Praying Parents, Praying Children

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"And the child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon him" (Luke 3:40).

Jesus Christ's life is our best example of family life. Although the Holy Bible did not mention a lot about His childhood years, we can understand so many truths from Luke 3:39-52.

His parents did everything according to the law of God
His parents celebrated the feast of the Passover according to the custom and taught Him to do the same
Jesus was obedient and cooperated with His parents
- He respected their decisions
- He performs His responsibilities with a good attitude
His parents raised Him in a balanced atmosphere
- Physically - He grew strong
- Mentally – They gave Him knowledge about God
Although His parents knew His gift, they never pressured Him
Jesus increased in wisdom and spiritual growth
Jesus grew in favor with God and men
His mother was proud of Him and kept all these things in her heart

Parenting - this is a big word and also a huge responsibility, we should not take it lightly when we plan to have children and we must prepare for it before taking the first step. Parenting is not only about providing the right physical needs for the child, but it is also about providing the right environment for the child to grow from in different aspects. Parenting helps the child to become physically and mentally healthy, in order to prepare him for his future adulthood. Many parents start parenting with a busy and stressful attitude. They get caught up in the amount of work that adds to their daily life such as nursing, clothing, feeding and educating the child. Some parents involve their children in many activities and neglect the most important part of raising a child, which is having a relationship with his child.

Wise parents start observing the child from their infancy, paying attention and learning about their child's personality. They teach the child and direct him according to his needs and try to avoid comparing between siblings.

When it comes to teaching children religion, many parents do not realize the importance of starting at an early age. They assume that the young child does not yet have the ability to comprehend. Some parents will depend solely on Sunday school and attending the Divine Liturgy.

We cannot use the excuse that life is so hectic that it prevents us from knowing our children, having a positive relationship with them, or teaching them how to pray and be closer to God. We need to realize that everything should begin with God and our main responsibility as parents is to practice the presence of God, and then all our life will become a prayer that is pleasing to God.

"Then they also brought infants to him that he might touch them; but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them but Jesus called them to him and said 'Let the children come to me, and do not forbid them; of such is the kingdom of God'" (Luke 18:15-16).

In the Old Testament, we learn how God commanded the children of Israel to teach the law of God diligently to their children. God also used young men in his plan (such as Joseph, Samuel, David, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc) to do many wonderful things. And now Jesus was stressing the point that He does not only want men and women, but He is also welcoming the children and wants us to be like them.

Why is Jesus Christ asking us to be like children?

Children easily trust in God's ability and power
Faith comes naturally to them
Children believe that God is able to do anything
They are still pure in heart
They are full of compassion toward others
They are simple and straight forward in their prayers
They are honest with God in their prayers
Tend to let go of their problems after they pray and let God handle it
More easily repent than adults
They have an ability to be receptive to God
They do not have a line of limitation around God
Capable of loving, relating and obeying God with depth
They are able to forgive and forget
They look at simple things with wonder and astonishment
They have the ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary

When parents realize how much potential their children have, their ability that God gave them during their first years of maturity and their ability to grasp and memorize, they will understand why it is vital to teach the children how to pray.

Why children should connect to God at a young age?

They will develop a positive relationship with God
This gives them an opportunity for their faith to root and grow
They will come to love God more as they grow older
They can experience answers to their prayers
They can develop a relationship of trust with God
They can develop security knowing that God is watching over them
They can feel that someone loves them, no matter what kind of trouble they have
Prayer will come naturally to them and be part of every task

How to help your children to pray?

Having a special time and place in your home for quiet time will enhance prayer time
Help the children quiet down by
- Turn down the light
- Slowly light a candle
- Encourage the children to close their eyes
- Teach them to focus on the presence of God
- May start with a hymn to get everyone in the mood of praying
Limiting exposing the children to many shows on television will help
- Enhance prayer time
- Allow family to talk and read together
- Make room for family activities
- Find time for hospitality
Teach your child no matter how busy our life may be, our priorities is God
Teach them that we should always be aware of God's presence at all time
Slow down with our daily schedule and children activities will help
- Make children happier and more relaxed
- Allow the family to eat dinner together
- Allow sibling to bond together
- Give opportunities for parents to know more about their children
- Give them time to pray together
Review the day at bed time prayer and thank God for the day
Read God's word together and pray that God may guide us to see His wonderful work in our life
Encourage our children to share with us some terrific things that happened to them
Take advantage of teachable moment to express God's love and goodness
Teach your children how God wants us to pray (praise, petition thanksgiving, confession, intercession and protection)
Focus on God's characters and blessing
Teach them to pray for others that need God's help
Help them develop healthy spiritual habits
Avoid lecturing and be a role model instead; listen to them
Involve the children in church activities can help
- To get closer to God
- Learn from each other
- Learn to care for others
Expose them to spiritual growth opportunities can help to talk about your beliefs and faith
Let your children hear you pray and intercede for them and others
Let your children hear you admit your mistake and asking God for forgiveness
Modeling prayer in our daily life (situations, conflict, trouble, thankfulness) can be a good example to our children
Praying with our children can
- Help them grow in their prayers
- Help them to feel loved and appreciated
- Develop natural conversation with God
- Develop a life style of loving God and communicating with Him continually
- Strongly influence them
Follow up with their Sunday school assignments will teach them to treat it with importance
It is a good idea to encourage them to memorize verses, hymns and psalms according to their age

"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom" (James 3:13).

Finally – let's decide to be Godly parents now, before it is too late and we look back and realize that the problems our children might have are a result of careless parenting. Think of the marvelous things we can do for our children as parents if we take time to observe, plan, and be a part of their life. We must realize that by allowing them to be close to God, wonderful things will happen, not only to them but also to the whole family.

Written by
Nagwa Abdou