How Do You Pray?

October 17, 2021

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Matthew 6:9-13

Memory Verse

Colossians 4:2

Never give up praying. And when you pray, keep alert and be thankful. (CEV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

Dad and Jack are leading in Sunday school class with some kindergarten students. They are sitting in a circle on the floor together with five small young children. “Today, at Sunday School we are going to learn the Lord’s Prayer”
One student puts his hand up and says, “I know it already!”

He stands and prays in all earnest, “Oh Father, who does art in Heaven, how didja know my name?”
Jack and Dad are both peeking as they are praying. Both are smiling.

Trying to kindly interrupt, Dad says, “That’s great, Jackson. Let’s…”
Jackson continues, “... Give us this day our jelly bread, and forgive us our trash passes…”
Jack is snickering and trying not to laugh.

Print Comic

How do you pray? When you pray to God, what do you say to him?

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Jesus identified God as our Father. That makes us God’s children. Jesus taught us to start by first worshiping God, remembering who he is, what he’s like, and what he’s done.

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We ask God for his guidance and presence. We put God first in our lives and do what God wants. We pray that each day God’s kingdom moves forward through us. How can you serve God today?

“Give us today our daily bread.” After worshiping God and offering to do his kingdom work, we tell God what we need. God wants to provide what you need to do that kingdom work. What is something specific you need God to supply?

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” We confess our sin, ask forgiveness, and pray to be able to forgive others. We ask God for his mercy not just for ourselves but also for those who have hurt us. Who do you need to pray for? It’s hard to stay mad at someone you are actively praying for.

“And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” We ask God to prevent us from being tempted to do the wrong thing. We pray for protection from things that would harm us. What do you need God to protect you from today? Who else needs God’s protection today?

Prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Related Resources

Activity

Praying the Scriptures: Bookmarks for Parents and Children

Bible Story

Jesus Calms the Storm

Activity

Know Your Bible Activity Book, Part 2!

Ron VandenBurg

Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries

Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle-school for 27 years. Ron completed a M. Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have three fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.