TEACHING OUR CHILDREN TO PRAY

FEAST DAY OF OUR LADY OF THE ROSARY! ....what a celebration!
Gospel Reading today: Luke 11:1-4
"Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples." Luke 11:1

Just as John had to teach his disciples to pray, we have to teach our little disciples to pray. For we are our children's first teachers. How do we teach our children to pray? I am sure there are several different methods that I am not aware of, but what I have learned from experience is that we lead and teach by example. I am amazed at my 15 month old, Anna Claire. Just this past week she grasped the meaning of prayer. At the dinner table, I sit her down, buckle her into her highchair and before she puts anything in her mouth, she folds her hands together and looks at all of us like "Okay, let's pray everyone!". On Monday we were on our way to speech therapy for my son and I was listening to Catholic Talk radio and as they were praying on the radio I looked back at Anna Claire and she had her hands folded in prayer! I couldn't believe it! And this morning when she got up (extra early), I sat her next to me on the couch and continued praying the rosary aloud. She immediately folded her hands and started mumbling (like she was praying the rosary) and she kepts saying "Jesus". I have been in awe this week of how she has picked up prayer through our actions at home. Another example is teaching our children verses from the bible and also through song. My sister, Holly, gathers her children (ages 6,4, & 2)together around the breakfast table every morning and they say a bible verse and then they listen to children's christian music while they eat. Simple little acts throughout the day that are teaching moments for our children to learn how to pray.

It is vital that we teach our children to pray, especially in the society that we live in today. If we can instill prayer at the beginning of our children's lives, they will hopefully carry that example throughout their lives here on earth. They will learn to always turn to prayer in any circumstance. Remember, simplicity is always the best method. Simple little acts of prayer with your children throughout the day will eventually become a beautiful tapestry of prayer to heaven and will help shape and mold our children's souls into the people God created them to be.
Prayer is the most powerful tool we have on earth.

Have a blessed Wednesday!