the passage true to the Bible. I’ve used this section of scripture for many years of praying for our sons and also now our grandchildren.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me
—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace (Acts 20:24).
It is a privilege of someone who is farther along on life’s journey to share advice with another Christian. This person can impart true wisdom collected through years of experience, understanding, reflecting, and applying the Word of God. I’m going to recommend in each newsletter a practical prayer activity to help teach prayer. Here is this month’s suggestion: PRAY WITH A PENCIL.
Christians often may not notice the many answers that God gives to their prayers. Therefore, I suggest an individual, family or a classroom begin a prayer journal. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Keep it simple. Write down prayer requests. Watch for God’s answers to prayers. And when answers are seen, hold a little celebration, thank God together, and write down the date. Be creative in doing the journal to fit the needs of the individual or group.
JOURNAL SETUP:
DATE
PRAYING FOR
DATE
HOW ANSWERED
It is important that we learn to pray within God’s will, with a specific purpose, and with perseverance. Journaling with a pencil can help a person to see progress and the power of prayer.
