I want to share something that can be such a powerful growing opportunity for your entire family. It’s an invitation to join together in prayer as a family and knock on Heaven’s doors. Are you praying with your children? If not, extend the invitation!
This had been pressing on my heart for a while before I ever followed through with it. How in the world do I start praying with my children?
If you do not know where to start, invite your kids to pray with you for something specific for 30 days. Praying with your children will transform their faith!
Praying With Your Children
Here’s a great example of how we began praying with our children on a specific prayer request. At the time, my husband’s back was really bothering him so we decided to pray specifically that it would heal. We had prayed for his back and his pain sporadically over the months but not consistently.
We began praying and counted 30 days out from the day we started. There was no significance in choosing 30 days other than it was a solid amount of time for us to commit to praying together as a family.
We would pray together each day but some days we would also pray privately as well. Each day we prayed specifically that his back would heal.
It doesn’t have to be fancy or elaborate. It doesn’t have to take a lot of time. Keep it simple! The point is to come together and to be praying with your children and lift up the same prayer as a family. Together.
Disclaimers. In 30 days there is no guarantee that your prayers will be answered the way you want.
BUT, your prayers will be heard and your time will not be wasted. That is a guarantee. God hears all of our prayers and our children need to learn that this is true.
Praying with your children will transform your faith, your family, and your home. It’s a spiritual habit we all need in place.
Teaching Kids to Pray
For some reason, I rarely considered that our kids are warriors in this life alongside us. They both have professed their faith in Jesus Christ and are equally covered in Jesus’ authority and power as I am. That’s a remarkable thought to behold!
Have you considered that?
So if you have warriors under your roof, why are we not engaging them to fight battles alongside us?
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. ~ Matthew 18:20
This applies to children as well. How incredible is that!?
Praying with your children is so important! We’re raising warriors. Make them prayer warriors!
For two years I had been praying a particular prayer for my husband’s job situation. The idea of inviting the kids to join me in prayer came up in my mind numerous times but I kept dismissing it. I had no reason to dismiss it, I just pushed it to the back burner.
One day, it came to me again and I ALMOST spoke it out loud to my kids but again, I shrugged it off.
I almost invited my kids to join me in my two-year long prayer.
I almost extended the invitation for them to join me in battle.
Almost did…
My two-year long prayer was answered exactly two weeks from the day I dismissed inviting my kids to join me. Through much joy, elation, and celebration, I was equally aware of a missed opportunity.
What could that have done for their faith in those two weeks of praying if I had extended the invitation?
Importance of Prayer
Redemption is a Beautiful Thing. By His grace and goodness, God is always extending the invitation for us to join Him.
So, we began praying with our children for my husband’s back and it has already been a beautiful thing. Praying with your children is powerful!
Praying With Your Children Helps Teach Expectation
Expectation is contagious, especially when your entire family is participating! As the days progress we, as a family, are expecting to see God move.
When we pray together, we are setting the stage of expectation for God to hear our prayers because we’re told in 1 Peter 3:12 NIV that “his ears are attentive to their [righteous] prayer.”
Praying With Your Children Displays Eagerness
It’s almost like Christmas time. Each day we’re peeking and looking to see God’s hand at work.
We’re wondering what movement has taken place and we’re eager to see what God is doing with our prayers.
Praying With Your Children Prompts Thrill
The thrill is in the air for what is to come! God promises He hears us when we pray. ~ Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. Jeremiah 29:12
The bible tells us God is always working. ~ But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” John 5:17
We’re thrilled to see what unfolds through our prayers together.
Praying With Your Children Develops Consideration
I’ve seen tender consideration unfold as the days go by. The kids are more considerate of his pain because they are praying for it daily to heal.
When we come together and pray for others, we carry their pain and burden. This overflows to consideration, gentleness, and empathy.
The atmosphere in our home has shifted because God is drawing our hearts to be outward focused and not only considerate of ourselves.
Praying With Your Children Grows Thankfulness
We have seen movement! If it’s a pain-free moment, hour, day, or days we celebrate the moments and give thanks to God!
Previously, with his back being an issue, we were all bothered, irritated, and frustrated. Physical limitations and ailments are extremely tough to deal with.
Seeing our hearts shift from irritation to thankfulness was not something I was expecting.
Even with this list of good things unfolding, I know there’s more that I haven’t even considered.
I’m so encouraged by the seeds that are being planted in their hearts.
Both kids on several occasions have come to me and told me they prayed for Daddy again on a particular day. They’ve also told me of new prayers they’re praying now as well.
Begin Praying with your Children
Extend the invitation and begin praying with your children.
Invite them to pray with you.
Even if you don’t see your prayers answered, God is always working. Keep pounding on Heaven’s door. Do it together as a family.
Invite your kids to pray powerful prayers.
They’re warriors, too.
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ~ Matthew 7:7
Related Post: Praying Powerful Prayers for Your Family