Coach Debbie

Do your kids know God’s Word?  I’m not talking about just the “stories” in the Bible, but actual verses.   Yes, it’s wonderful to know about Daniel and Jonah and Noah.  But I also want my kids to be able to have God’s Word hidden in their heart, knowing that it doesn’t return void.  I want them to be able to recite Scripture and claim His truths, and to know who Jesus is so they can love Him and tell others about Him.

My family has been doing pre-bedtime prayer for a while.  They are restless and wiggly, but it’s a powerful time together.  We sit in a circle and pray for just 1 family member per night.  The one person shares their 2 prayer requests so that we know what’s on the heart.  To hear 5 people pray for you is humbling and sweet.

I love this time and would not trade it, even if I have to mouth “stop” to a kid who’s kicking his brother mid-prayer while eyeing me.  Their prayers range from thoughtful and deep to the standard “thank you for the trees.”

We’d been doing this for months but I told Jason something was missing.  Certain prayers sounded robotic and scripted, and I wanted more for them.  We talked about how they could get focused and how they could really start learning Scripture.  I didn’t want to make Bible-reading a chore, but I also knew they weren’t in the habit of opening up that Book beyond Sunday School. 

How will they have a foundation in Christ if they don’t read His words?  So we changed up our nightly prayer routine.  We still pray for one person a night, but Jason came up with a plan that brought more “meat” to our purpose.

Each night at bedtime, Jason assigns a book of the Bible (or a chapter range) for the kids to pick (for example, 1 John).  The following day, after school, they get a piece of paper and start browsing that section of their Bible.   They write down a verse that stands out to them.  They are to think about what the meaning is as well. 

Next, they write down their prayer for the 1 person.  It helps them to be more mindful and thankful.  I remind them to “enter His courts with praise” so they begin their written prayer with praises (“Thank you for a yummy dinner,” “Thank you for dying on the cross,” “Thank you for being here with us and thanks for making the trees.”)  Then they pray for the family member and their requests.

Once dinner is over, we get on our living room sectional couch that can hold all 6 of us (plus 2 dogs) and go in a circle, sharing verses and their meanings.  This always leads to discussion and a mini lesson for them.  Then they read their prayers.  It has really changed our family prayer time for the better!  And, side note, when they are overly antsy we have them stand up with their paper and spread out, so that no one can touch anyone else (life with boys).

I encourage you to try this with your family, adjusting as needed based on their ages.  I want my kids obsessed with Jesus.  I want their lives to be radical as they serve Him.  I want them armed with His wisdom.  Challenge your brood to try it out.  Keep it simple.  I’ve been saving their sweet written prayers.  I know one day, when they’ve moved out, I will look back at these pages and weep.  And I know God delights in hearing their sweet words.

Matthew 19:14

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

We want to hear from YOU!  How does your family pray?