Prayer, Purposeful, Parenting

Taking an initiative, I gave my children prayer journals to write their prayers in. This very intentional, hands-on teaching has taken place during the summer when we have more time in the mornings. I have found that having the kids all come to our homework/art table together in the morning works best. If I put it off until later, it may never be "later." We use regular spiral bound notebooks that the kids enjoy decorating with stickers and markers.

Some things they have done in their prayer journals/books.

*prayer squares--like a grid of 6 to nine squares that they can write or (draw a picture) a name they are praying for, something they are thankful for, etc. in the square

*give a hand to God--trace child's hand or they can trace their own hand. Then write things they are thankful to God for on the fingers and thumb

*flower power--similar to hand, but write thanks or names, etc. on petals of flower

*ACTS--Adoration...God is good, God, I love you....etc
Confesstion...I am sorry because I...
Thanksgiving...I am thankful to You, God, for....
Supplication...I pray for......

*for younger children, I have used the alphabet in prayers. I draw a big letter and a little letter that they can trace. Then I will write something like, "Thank You, God, for apples! In Jesus' Name, Amen." And include a picture of an apple to color.

*the idea above can also be used for counting: Thank You, God, for ONE lady bug! The number one, the word 'one' and a lady bug could be on the page.

*Jesus, You are... (words to describe Jesus)
J--just
E--everlasting
S--Savior
U--understanding
S--special to me

*Thank You, God, for me... (child's name and traits that describe them)
D--dear
A--adventurous
I--intersting
S--sweet
Y--yearning for wisdom

What A Friend We Have in Jesus by Joseph Scriven, 1855

1. What a friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
2. Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
3. Are we weak and heavy-laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge—
Take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee?
Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In His arms He’ll take and shield thee,
Thou wilt find a solace there.
4. Blessed Savior, Thou hast promised
Thou wilt all our burdens bear;
May we ever, Lord, be bringing
All to Thee in earnest prayer.
Soon in glory bright, unclouded,
There will be no need for prayer—
Rapture, praise, and endless worship
Will be our sweet portion there.

What a gift to pray with our children!