Stay Close to Your Child

According to respected teachers of faith down through the ages, there is no single “right” way to pray. Many people find it helpful to sit and close their eyes when they pray. Others prefer to stand and look up toward heaven. Prayer is simply talking with God. So when you pray, reverently yet freely tell God what’s on your heart.

Here are two suggested prayers you can adapt and use when you pray with your child, if you desire:

Bedtime

Dear God in heaven,

Thank you so much that you have blessed me with my child. Thank you that you love and want the best for him/her. I love my child and want the best for him/her, as well. Please help me to raise my son/daughter to be an outstanding young man/woman who loves you, loves other people, and is dearly loved by his/her family and friends.

Amen.*

Mealtime

Dear God in heaven,

Thank you for your goodness, greatness and gracious gifts to us this and every day. Thank you for the way you have provided for all our needs. We gladly stop to thank you now for this meal and for those who prepared it.

Amen.*

*”Amen” is a term traditionally used to affirm or confirm what has been said in prayer.

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On This Topic

• Introduction • Protecting the Emotional Health • If Your Child Is Struggling Emotionally • The Breakdown of the Family • Fathers and Their Child’s Faith • Fathers and their Child’s Behavior • How Moms Can Stay Close to Their Sons • The Importance of Dinnertime • Praying with Your Child • The Power of Modeling • Defining “Good Family Man” • The Power of Specific Instruction • The Bible’s Instructions for Moral Living • Teaching Respect for Girls and Women • What Does It Mean to Parent? • Teaching Your Child How to Work