Potluck at the Park

Praying in a group of any kind can feel scary or intimidating, but it’s a beautiful thing to model and teach to our kids. Just like there are no hard and fast rules or formulas for praying on your own, there is no wrong way to pray as a family if you’re honestly talking and listening to God.

As you build the practice, start small and focus on building a consistent habit. Try a short prayer time before or after your Bible study time and involve the whole family. Simple ways to do that are to ask each person for a praise (something they thank God for) and a request (something to ask God for). Try taking turns either by rotating who prays each time or by letting everyone say part of the prayer.

Be sensitive to how your kids respond to praying out loud in front of others. If they’re extremely uncomfortable, don’t make them pray out loud even if it’s their turn; it’s okay to let them pray silently and just say “amen” when they’re done. It’s okay to let everyone pray silently or to play music during silent group prayer to make it feel less awkward. We all know the dreaded sniffle/cough/fart situation will happen, and then everyone will be giggling and distracted trying to figure out who did it. Or someone will say the wrong word at the worst possible moment. It will feel wildly irreverent, possibly heretical, but I promise you God has a sense of humor. No one will be struck dead (unless you burn strange fire or steal plunder you were explicitly told not to touch), and your kids will learn that prayer can be part of everyday life moments and God accepts them for who they are in every moment.

Here are some low-pressure ways to pray together that are squirmy body friendly. Try prayer doodling: give everyone a piece of paper and have them doodle or draw while you pray. Read a psalm and sing it or write your own version of it. Use ABCs and 123s: take turns saying things you’re thankful for that start with each letter of the alphabet; use the numbers similarly- say 1 thing you love about God, name 2 people you can show love to today, say 3 things you’re thankful for…