How to Pray: A Simple Guide from Scripture
"How do I pray?" is one of the best questions a child or teen can ask. The disciples asked Jesus something very similar, and He answered with a pattern we still use today. This guide is meant for Sunday school teachers, youth ministers, and parents who want to help young people talk with God simply and honestly.
Start with the pattern Jesus gave
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV)
Notice that Jesus says "after this manner." The Lord's Prayer can be prayed word for word, and it can also serve as an outline. Here is a simple way to walk through it with kids:
- "Our Father which art in heaven": We talk to God as a loving Father. Prayer is personal.
- "Hallowed be thy name": We praise God for who He is. Ask, "What is one thing you love about God?"
- "Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done": We ask for God's ways, not just our own plans.
- "Give us this day our daily bread": We bring our real needs, big and small.
- "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors": We tell God where we have done wrong, and we choose to forgive others.
- "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil": We ask for help to do right and for protection.
- "For thine is the kingdom": We end by remembering that God is great and able.
Pray all the time
“Pray without ceasing.”1 Thessalonians 5:17 (KJV)
This short verse helps young people see that prayer is not only for church or bedtime. It can happen on the bus, before a test, at practice, or while walking home. A quick, honest sentence to God counts.
Teaching idea: Have each student pick three "prayer reminders" in their day, such as brushing teeth, opening a locker, or sitting down to eat, and pray one sentence at each one this week.
Pray for one another
“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”James 5:16 (KJV)
Prayer is not only private. James reminds us that praying for each other matters. "Effectual fervent" means earnest and sincere. Kids do not need long or fancy words; they need honest hearts.
Teaching idea: Pair students and have each share one thing the other can pray about. Give them a moment to pray for each other, out loud or silently. Let shy students know that silent prayer is welcome.
A simple pattern for beginners
For younger children, some teachers use four short steps:
- Praise: Tell God something you love about Him.
- Sorry: Tell God something you did wrong and ask forgiveness.
- Thanks: Thank God for something good today.
- Please: Ask God for help for yourself or someone else.
Keep it warm and simple
The goal is not perfect words but a growing friendship with God. Model prayer yourself, keep it short, and celebrate when students try. Over time, the pattern Jesus gave will become a natural part of how they talk with their Father.