8 Simple and Powerful Prayers for Kids 

Saying a prayer for kids lets you intercede for your child’s well-being and spiritual growth. Discover ways you can pray for your kids throughout the day.

As parents, we can’t help but feel concerned about the welfare of our children in today’s environment. Despite many distractions and difficulties in their youth, we hope to instill a prayerful life to help them grow in faith. Saying a prayer for kids on their behalf can lead them to follow your example while ensuring they grow in faith.

Praying for your kids creates a bridge connecting them to God. Jesus encourages us, adults, to not hinder them from getting close to Him (Matthew 19:14). Through our intercessions, be it a bedtime prayer for kids or grace before meals, we allow them to experience God’s goodness until they are ready to say their prayers. This is how we can commit them to God early on.

What is a Good Opening Prayer for Kids

A good opening prayer for kids should be reverent and inviting, yet come from a sincere heart. James 5:16 reminds us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Also, your prayer should begin with thanksgiving, followed by your specific requests (Philippians 4:6).

Here’s an example of a good opening prayer for kids:

“Almighty Father, I feel grateful for being a parent. I seek Your presence on behalf of my child. Allow me to become a vessel of Your love for children, as theirs is Your kingdom. Shield them from harm, and do not let anything happen to them against Your will. We lift them to You as young servants of faith. Amen.”

Bible Verses on How to Pray for Your Kids

Interestingly, the Bible offers specific guidelines on how you can pray for your kids. Make the following verses your reference to pattern your prayers to keep them aligned with God’s standards and favor:

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Here, we are instructed to remove our worries first before we offer our prayers to God on behalf of our kids. This ensures you have confidence in how God will work on your requests.

James 5:16

“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”

This verse highlights the importance of having a contrite heart and being kind to everyone. It supports our intercession for our kids’ welfare through our positive transformation.

Matthew 6:6-7

“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your unseen Father. Then your Father, who sees what is done secretly, will reward you. And when you pray, do not babble like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.”

Jesus sets the example for how we should pray for ourselves and our children. He shows us that humility and sincerity are what makes God favor us. He emphasizes that God detests show-offs and those who waste words on prayers.

Mark 11:24

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

Jesus tells us that faith is a prerequisite to offering a prayer. He reminds us that while prayer is still on our lips, God already has the answer if we only believe.

Colossians 4:2

“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”

This verse tells us to make prayer a devotion, not just a one-time offering to God. Praying daily for your kids’ welfare ensures consistent providence and God’s favor.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Paul reminds us to thank God despite troubles and challenges. As parents, we may encounter difficulties in devoting time to prayer for our kids, yet it is necessary to maintain consistency. This is how God gauges our faith that He will carry us through any obstacles in our child’s spiritual and personal life.

Benefits of Saying Prayers for Kids

Whether it’s a morning devotion or a bedtime prayer for kids, there are benefits to interceding God’s guidance for your child. Below are some of the reasons why it makes a good habit:

Faith becomes stronger

Hebrews 11:6 tells us that it’s impossible to please God without faith. Prayers help us grow spiritually by increasing our faith in God’s providence and guidance. In the same way, our children will also follow our example as they develop and profess their faith in God.

Confidence in answered prayer increases

Your prayer habit reveals your confidence that God will see your child through no matter the circumstances. This is why Paul reminds us to pray regularly, as it builds a foundation of trust in God’s guidance and provisions. The level of confidence you have in God will later inspire your kids to develop their faith. It is when they begin to understand that God is listening and is one prayer away from receiving His favor and comfort.

Hope is revived

When life challenges us, especially in raising our kids in this generation, it’s easy to feel discouraged. Yet Paul tells us in Romans 5:3-5 that our perseverance and character produce hope.

Prayer is how we lift our concerns to God, and Paul assures us that our hope in Him won’t put us to shame. Whenever we pray consistently, our hope increases, which God honors with favor and blessings. This cycle continues, leading us to overcome difficulties as parents to our kids.

Friendships develop

Parents with an active prayer life can join hands in interceding for their children and build a support group. This is how we unexpectedly develop friendships with brothers and sisters in faith. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 teaches us how “two is better than one” when confronting challenges. Hence, becoming prayer buddies with fellow parents can be a more effective way to channel God’s favor to our respective children.

Let’s say you said a morning prayer for kids on their first day of classes. God understands our anxiety over our children not getting along with their peers. Yet through your prayers and those of your fellow parents, God will move to bring the kids together and start their own friendships.

We realize we are not alone with our burdens.

Have you ever prayed the Lord’s Prayer for kids and realized how different it sounded now that you’re a parent? It’s because you’re no longer praying for yourself but also for your children’s welfare. Praying humbles us to a point where we realize we can’t do anything without God’s help in our somewhat burdensome parenting.

The good thing about saying prayers for kids is that it makes us acknowledge that we are not alone with our burdens. This humility prompts God to work on our behalf when things get challenging. It’s how God manifests His power and love for us.

We experience the presence of Jesus.

When you pray a night prayer for kids before bed, You’ll feel something extraordinary that will soon lead to a good night’s sleep. That’s the presence of Jesus covering not only your children but your entire household throughout the night. He is “near to all who call on him in truth” (Psalms 145:18).

How Can I Prepare Prayer for Kids?

Preparing a prayer for your kids requires more than picking the right words. It involves thoughtful consideration of their needs and challenges. Start by reflecting on what your child is going through and how you can best support them in prayer. Then, make a prayer journal you can refer to regularly for specific circumstances in your kid’s life that need your intercession. Finally, go to a quiet place away from distractions and say your prayers sincerely and clearly.

What to Pray for Your Kids?

Ideally, your prayers must cover all aspects of your child’s life, from spiritual and mental to physical and social. Still, there are instances where we believe specific requests would receive desirable answers from God. Hence, here are some areas of your child’s life that you can pray for:

Pray they will enjoy their God-given life

At some point in their lives, children may experience dissatisfaction with their upbringing, academic performance, or relationships. Pray that your child learns to appreciate life, find contentment, and recognize God’s hands in all situations. Ask God to cultivate a sense of gratitude in your child for all the blessings he receives.

Pray they will Pursue a Personal Relationship with Christ.

Seek God’s guidance to help bring your child closer to Jesus. In this era where distractions are everywhere, it’s difficult to nurture a personal relationship with Christ without Spirit-led parenting. Still, through your intercession and unceasing prayers, God will draw your child closer to Him like a friend.

Pray that God Will Be Their Guide

Peer pressures and temptations can distract your child from God. Hence, pray for God to guide your child on the path to righteousness. Ask Him to give your child the wisdom to make the right choices that honor God.

Pray for Their Future

Praying for your kids’ future is a way to entrust their lives to God. Ask Him to help your child fulfill His purpose according to His plan. Pray that your kid won’t stray from the path He has laid down toward success.

8 Powerful Prayers for Kids

Bedtime Prayer for Kids

Almighty Father, we thank You for Your guidance throughout the day. Now that they are tucked in their beds, we ask Your loving hands to lull them to sleep. Let no bad dreams or nightmares haunt their resting minds. Ward off any evil attacks lest their peace be disturbed throughout the night. As their spirits enter rest, refresh their minds and renew their energies so that they will rise tomorrow with a smile. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Simple Short Prayer for Kids

Father God, we thank You for the gift of life and today’s blessings. Please look out for the welfare of my kids as they embark on a new day (at school). Please help them be kind to others and receive it back. May they return to me in the afternoon with soaring spirits and good memories of this day. Amen.

Short Easter Prayer for Kids

Almighty Lord, thank You for dying on the cross to save my children’s lives and mine. Help me remember Your greatest sacrifice so that I may continue to lead a life pleasing to Your eyes. Let me celebrate today Your gift of eternal life for all Your servants, big and small.

Night Prayer for Kids

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your guidance and provisions for this day. You alone know our goings-on, and I pray that nothing wrong happens overnight. As we lie in our beds, I ask that You watch over my kids’ sleep. Protect them from any harm of calamities and break-ins. We know nothing unfortunate will happen to them on Your watch. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Morning Prayer for Kids

Dear Lord, thank You for the new beginning and the blessings that come with it. Please take care of my children as they walk with You today. With the dawn of a new day, let the last night’s worries leave their minds. Grant them the wisdom to make the right choices that glorify You, and give them grace for their mistakes. Amen.

Prayer for Kids in School

Dear God, thank You for the privilege of sending my children to school. Let them mirror Jesus’ wisdom throughout their learning and correct them when they misbehave. Grant them the patience to endure their academic challenges and make them enjoy the company of good friends. Amen.

Kids’ Prayers for Protection

Almighty God, I place my children into Your loving hands. Do not let anything bad happen to them throughout the day while I am away. Shield them from attacks and bullying that might damage their self-esteem. Send out Your angels to guard my children and ward off the devil’s schemes. May Your watchful eyes never leave Your little sheep until they make it home safe and sound. Amen.

Prayers for Children’s Futures

Oh Lord God, we know You have plans for my children to prosper and not harm them. I offer You my children’s future, Lord, that they may fulfill the purpose for which You have made them. Let them tread the right path to success and steer from anything hindering their potential. Guide them with Your wisdom as they seek enlightenment leading to their calling. Amen.

In Summary

To say a prayer for kids more than reflects your parenting style as a Christian. It serves the purpose of protecting, teaching, and correcting your children as they embark on their daily activities. As a parent, interceding for them through your prayers is a necessary habit to cultivate. With a sincere heart and well-intentioned petitions, you can help create a Christ-like character in your children as they grow in faith. Feel free to personalize the prayers in our list to suit them during moments of need and specific circumstances.