My brother helps coach young boys basketball. He was telling me even though it is not a Christian organization that he prays with the boys before and after the games. I think this is a great idea because I think it puts oneself in check. There is nothing as competitive as parents watching their kids. It can get ugly!
One day my brother told the boys that he was going to be out of town and who would be filling in for him. After practice one little boy came up and asked my brother who was going to say the prayers. My brother said the little boy did not care who was coaching - he was just worried about the prayer. My brother knows this family and they are unchurched. My brother was so touched that the prayers had meant so much to this young boy.
We have no idea what an impact we can have on children. And I think it is best when we do not even know it. This child may not ever hear any other prayers but he knows he likes this. He may remember this for the rest of his life.
The best way to teach our children about prayer is to pray in their presence. Our Lord gave us prayer so we could communicate with him directly. By praying with our children we teach them that God is always close and accessible. Proverbs 22: 6, "Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it."
Nothing we can do for our children is more important than prayer!
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