Do you ever feel like God is far away?  Many Christians have a hard time praying- sometimes even those who have been praying for a long time.   Feeling separated from God or like you can’t find the words to say or that you don’t want to sounds selfish is not unique to you.   I encourage you in times like this to talk to God like you would a friend;  a really powerful, all loving, non-judging friend.  He knows your heart before you speak and nothing needs to be hidden from him.

As parents, we are charged with teaching our children to know God and to help them realize that he is a friend- not an ominous, scary being that’s 10,000 miles away in heaven.  This is s a big task when sometimes we have trouble pushing those feelings away ourselves! Deuteronomy 6:7 says:  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.   That’s right Moms (and Dads) it’s our responsibility!!!

Recently a friend told me about a useful and interactive tool to help teach our children to pray.  I hope you’ll enjoy and use this idea as I think it’s great and engaging even for young kids!  It’s also a great reminder and prayer starter for all of us- especially when we’re having a hard time getting started.

Thumb- The finger that is closest to us- Pray for Those Closest to you–  family, close friends, classmates- often those whom we think of first.

Pointer- The Finger That Points the Way- Pray for those who teach and guide- guidance for school teachers, Sunday school teachers, coaches, and our pastors

Middle – The Tallest Finger (ok- this is a good teaching point for NOT raising the middle finger :))- Pray for those in positions of authority- wisdom for our government, military, and police

Ring- The Weakest Finger- Pray for those who are weak- the less fortunate, the poor, the homeless, the sick

Pinkie- The Smallest Finger- Pray for yourself– God wants to hear from you too!  Especially when you put others first.  Pray for the ways that you need his help.

Do you have tried and true methods for teaching your kids to pray?  Please share with us by posting below or on Facebook!!