My 8yo asked why I pray if God doesn't always say yes

May 5·1 min read

Honestly stumped me for a second. He was frustrated because we prayed about getting a new puppy and it didn't happen. I realized I've been teaching him to pray like it's a vending machine instead of teaching him about surrender and God's timing. So we sat down and I explained that prayer isn't about getting what we want, it's about alignment with God's will. Now we pray together asking for wisdom to accept His answer. Best parenting moment I've had in months.

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Comments(3)

LLarry P.RegularMay 5

Man, this is real parenting right here. I've learned with my two that sometimes the best teaching moments come when prayers don't get answered the way we hoped. Sounds like your son is thinking deeper about faith, which is actually pretty cool.

SSalvatoreNew DadMay 5

This reminds me of coaching moments where kids learn that effort and intention matter even when the game doesn't go your way. Maybe frame it as God listens and cares, but sometimes the answer is no for reasons we don't understand yet.

VVincentNew DadMay 5

That's a tough one but you're asking the right questions. My 6yo had something similar happen and I told him prayer is more about talking to God than getting what we want, kind of like how I talk to my kid about big stuff even when I can't give him everything he asks for.