Prayer is a special activity we can do with the children in our lives, deepening our relationship with them, and their connection with God.
Prayer is a conversation with God. It need not be formal and there are no rules, so whether the child you would like to pray with is used to praying or not, there are many ideas that can make it an enjoyable activity that brings peace to both you and the little one you are praying with.
Some tips for praying with children
Teaching children they can pray whenever they like and wherever they like is a gift they will carry with them through life. By encouraging them to talk to God whenever they feel and want to, they are encouraged to connect with their feelings and emotions and develop a sense of safety in the continual love of Christ.
More formal prayer settings also have a role in a child’s journey through life, and there’s no better time than Advent to embrace the magic and miracle of Christ’s birth.
Here are some tips you might want to consider when praying with Children this Advent:
- Set up a simple crib scene and light a candle to signify your prayer. Children find the story of the Nativity compelling, so in your own words try to tell them the story and what it means to you. Perhaps ask questions such as “how do you think Mary and Joseph felt when they couldn’t find anywhere to stay?” to encourage empathy with the story.
- Try to encourage the child to imagine Jesus beside them as their closest friend; someone they can say anything to and with whom they can confide any worries.
- Encourage the child to embrace gratitude by asking them to list the things they are grateful for in life and acknowledge that others may not be so fortunate.
- Introduce them to the simple concept of abandonment by encouraging them to ask for God’s help and Grace in their daily lives.
A simple prayer for Advent
Here’s a simple prayer appropriate for children, that you might want to use this Advent:
My little Lord Jesus, I love You and thank You for this Advent season. Please help me to understand all that You have done for me. Your loving mother held You in her heart and brought You into this world. Help me to do the same.
My loving Jesus, I choose You, this Advent, as my King and my God. Draw me close to You and help me to see my sins so that I can change the things that You want me to change.
Mother Mary, pray for me this Advent so that I may do all that God wants me to do. You said “Yes” to all that God asked of you. Please pray for me that I may do the same.
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come, Lord Jesus,
Come, Lord Jesus, come!
I love You, Jesus.
Amen.
