PRAYING IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Be sure children understand what prayer is.

Prayer is talking to God in an ordinary manner, out of the depth of your heart. Talking to God is Just like chatting with a friend.

2. Keep prayer a priority in your classroom each week, not just when you have lessons on prayer.

Knowing about prayer, thinking about prayer, and even thinking up prayers are not the same as actually praying. There is no substitute for praying. Use a prayer chart or a prayer box.

Try a wall of prayer. Hang a piece of newspaper (end rolls from local papers may be free) or you can use butcher block paper. Allow the children to write their prayer requests on the paper after they have shared their requests with the class. It is a faith building visual reminder of the prayers and allows for great follow-up on prayers when they get answered.

Talk about problems people have. Encourage the boys and girls to name people they know that have problems or have choices to make. Children may mention divorce, a move, job loss, illness, or other needs. Have children print needs on cards and place them in the prayer box or attach them to
the chart. Display the chart or prayer box in a prominent place in your classroom. Each week pray for the requests listed.

Talk often about praying for forgiveness. Be alert to children who are ready to accept Jesus as their personal Savior. Be aware of opportunities for children to pray and accept Jesus as Savior. When 1,000 Sunday School workers were asked when they prayed and accepted Jesus as Savior, 500 said it was between ages 9-12.

3. Provide tools that will make it easier for children to pray at home.

Encourage boys and girls to find a time and place at home where they can pray each day. Children need to know that communicating with God on a regular basis is important. Have each child think through what will be best for him. Daily time with God makes a difference. Even young children
can develop the discipline of daily prayer.