Teaching Your Kids to Pray (Even When It’s Awkward)

If you’ve ever bowed your head with your child and heard something like, “Thanks for pizza… and my toy… um, Amen,” you’re not alone. Teaching kids to pray can feel awkward. Parents often hesitate to even start because we’re unsure what to say, how to model it, or how to make it feel natural.

But here’s the good news: Prayer isn’t about getting it perfect. It’s about relationship. And children can grow in prayer the same way they grow in language—by watching, trying, and being encouraged along the way. Jesus welcomed children and honored their faith. So can we.

Let’s explore how to help your kids talk to God without making it weird—for them or for you.

1. The Pressure Parents Feel About Teaching Prayer

We often feel like we need to be spiritual experts before we can disciple our kids. But that’s not the model God gives us. Scripture calls parents to teach their children diligently (Deut. 6:6–7)—not perfectly. We don’t need long, eloquent prayers. We need consistency, honesty, and grace.

What holds many parents back is the fear of sounding awkward or feeling fake. But if our kids only hear rehearsed prayers, they’ll miss out on seeing what real dependence on God sounds like. When you feel unsure, lean in—not away. You’re discipling through your dependence.

2. What Scripture Shows Us About Childlike Faith

Jesus valued the faith of children:

“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 19:14, ESV).

He even told adults to learn from children’s humility and trust (Matthew 18:3). Prayer doesn’t require advanced vocabulary or flawless theology. It just requires a heart that wants to talk to God.

When your child stumbles through a prayer, they’re learning to trust that God is listening. That’s beautiful. And you can model the same trust.

3. 5 Simple Practices to Help Your Kids Talk to God

1. Keep It Short and Honest

Start with real-life, in-the-moment prayers. “God, help us find the missing lunchbox,” or “Thanks for the sunshine today.” Kids learn by hearing and repeating. A few sincere words go much further than a formal script.

2. Build Prayer Into Your Rhythm

Deuteronomy 6 gives us a pattern—talk about God’s truth when you rise, walk, sit, and lie down. That’s your whole day. Try these:

• Morning: “God, help us be kind today.”

• Meals: “Thank you for this food.”

• Bedtime: “God, help us rest and trust You.”

Consistency builds comfort.

3. Let Them Use Their Own Words—Don’t Edit

It’s tempting to fix your child’s theology mid-prayer. Don’t. Let them speak freely, even if it’s messy. Over time, you can guide gently. But early on, the goal is confidence, not correctness.

God hears imperfect prayers with perfect love.

4. Try the ACTS Model

When they’re ready for some structure, ACTS is a simple way to expand their understanding:

• Adoration – “God, You are good.”

• Confession – “I’m sorry for…”

• Thanksgiving – “Thank You for…”

• Supplication – “Please help…”

Even one sentence for each helps build a habit.

5. Celebrate Answered Prayers

Nothing builds faith like seeing God at work. If your child prays for a friend and that friend feels better—celebrate! Point out when God answers prayer, big or small. Say, “God heard you. Isn’t that amazing?”

This helps them see prayer not as a ritual but as a real conversation.

4. What to Do When Prayer Feels Awkward or Forced

It’s okay if prayer times feel clunky. That’s normal. Don’t quit—adjust.

• Keep it brief if attention is short.

• Ask questions like: “What do you want to thank God for today?”

• Use prayer prompts or sentence starters.

• Laugh when it’s funny. (Kids say wild things!) Enjoy the moment.

Prayer isn’t about performance—it’s about presence.

5. Long-Term Impact: Building a Foundation for a Life of Faith

By teaching your kids to pray, you’re giving them more than a habit. You’re giving them a lifeline.

You’re showing them how to:

• Turn to God in times of need.

• Express gratitude and worship.

• Trust Him with their hearts and futures.

Years from now, they may forget the words you taught them. But they’ll remember you prayed with them. And they’ll know that prayer isn’t awkward—it’s what children of God do.

Conclusion: Start Today—Even if It’s Messy

Don’t wait until you have the perfect moment. Start where you are. Say a short prayer together today. Let it be simple, real, and from the heart.

Because when you teach your kids to pray—even in the awkward moments—you’re teaching them to live close to God.