Teaching my kids about prayer without it feeling forced

May 121 min read

My 6yo asked me last week why we pray before meals and honestly it caught me off guard because I realized I've just been going through the motions. We say the same prayer every time and the kids barely listen. I want them to understand that prayer is real and powerful not just something we do because that's what Christian families do. Started asking them what they're thankful for and what they want to pray about and now dinner prayers are actually conversations. My oldest asked to pray for his soccer coach who's been dealing with cancer. That moment hit me different. Anyone else struggle with teaching faith authentically to your kids instead of just religion?

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Comments(3)

MMatteoRegularMay 12

That's a great question from your 6yo actually. I think the honest approach works best. We told our kids that praying is just talking to God about what we're thankful for and what we need help with. Made it feel way more natural than just making it part of the routine.

JJakeNew DadMay 12

Let them see you actually praying and being genuine about it. Kids can tell when you're faking it. When they ask why, just explain it in a way that makes sense to you first.

DDerek S.RegularMay 12

I struggle with this too. My son started asking similar questions and I realized I was just doing it because that's how I grew up, not because I really understood why. Having real conversations about faith instead of just going through the motions has actually helped all of us.