Learning to Pray

When Jesus taught the disciples to pray, He gave us what we now call the Lord’s Prayer. It’s still the most perfect example of what our prayers should be like. However, you and I may have memorized it in an older translation with “thee’s” and “thou’s” that your kids will not be able to understand.

Below is the Message Bible’s translation – I think it’s ever so much more interesting and active!

“My Father in Heaven, reveal who You are, set the world right; do what’s best, as above, so below; keep us alive with three square meals; keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others; keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge – you can do anything you want. You’re a blazing beauty. Yes, yes, yes.” (Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4)

I recommend having your older children memorize it in the above version and condensing it for your younger children. After memorizing it, have them substitute or translate the verse into their own language. They will never forget it.

Here is how to break it down to teach them how their prayers should follow the main gist of the Lord’s Prayer:

1. Addressing Him
2. Praising Him
3. Surrendering our will
4. Asking for our needs (and being honest about wants)
5. Asking for forgiveness (if needed) and forgiving others (if the opportunity arises)
6. Ask for help to live Christian walk and become like Jesus
7. Worship Him because He can do everything and anything!

If you can teach them to follow the above outline, they will be able to build a rich robust prayer life centered on the simple prayer Jesus gave us.