Prayer is a tool that allows people to talk to God. There are many ways to pray, some of which include more traditional rituals, like the Rosary or reading the scriptures. While these may be suitable types of prayer, for people who are new to the Christian faith, these prayers would make more likely to fail to get their attention. For kids, these types of prayers take a significant amount of time and practice to fully get right. As such, it is essential to teach kids the value of prayer.
In The Song of Solomon the Snail, a book by Caroleann Rice, the titular character meets Dot, a ladybug who has a lot of children. These kids have been giving their mom lots and lots of trouble. Some of them have come to be very, very unruly. Still, there are others who have become too much to handle. To help Dot, Solomon tries to teach them the value of prayer and patience. Suddenly, some of them have begun to calm down. This makes Dot very thankful, and she and Solomon become great friends.
Like in the book, prayers are the only way for Catholics to talk to God. It is important to teach this “way of communication” at a younger age. It is advisable for Catholic kids to build a good and lasting rapport with God so that their faith becomes a stronger one.
Spending Time with God
Bonding is the main form by which we build our relationships with other people. As such, prayer, which can also be seen as “bonding” with God, helps our relationship with him. When kids are taught to pray at an earlier age, they are given a chance to have a stronger relationship. At a younger age, children are purer and more honest with their feelings. As such, this allows for a deeper covenant with God. Kids who start to pray at an early age become the most devoted Catholics in the future.
Teaching Kids to Pray
At a much younger age, kids are most impressionable. As such, it is easier for them to learn different things. So how should one start to prepare kids in learning prayer? Well, one could begin by showing kids how to pray. Doing the ritual of the Sign of the Cross and praying before and after meals as a way to thank God for’s bounty that has blessed the tables are some of the most consistent and most straightforward forms of prayers. Because of that, they are good prayers for kids to start with.
A Time to Meditate
Kids can have a very hyperactive minds and even more hyperactive minds. It is not a bad thing, but always having a mind that zooms and never stops can be pretty tiring. Not to mention, it could have adverse effects in the long run. Prayer can help mitigate that. As prayer is a time to talk to God, those in prayer are able to contemplate and meditate. For kids, this can mean the time to rest their minds. Kids can also reflect because of mediation. This reflection is also a chance for growth. Children will develop their mental fortitude better if given the opportunity to meditate and rest their minds from time to time.
Granting Courage
Kids can be easily scared, depending on the situation. Even the bravest kids can have the most surprising fears. Prayer can help mitigate that fear. By letting kids understand that prayer is also communicating to God, they begin to realize that God is always with them in prayer. As such, prayer in the darkest of times can bring them courage. This courage will give the child the willpower to face anything or any problem.
Conclusion
So, in conclusion, prayer is a very powerful tool. Not only does it help adults, but it can also bring nothing but benefits the children. It is essential to teach children the value of prayer at an earlier time. That way, their faith in God will have a stronger foundation. This will make them good and upstanding Christians. Prayer can also give kids time to meditate and rest their weary minds from all the restless thoughts they receive. Lastly, prayer can provide children with hope and courage in their times of fear. Prayer, therefore, has nothing but good things to give to kids.
The Damsel’s Files 