It has become a ritual every single night at our house- after bath, snack and a story, it’s time to pray. No, not the “now I lay me down to sleep” kind of prayer, but our kind. It’s a family affair. We let the kids pick whose room we’ll pray in that night (they like that). Then we stand and join hands in a circle and pray.

The first few nights my husband or I would say a prayer. Nothing too “heavy”, but one that was heart felt and personal in a way that our 7 and 3 year olds would understand. Basically, we would just share with God what we were thankful for that day, and what we desired in our heart. It may be something like; “Heavenly Father, we love you and we thank you for watching over us today. And we thank you for taking away Kennedi’s cold”.  Now, each person has their own night to say a prayer from their heart.

By us opening up this activity to and with our kids, we teach them first, that talking to God is like talking to a real person; One who is involved with our life, thoughts and feelings.

Second, that God wants to hear from us whatever is on our mind or in our hearts. Many nights our 3 year old is thankful for cookies, and that’s ok.  But now, she’s beginning to be thankful for her family, her house and hugs and kisses.

Third, it teaches them that if mommy and daddy have a relationship with God, it’s perfectly ok for them to have one as well. Prayer being so open and accepted at home sets a standard for a normal way of life as they grow and mature.

Funny, the first couple of times we had prayer, the girls were shy about speaking in front of us and sharing their inner thoughts; but now our 3 year old yells through the house “TIME FOR PRAYER” with excitement at bedtime.  As a result of starting this “tradition” we’ve watched their confidence and holy boldness bloom.  That alone gives me so many reasons to be thankful.

How do you share God with your children?