As dads, we want to make a huge impact in the lives of our kids. We want to leave a legacy, something that impacts their life for years, and in turn, the lives of their kids.
One of the best ways to do this that I know of is to pray with your kids.
Most of the time we hear the advice to pray for our kids. And that’s a great thing to do. But if you want to really make an impact on how they view life, circumstances, you… Pray with them.
The Bible is full of instructions for us to pray. Including our kids in this will help them to have a pretty solid handle their faith, enabling them to deal with anything life might throw their way.
Here are a few ways that you can do this.
Pray over meals
In our family, we pray before each meal. Sometimes I pray or my wife. Other times one or more of the kids will pray. It’s pretty fun to listen to the prayers of your kids. You can get a glimpse of who they are at the very center of their being. And when they see that same center part of you, it helps them know how to develop their own lives.
It can also be pretty amusing. Our four year old regularly prays that the house we just sold doesn’t sell. He loved the stairs, and wants to have stairs in our house. And when he prays that, he peeks at me to make sure I’m listening. It’s pretty funny. But it’s a piece of his tender, young heart on display.
Pray at bedtime
One of the tings we refuse to miss is a family prayer time before bed. Even though our kids go to bed at different times due to their ages, we take some time to pray, read a Bible story, and say our goodnights to one another. Our kids know we don’t ever miss this time, and when it’s getting close to bedtime, it’s common to hear one of them ask if it’s time to gather and pray.
Pray for family decisions together
Including your children in praying for major family decisions helps them to see you placing your trust in God for the big things as well as the little things. Including them in that prayer time also reinforces the fact that they are a valuable part of the family,and that their input is valid and wanted.
Pray spontaneously
One of the best ways to do this for our family has been to pray for people when we see an ambulance with sirens and lights racing by. We don’t know who is involved in the emergency, but it’s certain that they need some prayers. Other times we do this is at the beach, when we see a beautiful sunset. Spontaneously thanking God for his creation is a great way to help our kids see the importance of prayer for more than just our needs.
Pray transparently
Our kids can see right through us. And if we hide our feelings in our prayers, they’ll pick up on that. to be sure, there are certain things that we shouldn’t share with our kids. Share what’s appropriate. But if you’re hurting or struggling, don’t be afraid to allow those feeling to be seen. Your kids will learn to be honest and transparent in their prayers as well.
Pray frequently
Do it a lot. Make prayer such a part of your family life that it feels unnatural when you miss it. The effects on your kids’ lives will be tremendous. Just as they will be on your life as well.
So, how about it, dads? Ready to go pray with your kids?
Be deliberate, Dad!
What would you add to this list about praying with your kids? You can leave your thoughts in the comments section below.