Encouraging Children to pray
Review of "The Weekly Prayer Project for Kids: Journal, Pray, Reflect, and Connect with God" by Molly Hodgin.
Beautifully designed and illustrated, this journal is a lovely means to encourage and teach children to talk to God and grow in their relationship with him. Author Molly Hodgin explains, “The journal you hold in your hands isn’t just a notebook or diary. It’s not a school assignment you have to do for a grade. This is something much better – a place only for you, where you can learn more about God and yourself every week. A place where you can connect with God and learn to hear His voice more clearly when you pray.”
Hodgin acknowledges that it can be difficult to know the best way to communicate with God. She points out that the Bible shows people how to talk to God no matter their circumstances. In an age-appropriate way, Hodgin describes seven types of prayer revealed in Scripture: requests (“Please, God.”); gratitude (“Thank you, God.”); sadness and grief (“Why, God?”); intercession (“Help, God.”); faith (“Are You Sure, God?”); repentance (“I’m sorry, God.”); and awe (“Wow, God!”)
Each week’s entry includes a Scripture passage, a short devotion, and space to journal prayers. For example, week one’s entry is entitled “Ask Confidently.” Hebrews 4:16, which encourages believers to approach God with confidence, frames the devotion, followed by Hodgin’s questions and reflections: “Do you sometimes feel shy or scared to ask for help? That happens to everyone at some point. But you never need to feel shy or scared about talking to God. God has already promised to help you whenever you need Him.”
Recommended as an excellent gift for children ages 8 to 12.
