For the past several months God has been impressing on me to teach the kids in my ministry about prayer.
Each week, we have been taking time to get on our knees during class/service and spend time talking with Jesus.
It has been amazing watching the kids settle down, get on their knees, and begin praying.
I wanted to give them a simple plan they can use to spend time with Jesus.
Last night, I introduced them to this simple prayer plan.
Forgiveness.
Have the kids start their prayer time by asking God to forgive them for any sins they have committed. You can have them hold up 4 fingers to remember this. 4-giveness. Help them understand, that as followers of Jesus, it is important that we confess our sins to Him. Share this promise with them found in 1 John 1:9.
"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
Praise and Thanksgiving.
"I will bless the Lord at all times. His praise shall continually be in my mouth." Psalm 34:1
Have the kids raise their hands and spend time thanking Jesus for who He is and what He does. Thank Him for being just, kind, loving, full of grace, and mercy. Thank Him for His blessings in your life.
Prayers for others.
"...Pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." James 5:16
Have kids point out to others and then begin praying for the needs of others. I get a list of people who are sick or in the hospital from our church and we pray specifically for them.
I also show the kids pictures of kids in other countries who do not know Jesus and we pray for them to be able to hear the Gospel.
Pray for your needs.
"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
Have the kids point in toward themselves. Then give them time to pray for their own needs.
Prayer steps for kids / recap:
Confess your sins.
Praise and Thank God for who He is and what He does.
Ask God to meet the needs of others.
Ask God to meet your needs and requests.
This simple plan can turn children into prayer warriors. Children who spend time with Jesus on a regular basis are far less likely to walk away from church and the faith.
Are you leading kids in prayer? Are you teaching kids to pray? Are you helping kids develop a passion for walking with Jesus?
A praying child will follow Jesus.
A praying child will develop a heart that is passionate about spending time with Jesus.
A praying child will see God do great and mighty things in their life.
Yes...kids can be noisy and loud in class/service. But you will be amazed at what happens when you have them pause and get on their knees to talk with God and listen to the Holy Spirit. It can be transformative. Make time for it in your class time and watch what God does in their lives.
