Build Kids’ Confidence in Praying

Kristin Cherry, Awana marketing copywriter, is this month’s guest blogger. As a developing pray-er (as we all are), she shares her experience and advice for teaching kids how to pray.

As an adult, I’ve experienced a difference between people who say they were “raised in church” and those who “went to church.” The ones raised in church volunteer to lead prayer, seemingly with a boldness and confidence I’m still trying to muster.

I’m a “went-to-church” kid, never an eager volunteer to pray out loud. I still remember being on a youth mission trip as a teen, huddled in a church and palms sweating as I listened to my peers pray. I knew it would eventually come down to me; and when the time came, I was silent. The words wouldn’t come. I wasn’t fluent in the language of prayer.

Even now, more secure in my faith and biblical knowledge (always a work in progress), there are words and phrases that have never become part of my lexicon. Hedge of protection. Bounty. Firstfruits. They roll off the tongues of my brothers and sisters in Christ, but not mine. And until recently, it kept me from praying aloud in front of anyone besides my children because my prayers sounded “less than.” It’s still hard, to be honest.

But the more I’ve learned about the company Jesus kept, the less I believe He’d be concerned with us using the “right” words in prayer.

So … how can you build kids’ confidence in praying aloud?

Suggestions from a growing pray-er:

• When you pray with children, use words they can understand.
• Note some words and phrases you hear frequently in other leaders’ prayers and teach those to your ministry kids.
• Reference the Bible for verses that might help children be bold in prayer.

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) 

God says to “pray without ceasing”; He wouldn’t want you to be silent because you’re afraid you’ll sound silly!

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” (Matthew 6:7)

Using “right” words may impress the people around you, but God wants to hear the words coming from your heart — even if they’re not fancy. There’s no need to pretend with Him. Let’s help kids build a no-filters-needed relationship with the Lord.

Our April prayer calendar is now available. Include your children as you pray for Awana clubs and leaders around the world, and teach them how to petition and praise our great God.