What should your kids know about prayer?

Kids can pray anytime, anywhere; it doesn't have to be a special occasion.

Angela Verges | Contributor

When my son was 4 years old, we were sitting at the breakfast table preparing for our meal. I noticed he closed his eyes and bowed his head silently for a few moments. When he was done, I asked him what he was doing. He said, "praying."

I asked my son, "What did you say when you were praying?" His response was, "Nothing. I just closed my eyes like you do."

This was a great teachable moment. As I reflect on this moment, I pose the question, what should your kids know about prayer?

An article at Disney Family.com lists 10 things kids should know about prayer. Some of my favorites from the list include the following:

1. Prayer is communication - It does not have to be elaborate. It can be silent or spoken. Prayer can be a song a picture or a dance.
2. Prayer can be done however you want - "There’s no right or wrong way to pray."
3. Prayer can be done anywhere - It can be done at the kitchen table, at the park or while riding in a car.
4. Prayer can be for yourself or someone else - Kids should know it is ok to pray for a friend or even themselves.
5. Prayer doesn’t need a certain structure, length or specific words - However the words come out is fine, they don’t have to be long or short or fit a specific guideline.
6. Prayer doesn’t need a special occasion - “You don’t have to wait for a special time to pray.” It can be any time and as often as you like.

The complete list of things kids should know about prayer can be found at www.family.go.com/parenting/pkg-school-age/article-798894-what-your-kids-should-know-about-prayer-t/.

It has been eight years since that day I asked my son what he said in his prayer. Today he still bows his head and says a quiet prayer at meal time. His eyes are closed longer, but he tells me he is actually saying something this time.

As kids get older the things they pray about change, but the above principles are still appropriate. What do you think kids should know about prayer?

Angela Verges is a writer and mother of two. She can be reached at awritersdream41@yahoo.com.