Jackie and Bobby tell us what has worked for them when it comes to getting their four-year-old, two-year-old, and nine-month-old kids to pray.
They don’t claim to be experts in this area, but here are some things they say help:
- Pray on your own. “Monkey see monkey do. All the monkeys are staring at you.” (The monkeys being the kids.)
- Set low expectations with kids under seven, and be understanding when they don’t cooperate. Children under the age of reason haven’t developed the reasoning part of their brain yet. Understand that, and adapt accordingly.
- Teach children that we’re actually always praying. Use everyday experiences, like the beauty of nature, to demonstrate God’s love.
- Teach them different forms of prayer, and see what works. If they like singing, sing your prayers with them. If they like pictures, use picture books while you pray with them.
Hopefully this video encourages you to not give up when trying to get your kids to pray gets tough.
Prayer Time Tools to Help Children Talk with Jesus
Jesus and Me provides children with a clear yet flexible blueprint for meaningful conversations with Our Lord—conversations that can develop into a lifelong relationship with Jesus.
Meet Jackie and Bobby Angel
Jackie Francois Angel is a full-time worship leader and speaker. Bobby Angel is a campus minister and theology teacher at a Catholic high school. Married in 2013, they have four beautiful children and strive to grow in holiness each day!
