Stickee Verse: Pray at all times. 1 Thess. 5:17

Power ThoughtPrayer is such a vital

part of our relationship with God. It is

understanding that our Father knows

what’s best for us. It’s communicating with

Him continuously, talking and listening.

Jesus teaches us how to pray. The Bible encourages us to

pray. The Holy Spirit leads us in prayer.

Our Father desires for us to pray.

Let the little children come to Me …

Our goal is to teach children what prayer

is, show the how by example, and help

them understand the importance

of why.

Keep it simple. What makes

communication different in PRAYER is

that we are talking and listening to God.

•Prayer is a conversation.•Bible Story: God’s Story (intro

to prayer)

INTROPRAY- Praise, Repent, Ask,

Yield

• We can pray by praising God.

• Bible Story: JehosphatLesson 1

Praise

• Repenting is turning away from sin, eyes on Jesus.

• Bible Story: King DavidLesson 2 Repent

• We can ask God when we need.

• Bible Story: Hannah

Lesson 3 Ask

• Pray is talking and LISTENING to God. We YIELD to God’s way then obey.

• Bible Story: Samuel

Lesson 4 Yield

•Prayer is a conversation.•Bible Story: God’s Story •RECAP – review

Lesson 5 RECAP

PRAY~talking and listening to God

CHAT TIME Connections: 4 “Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone.[a]5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.8 Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. 9 Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Ideas on how to start chatting about prayer and questions to ask. These are starters, not

necessarily to be used all at once. Let HolySpirit guide you.

• Let’s chat about prayer. Tell me what you think prayer means. (Use our lesson guides to assist you.)

• I pray (talk and listen) to God. Would you like to pray after I pray? *Let this be optional for your child. If you sense they’re uncomfortable, pray a “repeat” prayer. You pray, they repeat.

• Can you tell me some ways that we can pray? Praise, repent, ask, yield (see lessons)

• I’ve been thinking of friends and family to pray for like ________ and __________. Do you have anyone you’d like to pray for or add to our list?

• I like to talk to God about __________. What are some things you’d like to talk to God about?

Keep things simple. If there’s a need at hand, find an appropriate scripture and teach your children how to

pray according to the scripture.

For example, addressing fear: God has NOT given ______ a spirit of fear. God has given _____ a spirit of power, love, and a

sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

God’s Unique IndividualsMaking Truth Stick

DiscoveryKidsOn a Quest for God

Especially for our PARENTSParent/Child Connection“cuz kids matter” - Matthew 19:14

Virtue: PRAY ~talking and listening to God

Sunday Prayer:We praise you God, for you have big plans for our children. Lord, we pray you would bring forth the gifts you have placed within them. Deposit hope in their hearts that they may know you love them.Scripture to Mediate on: For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Monday Prayer:Lord we pray our children would continue to grow in the grace of knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Make your name known to them.Scripture to Mediate on: but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 3:18 (NKJV)

Tuesday Prayer:Thank you Heavenly Father that you watch over our children day and night. We pray they feel You by their side and understand You are always watching over them.Scripture to Mediate on: The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. Psalm 121:5-6 (NLT)

Wednesday Prayer:Lord give our children a strong desire for your Word. May they have a hunger for more of You and may they find your Word sweeter than honey.Scripture to Mediate on: God’s Word is better than a diamond, better than a diamond set between emeralds. You’ll like it better than strawberries in spring, better than red, ripe strawberries. Psalm 19:10 (MSG

Thursday Prayer:God we pray our children would be humble, often thinking of others first. We pray they are confident in who you created them to be. May they look out for the interest of others, showing compassion and kindness.Scripture to Mediate on: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT)

Friday Prayer:Thank you Heavenly Father that you have not given us spirits of fear. We pray our children walk in power, love and sound minds.Scripture to Mediate on: For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)

Saturday Prayer:Dear God, we pray our children rejoice always. We believe they will grow into mighty prayer warriors, praying always with thankful hearts.Scripture to Mediate on: Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thess 5:16-18 (NKJV).

https://inspired-motherhood.com/scriptures-to-speak-over-your-children/

Scriptures/declarations to pray over your children –by Lauren Gaines

PRAY ~talking and listening to GOD!Instructions:• Color the letter Y yellow.• Color the YIELD sign yellow.• Circle the yield signs. Cross out all the other signs.

Name: ___________________________

ield!slow down,

LISTEN, give way to God

Colorin

ghome.c

om

Samuel hears God call his name. Samuel listened then did what God said.

Samuel YIELDED to God.

PRAY ~talking and listening to GOD!

Instructions: • Circle the body part that we use to hear.

Instructions:• Color the picture.• Glue a piece of cloth on Samuel’s blanket.

SLOW DOWN (Yield) and

LISTEN to God!

Instructions:• Color the picture.• Cut out the picture and hang on your door to

remember to YIELD to God.

Article by Wendy Synder / WEBSITE: mother.ly

These 20 positive phrases are a great place to start if you'd like to make a fresh start with your communication, and help your kids to listen:1."What do you need to remember?” Take a break from: "Be careful." Example: "What do you need to remember when you play at the park?" or "Please move slow like a careful turtle when walking on top of that wall."Explained: Kids often ignore when we say the same thing again and again. Instead, engage their critical thinking skills and have them re-state the important precaution. Or give them specifics on what you want.2. "Please talk softly."Take a break from: "Stop yelling!" or "Be quiet!"Example: "Please talk softly or whisper" (said in a whisper voice) or, "I love your singing, AND I need you to go outside or in the playroom if you need to sing loud."Explained: Some kids are naturally louder than others. If they have trouble speaking softly, show them where they can go to be loud and also use the power of the whisper. In combination with a gentle touch and eye contact, whispering is an incredibly effective way to get kids to listen.3. "Would you like to do it on your own or have me help you?"Take a break from: "I've asked you three times, do it now!"Example: "It's time to leave. Would you like to put on your shoes by yourself, or have me help you?" or "Would you like to hop in your car seat by yourself or have me put you in it?"Explained: Most kids respond incredibly well to being empowered. Give them a choice and their critical thinking skills override their temptation to push back.4. "What did you learn from this mistake?"Take a break from: "Shame on you" or "You should know better."Example: "What did you learn from this mistake?" or "What did you learn and how will you do it differently next time, so you don't get in trouble at school?"Explained: Focusing on motivation to change behavior for the future will get you much better results than placing shame on past misbehavior.5. "Please ______________.”Take a break from: "Don't!" or "Stop it!" Example: "Please pet the dog gently" or "Please put your shoes in the closet."Explained: Do any of us go through our day telling waitresses, baristas, friends, etc. what we DON'T want? No, right? We wouldn't get the best response if we said "Do NOT give us a whole milk latte" or "I don't want the chicken." That form of negative communication isn't perceived well and puts undue strain on relationships. Instead, try asking for what you do want.6. "We are on cheetah time today and need to move fast!"Take a break from: "Hurry up!" or "We are going to be late!"Example: "We're on racehorse time today! Let's see how fast we can move!"Explained: Be sure to let them be on turtle time sometimes! We could all use a healthy dose of slowing down, so provide mornings where everyone is relaxed and kids can move slow.

7. "Do you want to leave now or in ten minutes?"Take a break from: "Time to go...now!"Example: "Do you guys wanna leave now or play for ten more minutes, then leave?Why it works: Kids love to be in charge of their own destiny, especially power kids! This takes a bit of proactivity, but it works like a charm: Give them a choice and they'll respond much better when you say, "Okay, 10 minutes is up, time to go."8. "Let's add that toy you want to your birthday list."Take a break from: "We can't afford that" or "No, I said no toys."Example: "I am not willing to buy that, would you like me to put it on your birthday wish list?"Explained: If we're being honest, we can technically afford the $5 lego at checkout, we're just not willing to purchase it (but then we'll buy a $5 almond milk latte). Instead of blaming our finances and creating feelings of scarcity, own your limit, then offer ideas to help them learn how to get it, such as a birthday gift or using allowance money.9. "Stop, breathe, now ask for what you want."Take a break from: "Stop whining!” Example: "Let's stop, breathe together, now try again to ask for what you want."Explained: Be sure to model this too. Keep repeating it calmly while breathing with them, till they can self-calm and change the way they're talking.

10. "Respect yourself and others."Take a break from: "Be good."Example: "Remember to respect yourself and others when you're inside the bounce house today."Explained: Be specific, as kids often don't absorb the general statements we throw at them. Ask for what you want and have them restate what is important to remember.11. "Use your teamwork skills."Take a break from: "Don't be bossy!" and "No one will want to play with you if you act like that."Example: "You're a great leader. Remember to use your teamwork skills today. Ask your friends questions instead of telling them what to do, and let others have a turn leading too."

#11 con’t: Explained: Many kids who have a strong desire to lead (or feel powerful) are often told they're bossy or that no one will want to be their friends if they act "mean." Instead, become a coach of your child and teach them how good leaders lead with integrity—asking instead of commanding, showing instead of telling and taking turns.12. "I need you to _____________."Take a break from: "Stop doing ___" and "It's not ok to ___."

Example: "It's ok that you feel sad, I'll be over here if you need me. I know you can find a way to take care of yourself."Explained: It's incredible how well kids respond when we don't pressure them to "get over their feelings" or try to force them to stop freaking out. Empower and teach them they are capable of moving through the feeling on their own and they'll come out of the sadness sooner—and also build their self-esteem.14. "How will you take care of yourself?"Take a break from: Always fixing, i.e., "Do __________, and you'll be fine, it's not a big deal," or "Why are you always so emotional? Here, a cookie will make you feel better."Example: "It's ok to be ____________. What are some things you can do to help yourself feel better?"Explained: Empowering kids to take care of themselves is an incredible gift. Kids who learn to move through emotions with integrity and take self-calming action get into trouble less and have higher self-esteem. (A positive parenting curriculum like The Foundations Course can help you learn how to support them in this journey to develop intrinsic care, self-control methods and how to self-calm.)15. "I'll stop, breathe and wait for you to finish."Take a break from: "Just let me do it."Example: "Looks like you need a moment, I'll sit down and wait for two minutes or put the dishes in the dishwasher while I wait."Explained: Many times, it's us parents that need to chill. Slow down and let them try to tie their shoe themselves or figure out the elevator floor by reading the sign. Kids often do a great job of reminding us to be present. Be ok with a lumpy bed sometimes, or shoes on the wrong foot. The goal here is to let kids try, fail, try again and anchor feelings of capability—so they don't always depend on us to do everything!16. "I love you no matter what."Take a break from: "No one wants to be with you when you're bad," or "You're not getting hugs and kisses after acting like that."Example: "I love you no matter what behavior you have, AND I'd like you to ask your brother for the toy next time, instead ofgrabbing it."Explained: Unconditional love is at the core of Positive Parenting and means that our love for our kids does not depend on the level of good behavior they have in the day. We love them with all of our heart no matter what. Feeding this truth into our children pours into their need to belong, which is a key motivating factor that Dr. Rudolph Dreikurs (grandfather of Positive Parenting) helps us understand. When kids' basic needs are met, they misbehave less. 17. "I am not okay with ___________—yet."Take a break from: "You're not old enough," or "You're too little to do that."Example: "I'm not ok with you walking on top of that brick wall because I'm scared you'll fall and hurt yourself."Explained: When we own our fears and worries, our kids respond and respect our limits a lot better. Kids often feel like they are old enough, strong enough, big enough and capable enough to do big things like ride bikes fast, climb high fences and carry big glasses of juice…but it's us that isn't ready to take the risk yet. Communicate this to your kids using the word I, and they will push back less.18. "You care, so I'd love for you to decide."Take a break from: "I don't care."Example: "You know what? I'm flexible on this, so can you choose for us. I'd love your help."Explained: When we really don't care, this is a great opportunity to empower our kids and let them lead! Good leaders are also good followers so teaching our kids this through letting them make decisions is good practice.19. "I believe in you and am here to support you."Take a break from: Rescuing, i.e., "I'll take care of this." or "Why do I have to do everything for you?"Example: "I can see how this is tough for you and I believe in you to get through this. I am here to support you if you need ideas on how to handle the situation with integrity."Explained: It's important that as parents we set our kids up for success in the world to take care of themselves, solve their own problems and have confidence that they are capable. Supporting instead of rescuing often takes more patience, but it builds kids' self-esteem and intrinsic motivation in the most beautiful ways.20. "How are you feeling?"Take a break from: "Chill out; you don't need to get so upset!"Example: "I can see you're upset, what are you feeling?"Explained: Helping kids identify their emotions and communicate them effectively is an important element of positive parenting. When children get comfortable actually feeling an emotion and communicating it to others (instead of denying it and trying tomake it go away), behaviors have a tendency to be much more

It takes a lot of practice and patience to consistently swap in these positive phrases.

Example: "I need you to pet the dog gently. He loves calming pets and will sit with you longer if you touch him that way.”"I need you to slow down and walk like a turtle right now instead of a racehorse since we're in a dangerous parking lot."Explained: I statements come across very different than you statements, and kids respond much better when we communicate with them in non-accusatory ways. Also, asking for what you want is huge to guide kids in the direction you want (vs. focusing their brain on what you DON'T want). 13. "It's okay to cry."Take a break from: "Don't be a baby," or "Don't cry."