Posted in Scripture,Prayer,Devotion

Each morning when we have our devotions and read a Bible story, I try and pray with the kids as well. It has not always been an easy task. I am not a "talkative" person...and sometimes having that simple conversation with God is not easy. Sometimes one of the girls would want to pray, too, but not most of the time. Sometimes Caleb would be fussing and crying during this time. So, as you can see, not always easy to focus!

But, about a week and a half ago, I read an idea on Preschoolers and Peace that we have been trying! And it has been WONDERFUL! I have used this idea in my own prayer life in the past, but never would have thought to try it with the kids! The ACTS method, which also utilizes the "popcorn prayer."

A - Adoration

C - Confession

T - Thanksgiving

S - Supplication

Well, I saw rather quickly which areas of prayer the kids were used to and comfortable with - the T and the S. That is probably all I had done when praying with them! We talk a lot about what to be thankful for and who we should be praying for. But, I had been neglecting praising God for who He is and confession. We have talked about confession and asking for forgiveness, but never prayed that way together outloud.

The other wonderful thing about praying this way is that it can be a short sentence prayer. The kids don't feel like they have to come up with some long, wordy prayer! (popcorn prayer)

The first few times, I would do the adoration and wait. Nothing. I would move on to confession and wait. Nothing. Then, when I would tell God thank you for something, the kids would chime in. And they always have someone they want to pray for!

Now that we have been doing it this way for over a week, they are praying all 4 parts with me! It kinda goes like this:

Me: God, you are holy!

Hannah: God, you are mighty!

Emily: God, you are strong!

Caleb: I want a turn!

Me: God, I confess I have been impatient this morning, please forgive me.

Hannah: God, please forgive me for hitting.

Emily: God, please forgive me for hitting and pushing Caleb. (this is what she has confessed EVERY time so far!) LOL!

Caleb: thank you for presents. (he's always on the wrong part.) LOL!

Me: God, thank you so much for the beautiful weather we have had.

Hannah: God, thank you for ballet.

Emily: God, thank you for our kitty.

Caleb: thank you for presents.

Me: God, we pray for daddy at work today.

Hannah: I pray for Deborah in Africa. (the girl we sponser)

Emily: I pray for the missionary, Sara.

Caleb: thank you for the presents.

I thought that might be good for a little chuckle. You can immediately see which sin Emily struggles with. Y ou can immediately see what is on Caleb's mind. (presents.) But, I am sooooo thankful for this time I have had with my children! It has been a little glimpse into their hearts...and I believe is going to grow each of our prayer journeys as we do this together.