How to Start a Family Prayer Time

Many parents want to pray with their kids but aren't sure how to start, or worry it'll feel awkward. Family prayer doesn't have to be long, formal, or perfect. Some of the best family prayer times last two minutes and happen around the dinner table or at bedtime.

Why family prayer matters

Deuteronomy 6:6–7: "And these words… shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."

The Bible describes Cornelius as a man who "feared God with all his house… and prayed to God alway" (Acts 10:2). When kids see prayer as a normal part of family life, they learn that God is real, close, and involved in everyday things.

8 kid-friendly family prayer ideas

1. Highs and lows. At dinner, everyone shares a high and a low from their day. Then thank God for the highs and pray about the lows.

2. Popcorn prayer. Everyone "pops in" with a one-sentence prayer, in any order. No pressure to say a lot.

3. Prayer jar. Write names and requests on slips of paper. Each night, pull one or two and pray for them together.

4. Thank-you round. Go around the table and each person thanks God for one specific thing.

5. Rotating leader. Let a different family member lead prayer each night, even the little ones.

6. Pray for the world. Pick a country each week, find it on a map, and pray for the people there.

7. Bedtime blessing. End each day by praying over each child by name.

8. Car prayers. Pray on the way to school for the day ahead.

Tips by age

• Toddlers: keep it very short. "Thank You, God, for food. Amen."
• School-age kids: let them pray out loud and choose what to pray for.
• Teens: ask for their requests, respect if they'd rather pray silently, and keep it real, not preachy.

Keep it simple and joyful

• Short is fine. Consistency matters more than length.
• Model honesty. Let your kids hear you pray about real struggles.
• Celebrate answers. When God answers a prayer, tell the family.
• Don't force it. Gentle invitation builds a love for prayer.

Set the scene with Scripture placemats for dinner prayers, and dress little ones in faith with our kids' Christian apparel.

A family prayer to start with

Lord, thank You for our family. Thank You for today. Help us love each other, forgive each other, and follow You together. Watch over us tonight. In Jesus' name, amen.