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I have been working on prayer with my children (I still believe in prayer) for years like any good Mormon. Lately, both children have actually been enjoying prayer (Like, seriously, wtf happened???) after YEARS of patiently getting through our nightly prayers with squirmy, laughing children who never took it seriously. I have taught them to pray for whatever is in their hearts: for toys, tv shows or any other silly or insignificant thing they want, because it’s important to them. I teach them to be grateful in their prayers and they now spend lots of time thanking HF for things. They have become very sweet, innocent and sincere prayers. I have also tried not to make too many rules, just some structure so they know how to go about it with confidence. I really want them to have an open mind to god and prayer and let it become something of their own, but last night I broke my own rule and told them that “God won’t hear your prayer if you don’t sit up and fold your arms.” While I think it’s important to provide structure first and then allow for experimentation and personalization later, I still can’t believe that came out of my mouth. I hope god can forgive that one. When my youngest was little, she had all out open conversations with God in her prayers. One time my wife and I almost busted up laughing when she told God “I’m a rabbit”. Fun times!
All of say things at times we regret, for various reasons. You aren’t close to alone in that. They will be fine – especially if you openly apologize to them for saying it. Repentance is understood best when modeled.
I recently read a quote from SWK where he said Quote:Since forgiveness is an absolute requirement in attaining eternal life, man naturally ponders: How can I best secure that forgiveness? One of many basic factors stands out as indispensable immediately: One must forgive to be forgiven.
I haven’t always believed that. I do now.
Prayer is a wonderful thing for kids to learn, as evidence that it seems your kids enjoy it and have faith in it. I say things I regret to my kids, but I think over time they benefit from the percentages…more often good things being taught then things I regret in a moment of frustration.
I’m sure your kids will learn on their own over time God hears prayers whether we sit up, close eyes, speak using “Thee and Thou” or if we are just driving with eyes wide open thinking stuff, or sitting in school listening to a teacher but have a prayer in our hearts.
While little rules are needed on prayer itself, squirming kids in a family do sometimes need some rules to help them learn.
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