PRAYER:
What Is It?
Prayer is a time to visit with a friend, not just a time to ask for things. Good communication includes both listening and speaking. We listen when we read what God has written in His Word and to what the Holy Spirit speaks into our hearts. We speak when we share both our thoughts and our feelings to God, through words, thoughts and actions. When there is good communication between you and God, it becomes natural to come to Him during times of emergency. The line is open and everything is all clear.
Building Faith
The best way to build up someone's faith is to share your own answered prayers. Whether your students are young or old, you need to let them know that God is at work. Do not forget to give thanks to God for those times that He answered no.
NURSERY
Little ones need prayer:
Hold an infant in your hand and he will feel your love.
Hold him while you pray, and you introduce him to God's love.
PRESCHOOLERS
Thanksgiving Cards
Incorporate prayers of thanksgiving into your classroom. Make a prayer box using flashcards. Each card should have a picture of something or someone that we should be thankful for. Let each child pick a flashcard from the box. Then children can thank God for the item on their card. Replace flashcards for use another day.
Take a Hike
Take your students on a nature hike. Before going, instruct them to watch for things that you can stop and thank God for. As you walk take the time to stop and thank God, for the things the children notice. After you return to your class, you can make a list of all the things you saw and then ask God to help you take care of the things He has created.
ELEMENTARY
Prayer Starters
1. Dear God, Please give...
2. Dear God, Thank you for...
3. Dear God, Please show me...
4. Dear God, Please forgive me...
5. Dear God, Please help...
Emphasize one or two prayer starters each week. At first, you will have to demonstrate if for the children, but in time, they will catch on to the idea for themselves.
No More Tattling
When your child complains about others, teach them to pray for that person. Jesus taught we are to pray for those who hurt us and misuse us. We need to teach our children to do the same. Tattling can become a natural action for young children so take advantage of this and give your child a concern for others.
JUNIORS
Pray For Absentees
Encourage your students to pray for absent students. Assign at least one student to pray for each absentee, during the coming week. If everyone is present on a given Sunday use that week to either give thanks for those in the class, or think of someone who they would like to see join the class.
Create a Poster
Let your students help you create a prayer poster. They could use words, pictures, or both. Let them work in groups for a class poster or individually on posters for their home. A sample poster might include the following:
1. Our Schools
2. Our Families
3. Our Country
4. Our Friends
5. Our Church
TEENS
Class Prayer Journal
Keep a class prayer journal. Keep record not only of prayer requests, but also record the answers to prayer. Periodically go through the journal and reminisce on how God has answered prayer.
Music From the Heart
Use music to teach children to pray. Many songs are prayers as well. Sing a prayer song. Talk about the words and what they mean. Talk about whom the song is written to. Then have the students join you in singing the song to God. Use both songs of praise and songs of commitment.