Encouraging children to pray

Illustrator Liita Forsyth’s winsome, delightful illustrations serve as a welcome mat for the three authors’ introductory comments to this encouraging, hopeful collection of prayers for children as they encounter everyday events: “These prayers are for ordinary days. For playing, for school, for when you have big thoughts or little ones. God meets you in each moment. You don’t have to talk to God with big words or only about extra-special things. There is nothing that you’re not allowed to say to God.”

From the moment they wake up, children can talk to God: “Dear God who made the morning, / Every day, you tell the sun to wake up. / Every day, you come close to us. / Again and again, you love us. / Thank you for this new day.”

When they read a book, kids can thank God for their reading experience: “God the Storyteller, I love books! / The smell and feel of paper, / the pictures, and all of the words: / delightful words, hard words, interesting words! / What will happen when I turn the page? / You love stories too, God. / You are telling the biggest, best story with your world. / And I get to be in it – wow!”

Even while they brush their teeth, children can have a conversation with their heavenly Father: “God, I brush my teeth every day / because my mouth is really important! / (Sometimes I need reminding.) / I use it to eat, laugh, and share feelings and stories. / My smile can brighten someone’s day. / My kind words can heal someone’s hurt. / Help me take care of this marvelous mouth, / because I will sing to you forever / with my lips, gums, and teeth.”

The perfect size for children’s hands, Little Prayers for Ordinary Days is sure to encourage kids in their life of prayer.