How to Teach Children to Pray

During this Lenten Season in preparation for Easter as well as my daughter’s First Communion I wanted to share with you an easy way to teach your children to pray.  This is a very important responsibility and it can be a fun experience with your child.  This idea comes from a combination of what my daughters are taught at church and at home.  We call this our “Hand Prayer.”  Our “Hand Prayer” extends beyond saying our traditional prayers, the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be at bedtime.  It is a great way to connect with your children.

Thumb:  When you hold your hands in prayer your thumb is closest to you.  Pray for the people closest to you; your friends and family.

Index Finger:  Your pointer finger; pray for your teachers and healers.

Third Finger:  The tallest finger; pray for your leaders that they make decisions with God’s guidance.

Ringer Finger:  The weakest finger; pray for the weak, sick, poor, and hungry.

Pinkie Finger:   Here you pray for yourself.   Pray for yourself last.  Teach your child to pray for others first.  Now, with that being said, let your child know that even though they are praying for their own needs last that God hears their prayers and they are important to him.  Give them reassurance that He will guide us and answer us in his own time.  I remember as a child feeling very guilty to pray for my own needs especially after praying for others who seemed in much more need of God’s help.  Remember God wants us to talk to him…he listens to all.

Palm:  God is our foundation!  God’s love is the strength to keep everything standing. Without God’s love there is nothing.  You hold and carry God’s love with you in hand and heart!  Speak, hear, think, and feel God’s love.  Pray for God!

And lastly, raise that hand high and be proud to stand for J-E-S-U-S.

Wishing  you and yours a blessed Easter.