Let's Talk About Prayer

“And whenever you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, so that they may be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward. But whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”
Matthew 6: 5-6

Mother Emily prays with a skier during
Ashes-2-Go at Lionshead in Vail, CO.
Photo by Nancy Current 
I find that this particular verse has led me to not discuss my faith practices with my children. I learned this at a very early age. 

Every Ash Wednesday we are encouraged to pray in private and to not advertise our piety to others.  I have always believed that one’s relationship with God is a private and personal affair.  Except when it’s not!

As parents we walk a fine line between teaching our children how to be faithful and how to trust God while trying honoring their private practices. We want to encourage them and yet sometimes they come up with the craziest ideas and it is hard for us not to say “You’re wrong.”  I find this to be a tough balancing act but I try to keep in mind that there are many different ways to maintain a relationship.

There are two overarching types of prayer: corporate prayer (when we pray together as a community, like in church) or individual/ private prayer (when one talks to God alone). We need both types in our lives and I hope we can talk about our prayer practices with our kids.

Way to begin the conversation:
  • Explain that prayer is simply talking to God about anything and everything.  You can’t do it the wrong way.
  • Where and when do you have your personal prayer time? If it isn’t a regular time talk your kids about why and think a way to make your time with God more focused.
  • Do you do anything while you pray? Some people take walks or wash dishes. Some use prayer beads or color.
  • How do you pray? Do you talk or ask God for help? Do you sit in silence or hold an icon? Do you use a special format and type of prayer?
  • Ask you children the same types of questions. Ask them how you can support one another without asking for their private prayer requests or thanksgivings. 


 “So I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”                                                                                    

Mark 11:24

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