This post contains paid and/or affiliate links. I make a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our Privacy Policy.
As parents, we have a big job: to help our children love Jesus. The Bible tells us to teach our children the right way, so they’ll stick to it when they grow up. This means teaching them good habits that will shape their faith.
To help our families grow in faith, we need three key things: reading scripture, praying, and being part of a worshiping community.
Spiritual disciplines are important for families too. By adding these practices to our daily lives, we can create harmony and growth. This starts a sacred faith journey for everyone in the family.
Read Scripture
It’s important to read the stories of the Bible with children from a young age. The Jesus Storybook by Sally Lloyd-Jones connects each story to Jesus. Audio Bible stories also help kids get into the stories.
- Connect each story to the person and work of Jesus
- Use resources like The Jesus Storybook by Sally Lloyd-Jones
- Engage children through audio Bible stories
Ask kids questions about what they read and encourage them to read the Bible on their own. This helps them grow in their faith. Starting early lays a strong foundation for their faith journey.
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV):
“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Practice Praying
Teaching kids to pray helps them find joy in God’s presence. It’s something they can learn early on. Bedtime prayer is a great way to make prayer a part of their daily routine.
Praying before bed lets kids talk to Jesus about their day. They can share their worries, thank Him, and show their love. This bedtime prayer helps them feel close to God as they sleep.
Teaching kids the Lord’s Prayer is also key. It gives them a structure for their prayers. It helps them understand God better and the importance of praying for His will.
Using the Lord’s Prayer regularly helps kids feel more connected to God. It makes their prayers more meaningful.
Teaching kids to pray for others is important too. It helps them feel empathy and compassion. It shows them the power of praying for others and how it can positively impact their lives.
Prayer isn’t just for bedtime. It’s a way to talk to God all day long. Encourage kids to pray when they’re scared, upset, or making decisions. This teaches them to rely on God’s wisdom and guidance.

Starting the day with morning prayer helps kids feel grateful and focused on God. It sets a positive tone for the day.
- Teach children simple bedtime prayers and encourage them to express their concerns, gratitude, and love for Jesus.
- Introduce the Lord’s Prayer as a framework for their prayers, deepening their understanding of God’s character.
- Encourage children to pray for others, cultivating empathy and compassion.
- Help children see prayer as a constant conversation with God throughout the day, specially during fear, frustration, and decision-making.
- Incorporate morning prayer into their routine, fostering a grateful and God-focused mindset.
By teaching kids to pray, we help them build a strong bond with God. Prayer becomes a natural part of their lives. It connects them to God’s love and guidance.
Joshua 24:15 (NIV):
“But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
Participate in a Worshiping Community
Children should join the church’s life early. Being part of a worshiping community is key for their spiritual health.
Here are ways kids can get involved:
- Sing and pray with the church on Sundays, learning worship rhythms.
- Explain the meaning of communion and baptism.
- Encourage them to serve, like welcoming visitors or helping in children’s ministries.
- Get them involved in church projects, like community service or mission trips.
- Teach them to pray for specific concerns and church members.
By joining a worshiping community, kids deepen their faith. They feel part of God’s family.
Teaching Spiritual Disciplines to Children
Spiritual disciplines are practical steps for kids to grow in faith. They include prayer, worship, service, fasting, meditation, and study. These disciplines help kids receive God’s grace and grow in faith.
Teaching these disciplines to kids can be tough. But we can guide them with age-appropriate activities. Here are some steps to introduce spiritual disciplines to kids:
- Prayer: Teach kids the value of prayer. Show them it’s a conversation with God. Encourage them to pray daily, setting times for prayer.
- Worship: Get kids involved in worship. Encourage them to sing hymns, listen to sermons, and pray together. Explain the purpose of each worship element.
- Service: Teach kids the value of serving others. Encourage them to volunteer or help those in need. Show them service reflects Christ’s love.
- Fasting: Teach kids about fasting in a way they can understand. Explain it’s about drawing closer to God. Guide them in its spiritual benefits.
- Meditation: Teach kids the importance of quiet reflection. Encourage them to ponder Scripture. Help them develop a habit of meditating on God’s truth.
- Study: Teach kids to love studying the Bible. Provide materials and encourage them to explore. Show them studying the Bible is about encountering God’s truth.
By teaching kids these spiritual disciplines, we help them grow in faith. These disciplines are the foundation of their lifelong faith journey.
Practical Ways to Engage Children in Meaningful Prayer
Teaching kids to pray in meaningful ways is possible. Here are some ideas to help them develop a prayer habit and talk to God in meaningful ways.
1. Gratitude Journals and Prayer Journals
Encourage kids to keep gratitude and prayer journals. It teaches them to express thanks and share concerns with God. These journals help them reflect on their day and pray for others.
By doing this daily, kids learn the value of prayer in their lives.
2. Family Prayer Times
Setting aside family prayer times is special. It’s a chance for kids to pray with their family. This can be before meals or at bedtime.
It shows kids how important prayer is to their family. It also helps them feel connected and united.
3. Incorporating Prayer into Daily Routines
Teach kids that prayer is a constant conversation with God. Encourage them to pray in the morning and before bed. This makes prayer a natural part of their day.
It helps them depend on God and find comfort in their relationship with Him.
4. Using Prayer Prompts and Sentence Prayers
Make prayer fun with prayer prompts and sentence prayers. These help kids think about what to pray for. They also make praying easy and interactive.
5. Praying Bible Verses
Teach kids to pray with Bible verses. Choose verses that fit their age and life. This helps them understand scripture and connect with God.
It also makes them love God’s Word and develop a meaningful prayer life.
By using these methods, we can grow their faith. We help them develop a prayer habit and build a strong spiritual foundation.
Colossians 3:16 (NIV):
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”
Cultivating a Heart for Prayer in Children
To help kids love prayer, we need to make it a constant conversation with God. Prayer should be seen as a way to connect with God, not just a one-time thing.
As parents, we can show them the power of prayer by praying ourselves.
Modeling Prayer
Being a prayer example is key. When kids see us pray, they learn to do the same. We can pray in different situations, like:
- After nightmares, comforting our children and teaching them to turn to God for peace and protection.
- During intimate conversations, sharing our joys, concerns, and struggles with God in their presence.
- When facing fears or challenges, pray together as a family and demonstrate that God is our source of strength and guidance.
- When giving thanks, expressing gratitude to God for His blessings, and teaching our children the importance of a thankful heart.
Teaching the Impact of Prayer
It’s important to show kids that prayer changes us. Explain how it helps us grow closer to God. We can also teach them to pray for others.
This way, they learn to intercede for family, friends, and those in need.
Creating Prayer Opportunities
To help children develop a heart for prayer, we can offer them chances to talk to God. Here are some ways to do this:
- Encourage them to keep a prayer journal. They can write down their prayers, worries, and thanks to God.
- Start regular family prayer times. Everyone can share their prayer needs and pray together.
- Make prayer a part of daily life. For example, pray before meals or before starting a new activity.
- Use prayer prompts or guided prayers. This helps children express themselves and explore different prayer aspects.
- Teach prayers based on Bible verses. This connects God’s Word with their prayers.
By regularly encouraging prayer in our children, we help them build a strong relationship with God. This can change their lives for the better.
Conclusion
Integrating spiritual disciplines into family life is key for growing our children’s faith.
By reading scripture, praying, joining a worshiping community, and teaching spiritual disciplines, we shape their faith. This brings harmony and growth to our families.
Reading scripture with our kids helps them connect with the stories of the Bible. It shows them who Jesus is and what He did.
Prayer teaches them the value of talking to God and keeps them in conversation with Him always.
Being part of a worshiping community helps our children learn about worship. They see its importance and join in the body of Christ.
Teaching spiritual disciplines to our children can be tough, but it’s worth it. Practices like prayer, worship, fasting, and study help them receive God’s grace. This deepens their relationship with Him.
By valuing and practicing spiritual disciplines, we start a sacred journey of faith together. We nurture our children’s faith and build a life based on God’s love and truth.
FAQ
How can I integrate spiritual disciplines into my family life?
To integrate spiritual disciplines into your family life, you can start by reading scripture with your children, practicing prayer together, and participating in a worshiping community. Teaching spiritual disciplines to children through age-appropriate activities and explanations is also beneficial.
Why is it important to read scripture with children?
Reading scripture with children is essential because it helps them grow in their faith and understand the stories of the Bible. Children can develop a deeper relationship with Him by connecting each story to the person and work of Jesus.
How can I practice praying with my children?
You can practice praying with your children by teaching them simple bedtime prayers and encouraging them to pray before bed. It is also helpful to teach them the Lord’s Prayer and encourage them to pray for others. Creating daily routines and incorporating prayer into daily activities can make prayer more relatable and enjoyable for children.
Why is it important for children to participate in a worshiping community?
Involvement in a worshiping community is vital for children’s spiritual health. By learning the rhythms of worship and participating in church-wide projects and activities, children can deepen their understanding of their faith and develop a sense of belonging in the body of Christ.
How can I teach spiritual discipline to my children?
Teaching spiritual disciplines to children can be challenging but achievable. This can be done through age-appropriate activities and explanations, incorporating prayer, worship, service, fasting, meditation, and study into their daily lives. Children can develop a Christian character and cultivate a deeper relationship with God by modeling these disciplines and explaining their importance.
What are some practical ways to engage children in meaningful prayer?
There are several practical ways to engage children in meaningful prayer. You can encourage them to keep gratitude and prayer journals, implement family prayer times, and incorporate prayer into daily routines. Using prayer prompts, practicing sentence prayers, and praying Bible verses can make prayer more relatable and enjoyable for children.
How can I cultivate a heart for prayer in my children?
Cultivating a heart for prayer in children involves communicating that prayer is a periodic act and a constant conversation with God. Parents can model and encourage prayer in various situations, show children how prayer changes us, and emphasize the importance of praying for others. This helps children develop an understanding and desire to engage in prayer.
How does integrating spiritual disciplines into family life nurture faith?
When integrated into family life, spiritual disciplines foster harmony and growth in the family. By creating an environment that values and practices spiritual disciplines such as reading scripture, practicing prayer, and participating in a worshiping community, faith is nurtured in both parents and children. This creates a sacred journey of faith for the whole family.