Family prayer time isn't sticking - any advice?

Apr 16·1 min read

We started doing family devotions after dinner but my oldest keeps making excuses to leave and the younger two get restless. I want them to develop a real prayer life and understand why faith matters, not just see it as something dad makes us do. Wife thinks we should try different times or maybe switch up the format. Anyone had success getting kids actually engaged in prayer time instead of just going through the motions?

3 comments127 views

Comments(3)

MMitchell R.RegularApr 18

I found that letting my kids pick the prayer topic or song made them way more interested in sticking around. When it's their idea they're invested. Also keeping it short helps - 5 minutes max with younger kids or they check out.

DDerekRegularApr 16

This is tough. My oldest started making excuses around the same age. We made it more flexible - sometimes it's just 5 minutes, sometimes it's a quick prayer before bed instead of after dinner. Shorter commitments actually got better buy-in than forcing the whole devotion.

KKevinRegularApr 16

Kids that age have a lot going on in their heads. Maybe try making it interactive instead of structured? Ask them what they're grateful for that day and build the prayer around that. Makes them feel like they're part of it instead of just sitting through something.