Probably the most neglected aspect of parenting, of being the best dad you can be, is prayer.

But prayer is also the most important of our dadhood duties.

We spend a ton of time doing other things with and for our kids, but we seem to forget this crucial element. We teach. We lecture. We instruct. We plan. We play. We do all kinds of things with our sons and daughters. But we forget to pray. Or we neglect to pray.

Dads, we spend inordinate amounts of time doing these other things, and pray only at meals or at bedtime, if at all.

My challenge to you, and to me as well, is to become a dad who prays for his kids, at all times. Become a dad who lifts up your children in prayer frequently throughout the day.

And become a dad who prays with your kids, too. Your kids need not only your prayers for them, but your prayers with them. They need this when they are young, and they need this throughout their entire lives as well.

Praying with your kids, as well as for your kids, instills a priority of prayer in their lives. Because you pray, they are more likely to see the necessity and the benefits of making prayer a priority in their lives. But if you neglect this, they’ll pick up that behavior as well.

Dads, one of the most important things we can do as fathers is to teach our kids how to build an active prayer life. And that only comes by praying for your kids, and with your kids.

So, what are you waiting for? Go pray with your kids!

Be deliberate, Dad!

When do you pray for and with your kids? How have they responded? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.