育兒

Teaching children to pray in the morning is a wonderful way to start their day with God, setting a positive tone and reminding them of His presence and love [1]. These prayers are often simple, expressing gratitude for a new day and asking for God's blessing and guidance.

Traditional Morning Prayer 1:
"Good morning, Lord Jesus, this day is for you. Please bless everything I think, say, and do. Amen." [2]

This prayer is concise and easy for young children to memorize. It dedicates the child's thoughts, words, and actions to Jesus.

Traditional Morning Prayer 2 (from Compassion UK):
"Father God I thank you for this new day. I thank you that you love me and are with me today. Amen." [1]

This prayer focuses on thankfulness for the new day and God's love and presence.

A Child's Morning Prayer (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America):
"Lord Jesus, I thank You for the gift of this new day. When You came to earth for us, You grew as a child in wisdom and grace. As Lord, You received children in Your arms. You blessed them and said that Your kingdom belongs to them. Dear Jesus, receive me also on this day and hear my morning prayer. Bless my parents, teachers, and all those who love and care for me. Bless me, also, and protect me from danger and evil. Give me strength to be truthful, honest, kind, and helpful to others. Guide me to grow as a member of Your kingdom. You are my Lord and King, and to You I give praise and thanks forever." [5]

This prayer is more detailed, suitable for older children. It recalls Jesus' own childhood and His love for children, and includes petitions for oneself and others.

Bedtime prayers help children reflect on their day, seek forgiveness, and entrust themselves to God's care through the night [1]. These prayers often bring comfort and peace.

"Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep":
"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Keep me safe through the night and wake me with the morning light. Amen." [2]

This is perhaps one of the most classic and well-known children's bedtime prayers in the English-speaking world. It’s simple, rhythmic, and easy for children to learn.

A slightly longer version found in some traditions:
"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take. If I should live for other days, I pray the Lord to guide my ways."

The mention of death can be sensitive for some children, so parents should use discretion. Many modern adaptations omit this part or rephrase it.

Adapted version from Ministry-to-Children:
"Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Guardian Angels are near me, so I will not fear. I pray for peace and rest tonight, and for all those who are struggling. Amen.” [7]

This version emphasizes angelic protection and intercession for others.

"Gentle Jesus, Meek and Mild":
"Gentle Jesus, meek and mild, Look upon a little child; Pity my simplicity, Suffer me to come to Thee. Amen." [7]

This prayer, attributed to Charles Wesley, emphasizes Jesus' gentleness and a child's humble approach to Him.

Bedtime Prayer from Compassion UK:
"Father God I thank you for being with me today. I thank you that you were alongside me in everything I faced today. Please help me in the week ahead. I thank you that you will never leave me. Amen." [1]

Mealtime blessings are short prayers of thanks for food and God's provision [2]. They cultivate an attitude of gratitude.

Traditional Mealtime Blessing 1:
"God is great, God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. By His hands, we are fed. Thank you, Lord, for our daily bread. Amen." [2]

This rhyming prayer is very common and easy for children to learn and recite together.

Traditional Mealtime Blessing 2 (from SplashLearn, adapted from E. Rutter Leatham):
"Thank you, God, for the world so sweet, Thank you, God, for the food we eat, Thank you, God, for the birds that sing, Thank you, God, for everything. Amen." [6]

This prayer expands gratitude beyond just food to the broader creation.

These prayers invoke God's protection and guidance in a child's life, acknowledging His sovereignty and care [1].

"Angel of God, My Guardian Dear":
"Angel of God, my guardian dear, to whom His love commits me here; ever this day (or night) be at my side, to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen." [2, 7]

This prayer, rooted in the Catholic tradition of guardian angels, is a plea for angelic protection and guidance. It can be adapted for morning ("ever this day") or evening ("ever this night").

Prayer for Protection (from SplashLearn):
"Dear God, I know that You are my protector. You watch over me each day. Please keep me safe from harm. I know that You are always with me, And I trust in Your care. Amen." [6]

Some prayers and songs have become timeless classics, deeply embedded in Christian tradition for children [3, 7].

The Lord's Prayer (Traditional Version for Children):
"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 trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen." (Matthew 6:9-13, KJV adaptation) [2, 6, 7]

The Lord's Prayer is the quintessential Christian prayer taught by Jesus Himself. This version uses traditional language often taught to children. Families can also use modern translations. "Teach us to pray..." (Luke 11:1).

"Jesus Loves Me" (Poem/Song by Anna Bartlett Warner):
"Jesus loves me-this I know, For the Bible tells me so: Little ones to him belong, They are weak, but he is strong. Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, Yes, Jesus loves me, The Bible tells me so!" [3, 7]

Originally a poem, this became one of the most popular Christian children's songs. It reinforces the foundational truth of Jesus' love. "Let the little children come to me..." (Matthew 19:14).

Praying Scripture is a powerful way to align our prayers with God's will and promises [1]. These can be adapted for children.

The Aaronic Blessing (Numbers 6:24-26):
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." [1]

This ancient blessing is a beautiful prayer for God's favor, presence, and peace upon children.

Prayer for Guidance (Psalm 25:4-5):
"Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long." [1]

A prayer asking God to teach His ways and lead in His truth, suitable for older children beginning to make more independent decisions.

The Church of England and the Book of Common Prayer offer rich resources for prayers related to family life, which can be adapted [4, 8].

A Prayer for Family Life (adapted from The Church of England):
"God of compassion, whose Son Jesus Christ, the child of Mary, shared the life of a home in Nazareth, and on the cross drew the whole human family to himself: strengthen us in our daily living that in joy and in sorrow we may know the power of your presence to bind together and to heal; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." [8]

This prayer asks for strength and God's presence in family life, reflecting on Jesus' own experience in a human family.

For a New Baby (from The Church of England):
"God our creator, we thank you for the gift of this child, entrusted to our care. May we be patient and understanding, ready to guide and to forgive, so that through our love he/she may come to know your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." [8]

A prayer of thanksgiving for a new baby and for wisdom in parenting.

The Serenity Prayer (Reinhold Niebuhr, adaptable for older children/teens):
"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference." [6]

This well-known prayer is excellent for teaching acceptance, courage, and discernment, particularly useful for older children and teenagers facing challenges.

These verses are foundational and can be prayed over children of any age, emphasizing God's love, their value, and the importance of His guidance.

• Proverbs 22:6: "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it." [1, 5, 6, 8]
  Prayer Focus: Wisdom for parents in guiding their children in God's ways, and for children to internalize these teachings for life.
• Psalm 139:13-14: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” [6, 8]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to understand their intrinsic worth and value as God's precious creation.
• Numbers 6:24-26: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." [2]
  Prayer Focus: A prayer of blessing for God's protection, favor, grace, and peace upon your child.
• Matthew 28:20b: "...And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to always know and feel God's constant presence and companionship.
• Psalm 127:3: "Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him." [5]
  Prayer Focus: Thankfulness for the gift of children and recognition of them as a blessing from God.
• Mark 10:14: "When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.'" [5]
  Prayer Focus: For children to freely and joyfully come to Jesus, and for our hearts to be open like theirs.

For younger children, prayers can focus on simple truths about God's love, kindness, basic trust, and obedience.

• Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Adapted: "Be kind to one another.") [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to develop a kind and compassionate heart towards others.
• 1 John 3:23b: "...to love one another as he commanded us." (Adapted: "Love one another.") [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to learn to love others as Jesus taught.
• Psalm 56:3: "When I am afraid, I put my trust in you." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to learn to trust in God, especially in times of fear.
• Psalm 145:9a: "The Lord is good to all..." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to understand the goodness of God.
• John 11:35: "Jesus wept." [2]
  Prayer Focus: To help your child understand Jesus' humanity and compassion.
• Genesis 16:13b: "You are the God who sees me..." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to know that God always sees them and cares for them.
• Ephesians 6:1: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." [2, 7]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to learn the importance of obedience to parents as unto the Lord.
• Psalm 136:1: "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." [2]
  Prayer Focus: To cultivate a heart of thankfulness and an understanding of God's enduring love.

For school-aged children, prayers can include wisdom for learning, good friendships, protection, character development, and understanding God's guidance.

• Proverbs 2:6: "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding." [8]
  Prayer Focus: For God to grant wisdom, knowledge, and understanding in their studies and life.
• Psalm 91:1-2: "Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" [3]
  Prayer Focus: For God's protection over your child, that they would find refuge and safety in Him.
• Luke 6:31: "Do to others as you would have them do to you." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to treat others with fairness and kindness, building healthy relationships.
• Colossians 3:20: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For a spirit of obedience and a desire to please the Lord in their actions.
• James 1:17: "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For gratitude for all good things and recognition of God as the giver.
• Psalm 119:105: "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your child to value God's Word as a guide for their life choices.
• Daniel 1:17 (adapted): Pray that God would give your child "knowledge and skill in both books and life." [7]
  Prayer Focus: For academic success and the development of practical life skills.
• 3 John 1:2: "Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." [7]
  Prayer Focus: For your child's overall well-being – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

For teenagers, prayers can focus on identity in Christ, guidance for the future, strength against temptation, wisdom in decisions, and living a life of purpose.

• Jeremiah 29:11: "‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’" [8]
  Prayer Focus: For your teen to trust in God's good plans for their future, finding hope and direction in Him.
• Isaiah 40:29-31: "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak... but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." [3]
  Prayer Focus: For God to renew your teen's strength when they feel weary or overwhelmed, and for them to find their hope in Him.
• Philippians 4:13: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." [2]
  Prayer Focus: For your teen to rely on Christ's strength to face challenges and achieve their God-given potential.
• Proverbs 3:5-6 (from source [4]): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
  Prayer Focus: For your teen to fully trust in the Lord for guidance rather than relying solely on their own understanding.
• Ephesians 4:14-15: "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching... Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ." [7]
  Prayer Focus: For spiritual maturity, discernment against false teachings, and growth in Christlikeness.
• Titus 2:11-12: "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." [7]
  Prayer Focus: For your teen to embrace God's grace, to resist ungodliness, and to live a self-controlled and godly life.
• Colossians 3:23-24: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." [7]
  Prayer Focus: For your teen to develop a strong work ethic and to do everything for God's glory, knowing their ultimate reward comes from Him.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15: "...encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else." [7]
  Prayer Focus: For your teen to develop a compassionate character, showing kindness, patience, and a commitment to doing good.
• Psalm 20:7: "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” [6]
  Prayer Focus: That your teen would place their ultimate trust in God rather than in worldly strengths or securities.
• 3 John 1:4: "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” [6]
  Prayer Focus: A parent's prayer that their teen would embrace and live according to God's truth.