How to Pray With Your Children (Even If You Don’t Know What to Say)
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Growing up, I always imagined that parents who prayed with their children had all the right words.
They prayed beautiful prayers.
They knew exactly what to say.
Everything sounded thoughtful, intentional, and deeply spiritual.
Then I became a mom.
And I realized that most days looked a little more like this:
“Jesus…thank You for today.”
“Please help us be kind.”
“Keep us safe.”
“Amen.”
Some nights our prayers last thirty seconds.
Some mornings they’re interrupted halfway through.
Sometimes one child is listening while another is doing somersaults on the couch.
And honestly?
I don’t think God is disappointed by any of it.
I’ve actually become convinced that our children don’t need impressive prayers.
They need parents who are willing to pray.
The Prayer My Kids Hear Almost Every Night
We pray things like,
“God I thank you for ____’s life.”
We pray repeat after me declarations like,
“Fear, get out of here in Jesus’ name.
Jesus, thank You for the good dreams you have for me tonight”
We declare scriptures like,
“Please bless ____, keep them, and smile on them” Numbers 6:24-26
Prayer Isn’t a Performance
I think one of the biggest lies Christian parents believe is that we have to pray “the right way.”
But if you read Jesus’ teaching on prayer, He never tells us to impress people.
He teaches us to come honestly.
Children learn the same way.
They don’t need perfect prayers.
They need authentic ones.
When they hear us thank God for small things…
Ask for forgiveness…
Pray for a sick friend…
Or simply ask Jesus for help…
They’re learning that prayer is part of everyday life.
Looking for an easy way to begin praying with your children?
I’ve created a free printable with Scripture-based bedtime blessings that you can start using tonight.
👉 Download your free copy below
Five Simple Ways to Pray With Your Children
1. Keep It Short
Especially with young children.
One or two sentences is enough.
Consistency matters more than length.
2. Pray About Ordinary Things
Thank God for:
The sunshine.
Grandma.
A fun day at the park.
Their favorite stuffed animal.
Tomorrow’s soccer game.
Prayer doesn’t have to sound “churchy.”
3. Let Your Children Hear Your Real Prayers
This has probably changed my perspective more than anything else.
Sometimes my children hear me pray because I don’t know what else to do.
“Lord, please give me patience.”
“Help me make a wise decision.”
“Thank You for providing.”
Those prayers teach them that we don’t outgrow our need for God.
4. Let Them Pray
Even if it’s only:
“Thank You for my puppy.”
That’s enough.
Prayer grows over time.
5. Remember That You’re Teaching a Relationship
The goal isn’t raising children who know how to recite beautiful prayers.
It’s raising children who know they can talk to Jesus.
That’s a very different goal.
A few resources our family enjoys:
• Bedside night light for bedtime prayers
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Bedtime Blessings for Little Hearts
If you’re looking for a simple place to begin, I’ve created a free printable
with Scripture-based bedtime blessings and a simple prayer that you can start using tonight.
👉 Download the Free Printable below
What If You Feel Like You’re Not Doing Enough?
Can I encourage you with something?
Your children probably won’t remember every prayer you pray.
They probably won’t remember every bedtime.
Or every devotional.
Or every conversation.
But they’ll remember that talking to Jesus was normal in your home.
That prayer wasn’t reserved for emergencies.
That Mom and Dad brought everything to God—big things and little things.
That is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.
Not perfect words.
But a living example of what it looks like to depend on Jesus.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve ever hesitated to pray with your children because you didn’t know what to say, let this be your encouragement:
Start simple.
Pray the prayer that’s on your heart. Be real.
Thank God for today.
Ask Him for help tomorrow.
Pray for the people you love.
Then trust that He delights in hearing every word.
Because prayer has never been about saying the perfect thing.
It’s always been about spending time with a perfect Savior.
