Here is a fun Bible time idea: The Prayer Box-Teaching Preschoolers to Pray
Teaching preschoolers to pray is very important. One of the greatest joys of being a mom was saying prayers with my 2 daughters at night. Now, they are all grown up, but they are still praying because we chose to make it a habit in our home. Prayer is essential for the spiritual growth of our children and in my opinion it is never too early to start teaching them how to talk to God. Here ia s fun and creative way to make prayer extra special for your preschoolers. It uses a tool I like to call, “The Prayer Box.”
Here’s what you do:
Go to your local box store and get a square box. I chose one that is 8″ square. Next print the pictures I have given to you below and then laminate them for long-term use. Attach each picture to one side of the box.
How to present “The Prayer Box”:
When you want to have a time of prayer, ask one of your children to grab “The Prayer Box”. Point out each side of the square and say something like the following:
Who can show me the side of “The Prayer Box” that has a picture of our community helpers like the policeman and fireman? (Wait for response.) Good job. God wants us to remember to pray for those who watch over us in our neighborhoods. Can you think of a community helper we might pray for today? (Wait for response and help them along if needed.) Let’s pray and ask God to help them do their job really well.
Who can show me the side of “The Prayer Box” that has a picture of some friends and a family? (Wait for response.) Good job. God is so good to have given us a family that loves us and friends that care for us. Does anyone have a friend they would like to pray for? Or maybe someone in your family needs prayer. Can you think of someone? (Wait for response.) Let’s pray and ask God to watch over them.
Who can show me the side of “The Prayer Box” that has a picture of a smiling boy? (Wait for response.) Good job. This boy is smiling because he knows that Jesus will be there for him whenever he needs help. Is there something you need help with? (Wait for response.) Let’s pray and ask God to help you.
Who can show me the side of “The Prayer Box” that has a picture of a sad girl? (Wait for response.) Good job. This girl is sad because she is sorry for doing something wrong. When you do something wrong you should tell God that you are sorry. Let’s pray and ask God to forgive us for doing wrong things.
Who can show me the side of “The Prayer Box” that has a picture of a family at a table? (Wait for response.) Good job. This family is thanking God for all the good food He has given them. We should remember to thank God for everything He gives us. Can you think of something you want to tell God “thank you” for? (Wait for response.) Let’s pray and tell God, “Thank You.”
Who can show me the side of “The Prayer Box” that has a picture of a heart? (Wait for response.) Good job. This heart should remind us that God loves us VERY much. We can tell God we love Him! Let’s pray and tell God, “We love You!”
After explaining each side of the prayer box, let a child roll the cube. Whatever side it lands on, encourage the children to say a prayer that relates to the picture.
The Prayer Box Pictures
As a little bonus, I am going to give you the link to one of my newest songs “Pray Morning, Noon and Night”:
Scripture Lady’s Song “Pray Morning, Noon and Night” as an mp3 file.
If you liked this Sunday School/Homeschooling idea, then sign up to receive Scripture Lady’s Free Email Kid Tips packed full with creative ideas and receive 6 FREE Bible Review Games to help get the kids you minister to excited about the Bible! Just go to www.MyFreeBibleGames.com to fully subscribe.
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“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my thoughts. See if there be any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23
