Prayers are central to biblical parenting because prayers are the primary means of communicating with God and helping children get closer to God. There are various issues about teaching your child to pray and connect with the Lord. Some of the basic points about effective biblical parenting with prayers are described here.
The main thing that all believing and caring parents need to teach their kids about prayers is the reason behind praying. Since ages, people have indirectly encouraged the idea that prayers are a means of getting gains or success in this world. Kids frequently, in their innocence, ask God for choice things (toys, dresses, sport items etc.) in their prayers. This attitude is not a healthier one from spiritual viewpoint because prayers are meant to tie the human soul with that of the Lord in a spiritual bond. They are not meant for demanding for worldly things and expect God to send them off. Kids should be taught in their early days of prayers that they are praying to God not for worldly gains but for spiritual bonding.
A large number of parents often face the question whether God accepts prayers from a person if he/she is not praying in a defined position i.e. with hands folded and eyes closed. Parents should remember to tell their kids that they need not assume a particular posture in order to help their prayers be heard by God. There is no mention of any particular posture for prayer in the bible. God hears any and all prayers that are offered in pure devotion, love, and humility. Kids can pray anytime, anywhere, and in any posture. However, it is better for them not to let worldly temptations and thoughts go with their prayers. Closing of eyes is in fact an attempt to remove the worldly scenes from before one’s eyes. If a kid can concentrate on the word ‘Lord’ with humility, he/she can pray without closing eyes or folding hands as most people do.
Also central to biblical parenting is the concept of persistent prayers for the delight of God. The bible teaches that God takes delight in the prayers of the upright but does not accept sacrifice from the wicked. Thus, kids must be taught that they should think and do good in order to delight the Lord with their prayers. Since Lord blesses those who persist in their purity and devotion to Him, persistent prayers not only for one’s self and family but for all friends and all people everywhere, even for your enemies or people who have done you harm. By your prayers, God will wash the evil off those who are its victims and make them see the light of goodness and love. At the same time, God will relive the sufferings of the praying person if he/she prays with a true heart.
To learn and teach more about prayers in the bible, use the Holy Bible itself as the ultimate source of biblical parenting. Some of the important sections of the bible that teach about prayers include: Jude 1: 20; Mathew 6:9-13; Mathew 5:44; James 5:13; Romans 8:26; Ephesians 6:18; Psalm 66:19; Proverbs 15:8; and Mathew 6:5-6.
