Teaching Your Children to Pray from an Early Age

Honest Reflections from a Parent Who’s Still Learning

I can vividly remember reciting the Lord’s Prayer with my dad every night as a child. Honestly, it was one of the few daily tasks I actually looked forward to. I didn’t understand the significance of it back then, but I realize now how deeply rooted that moment was in shaping my spiritual walk.

Growing up, God wasn’t exactly woven into our daily lives. Sure, we had crosses on the wall and pictures of Jesus in the living room, but the only time I remember hearing the name of Jesus was around Christmas or Easter. My parents were believers, but like so many of us, they were caught up in the everyday busyness of life.

Now, as an adult and a parent myself, I understand the holiness and power of our sovereign God. I can’t go a day—or sometimes even an hour—without mentioning His name. I make it a point to tell my children that the most important relationship they’ll ever have is with Christ. I teach them that being a follower of Jesus isn’t just about believing—it's about living it out. It’s about following God’s commandments, having a relationship with Him, and being a doer of His Word.

So if you’re wondering how to teach your children to pray, here are a few suggestions that have helped me. Start with the Lord’s Prayer. It’s found in Matthew 6:9-15:

9 Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

I recently had the opportunity to learn the deeper meaning of the Lord’s Prayer through my Apostle. I’m hoping to interview her for the podcast soon, and trust me—it will bless you. There is so much richness in that passage.

Also, don’t skip over the beginning of Matthew 6. Jesus gives clear instruction to pray in secret, with a heart that seeks God—not attention. The Life in the Spirit Study Bible breaks this down so well. It reminds us that our prayers should include seeking God’s kingdom here on earth, inviting Christ’s return, calling on His healing power, and asking to walk in His righteousness. It’s also where we bring our daily needs, repentance, and ask for deliverance from the enemy. That Bible is a treasure, and one of my top five resources.

Now here’s a practical framework to teach your children to pray using the word PRAY:

P – Position & Praise

Start by teaching them what it looks like to submit to God. Whether it’s bowing their heads, closing their eyes, or kneeling—show them what reverence looks like. Let them know they’re coming before the throne of heaven, and all of heaven pauses to hear them.

Prayer might sound like:
"Dear Heavenly Father, You are great, merciful, and kind. Thank You for all things—big and small. Fill our hearts and our home with Your Spirit. We pray for healing, for peace, and for Jesus’s return. Amen."

R – Repent & Release

Teaching repentance early sets a foundation of humility and accountability. This isn’t a time to be critical—it’s a moment to ask for forgiveness and offer it to others.

In our home, this is when my children say sorry for being short with each other or making poor choices. I’ll never forget one night when one daughter asked God to forgive her for breaking her sister’s favorite toy—and then she prayed that God would bless her sister with something even better. Another time, after being bullied, my daughter decided to pray for the girl hurting her. A few days later, that same girl opened up about her parents’ divorce. My daughter responded, “Jesus loves you.” They’re still friends today.

A – Ask for Needs & God’s Action

Teach your children that they can go to their Heavenly Father with their needs. Children have some of the most honest and heartfelt prayers—no fluff, just truth.

Encourage them to ask for God’s will in their lives:
"Lord, I seek Your kingdom first. Let Your will be done in my life and in my family."

Y – Yielding

This is the part where we surrender. After bringing their requests, teach your children to yield—to acknowledge that God knows best, and they can trust His timing and plan. Yielding means submitting to God's will, letting go of control, and walking in faith.

EQUIP

Here’s a verse to equip you as a parent:

Matthew 6:8
“Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.”

God already knows. Our job is to lead our children into His presence and teach them how to talk to Him.

ENCOURAGE

Encourage your children to build their relationship with God. Prayer is powerful. It’s how we fight battles, express love, and hear from our Heavenly Father. Let them know that it’s okay to wait for answers and that God always responds—in His perfect time.

EMPOWER

Empower your kids by reminding them that they can talk to God anytime, anywhere. There’s no perfect formula—just a sincere heart. Your child’s prayer could be the very thing that shifts the atmosphere in your home or classroom.

Prayer for Parents

If you’re not sure how to get started, here’s a simple prayer you can pray today:

Dear Heavenly Father,
I come to You in the name of Jesus. You know everything I’m facing—my challenges, my fears, my needs. I ask that Your Holy Spirit intercede for me and guide me. Thank You for being my Provider and Protector. I trust in Your plan. Help me teach my children how to walk with You daily, to pray with boldness and humility. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and perfect timing.

In Jesus name,

Amen.