Prayer - A hope towards better tomorrow

Prayer is talking to God. It’s the simple opening of one’s heart to our father in Heaven. It’s coming to Him and telling Him everything in our hearts. God Himself asks us to pray. This is expressed through the Apostle Paul, who told the Christians at Ephesus. ‘Pray in the spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests…’ (Ephesians 6: 18). Prayer is powerful and can change a life. Daily prayer is important for the following reasons:

1. Prayer brings you closer to God

In any relationship, communication is the key to success. When you communicate, you are able to know more about a person. This also applies to your relationship with God. Through talking to God, we learn more about who He is. To understand our Father, we need to pray and read the sacred book each day both as individuals and as a family. It’s the only way we can lead a life of intimacy with God.

2. Prayer protects

The words uttered in a prayer have wonder-working powers. Never underestimate the power of prayer. Life is full of trials and obstacles that can sometimes lead us to question faith. Pray every morning and evening, pray for your children and teach them how to pray. When you make prayer part of your life, you reinforce your faith in the face of obstacles. Even when challenges come your way, with prayer, you know that you are not alone as no weapon forged against you shall proper.

3. Prayer Heals

Jesus healed the sick while He was on earth. He gave authority to His disciples to heal. Jesus Christ has also given those who believe in him authority to heal. James 5: 14-16, talks about how prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. If you have any physical or emotional pain, then praying and reading the bible can begin the healing process.

4. Prayer brings breakthrough

If you are struggling to work through an issue, prayer can bring miracles. Open your heart to God and share your burdens. Even if the breakthrough doesn’t happen immediately, God gives you the grace and strength to keep going.

Teaching Our Children to Pray

The Bible contains many promises that we can include in both our prayers for children and daily confessions for our families. Children are gifts from God, and it’s the duty of parents to instil in them the values and characters they need to become good Christians. Here are simple ways to teach children how to pray.

1. Pray together every day

To begin with, pray with your child every day. He or she will be able to learn by example, and seeing you pray is a great example. Let your children know the importance of praying before a meal, in the morning and before bedtime. By setting a routine, your children will want to continue on their own.

2. Let them see you pray

It’s important that you pray aloud when your children are around. Whenever a situation arises that evokes prayer, take time and involve children. Children take note and will learn to use prayer in the same way.

3. Talk about prayer

From the beginning of your child’s life, teach them about prayer. Give your children simple explanation about prayer. It opens up dialogue and allows your children to ask questions.

Simple Prayers for Children

1. Before meals

Praying before meals is a good habit to teach your child to be thankful for what they have. If your children are involved in any community service, this is the perfect time to reflect on how others may find themselves in different circumstances. Many children can learn this simple prayer over meals, “God is good. Let us thank Him for our food. By his hands we are fed. Provide us with our daily bread. Amen.”

2. Bedtime prayer

Getting children on the habit of praying before bed helps them reflect on their actions for the day, and ask for guidance for the following day. Try teaching them a simple bedtime prayer such as this: “Father, thank you for your blessings today. Thank you for taking good care of me and my family. Protect us throughout the night. Amen.”

3. Morning Prayer

This simple prayer sets the tone for the day, “Dear God, as I rise this morning, I thank you for a restful night and the gift of a new day. Guide me as I walk through this day. I am grateful for all the blessings in my life. As I start my day, I trust you to guide me in everything I do. Amen.”

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