Teaching Kids to Pray – A Fun and Simple Activity
Introducing prayer to kids can be a beautiful experience, but it can also feel a bit daunting—especially if they’re new to the concept. A great way to make it engaging and easy is to use a “Prayer Slider” worksheet, based on the acronym PRAY: Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield. This simple tool breaks down the steps of prayer into manageable, meaningful parts, helping kids learn how to talk with God in a structured yet personal way.
One of my favorite tools to help kids learn how to pray is the Prayer Slider Bookmark. Grab it in my TPT store! This easy-peasy bookmark slider breaks down the steps of prayer in a way that’s fun, manageable, and meaningful. And the best part? It’s adaptable for both the classroom and home, making it perfect for busy parents and teachers alike!
What is a Prayer Slider?
A prayer slider is a creative, interactive bookmark that guides kids through the steps of prayer using the PRAY acronym. Each letter represents a different aspect of prayer:
- P – Praise: Start by praising God for who He is—His love, His kindness, His creation, His power, His sacrifice, etc.
- R – Repent: Say sorry for things that you’ve done wrong or for times you’ve made mistakes.
- A – Ask: Ask God for help, for yourself or others, and for anything you might need.
- Y – Yield: Listen quietly to God, reflecting on His guidance, wisdom, or any thoughts that come to mind. Trust God’s plan for your life and ask Him to help you surrender to Him.
This prayer slider worksheet is so engaging and makes prayer even more exciting because it has a movable slider piece that kids can use as they go through the steps. I just print, cut, laminate, and attach a pipe cleaner and bead to make a simple slider. Depending on the age of your students or child, you can have them help assemble their bookmark sliders!
How to Use the PRAY Prayer Slider in the Classroom
- Prepare the Materials: Print out the PRAY prayer slider bookmark for each student. You will need a pipe cleaner and bead for each student. I like to have my 6th grade students make these with me, but you can make them ahead of time if you have littles.
- Introduce the PRAY Acronym: Explain the acronym PRAY to the kids. Make it interactive by asking them to share examples of praise or things they might want to ask God about. Keep it light and engaging—this is all about helping them feel comfortable with the idea of prayer.
- Walk Through Each Step: As a group, move through each part of the PRAY acronym:
- Praise: Ask the children to slide to the “P” and think of something they love about God or a reason to be thankful. Have them share with a partner around them.
- Repent: Have them move to the “R” and reflect on anything they might feel sorry about. I like to share a personal experience to break the ice before asking them to share.
- Ask: When they reach the “A,” encourage them to ask God for something—whether it’s for themselves, their family, or others. Take time to ensure students recognize that God is not a magic genie, but instead what a relationship with you.
- Yield: Finally, on “Y,” read Jeremiah 29:11 which reviews that God has a good plan and purpose for our lives. Tell students to ask God to help them give up their own wants and desires and instead submit to where He is leading them.
- Personal Prayer Time: Allow time for the kids to use their sliders and sit intentionally in prayer with God. I love to go outside or find a big open space where students can go privately to sit with God and their prayer sliders.
Adapting the PRAY Prayer Slider for Home Use
Using the prayer slider at home can be just as fun and meaningful! Here’s how to adapt it for a more personal setting.
- Make It a Family Activity: Gather your materials and print a PRAY slider for each family member. Set aside some quiet time, maybe after dinner or before bedtime, to assemble and decorate the sliders together. This can become a cherished family tradition!
- Explain the PRAY Steps: Share the meaning of the PRAY acronym with your children, explaining each step in a way that resonates with them. Use real-life examples that are relevant to your family’s experiences.
- Practice Daily or Weekly: Encourage your children to use their prayer sliders daily or at least once a week. You can make it a part of your bedtime routine or morning start.
- Share and Reflect: Take time to share as a family what each person praised, repented, asked, or yielded to God. This can spark meaningful conversations and help kids see prayer as an open dialogue, not a chore.
- Encourage Independent Use: After your children are familiar with using the prayer slider, encourage them to use it independently. They can keep it by their bedside or in a special spot where they like to pray.
Tips for Making the Most of the PRAY Prayer Slider:
- Keep It Light and Fun: Prayer is a conversation with God and should feel joyful, not forced. Let kids express themselves naturally.
- Use Real-Life Examples: Connect the PRAY steps to everyday situations. Did they have a good day at school? That’s a reason to praise! Did they argue with a sibling? That might be something to repent.
- Encourage Creativity: Let children add their own prompts or thoughts to the slider. Maybe they want to add a section for gratitude or a space for drawing.
- Model Prayer: Kids learn by example. Don’t be afraid to share your own prayers, showing them that prayer should be a normal, everyday activity.
Final Thoughts:
Teaching children to pray using the PRAY acronym and a prayer slider is an excellent way to help them feel comfortable and confident in their conversations with God. Whether in a classroom or at home, this interactive tool can make prayer more accessible and meaningful for kids of all ages.
Give it a try, and watch as your students or children grow in their understanding and practice of prayer. After all, prayer is a wonderful gift that helps us connect with God in the most personal way possible.
Comment below how this worked for your family or students!
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