Unplug the TV

When the kids are not in the room, unplug the TV set. Later, sit down with the family to watch a TV show and turn on the TV. Act puzzled and ask the kids, “What’s the problem?” (Is the electricity on? Is it broken?) Hopefully, one of the kids will notice that it is unplugged. Plug it in and watch the show together.

After the show is over (maybe even at bedtime when you say prayers together), talk about the lack of power.

Ask:

Why didn’t the TV work earlier? (not plugged in; it had to be connected to the power)

How are you connected to God? (by having Jesus in your heart, by talking to Him in prayer)

What can break the connection between you and God? (sin)

Psalm 66:18 says that if you keep sin in your heart, God will not hear you. It is important to tell God your sin and ask Him to forgive (take away) you. Is there a sin you need to ask God to forgive?

Parents: Don’t be afraid to “fess up” with your own sin—anger, complaining, gossip, etc. Kids need to see God’s grace modeled (“I’m sorry, God. Will You forgive me?”). 

Play Prayer Catagories

While riding in the car, play “prayer categories.” Let someone pick a letter of the alphabet. Take turns naming one thing you are thankful for that starts with that letter. Keep going until no one can think of anything else (G—God, grapes, girls, giraffes, etc). Let another person pick a letter and start again, naming things you are thankful for that begin with that letter. End the game by arriving at your destination or saying, “Wow, God made a lot of things to be thankful for. Thank You, God.”

Something You Will Never Regret!

Start a prayer journal. Buy a spiral notebook. On the first page, draw a vertical line down the middle. On the left side write “Requests” and on the right side write “Answers.

Every evening after dinner, take five minutes to pray. Write the requests down in the notebook. Then say sentence prayers, asking God to answer the requests. Put the date requested and the date answered. (You could do this at bedtime if your family gathers together then.)

Howard Hendricks, a Christian author, said he did this when his children were growing up and this is one of the most valuable things they own. He plans to pass it down to his children as evidence that God is real and hears and answers prayer.

Calling God

Let one of the kids make a phone call to a friend or relative.

After talking on the phone, ask:
What do you like about talking to Grandma (or the person you called) on the phone? (I like telling her about my day, I feel closer to her when I hear her voice, I like her telling me things, etc)

How is talking on the phone like talking to God? (I talk, He listens, I get to tell Him what I’m doing, I feel closer to Him when I talk to Him)

The Bible says, “Call unto me and I will answer thee.” (Jeremiah 33:3a) God wants you to talk to Him. Tell Him anything you would want to tell a friend. He wants to hear about your day and your problems. He loves you and wants you to talk to Him.

God’s Handiwork

Items needed: pencils or crayons and paper

Let the child make a picture to stick on the fridge.  As you look at each child’s handiwork (work of their hands), give specific words of praise (I like those bright colors, the neat way you colored the animals, the happy faces on the flowers, etc.).

Ask:
How did you feel when I praised your work? (good, happy, etc.)
Listen to this verse in Psalm 19:1 “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handiwork.”

What is God’s handiwork? (the things He has created)

Prayer is more than just asking God for things; it is also thinking about who God is and what He has done and praising Him for those things. Start every prayer by saying one good thing about God (God, You are very smart. You made a beautiful world.)

Picture Prayer Book

Make a picture prayer book, especially if you have younger children. Put a picture of family members and friends (print digital photos) in a small photo album or notebook. Look at the pictures at prayer time and choose one or several for prayer. Think of specific requests for each one.