---
title: "05 - Teach Us To Pray 2019 By Pastor Jeff Wickwire"
url: "https://books.hardwired.org/27/a-call-to-prayer/246/05-teach-us-to-pray-2019-by-pastor-jeff-wickwire"
---

Family Devotion 1: Praise and Presence

Theme: Praise as the doorway to God's presence.

Activity/Time: Dinner time.

Devotion:Opening Question: What is something good that happened today that you want to thank God for?

Read Together: "Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name." (Matthew 6:9)

Discussion: Explain that "hallowed" means holy and special. Ask each child to share one thing they think is special about God.

Activity: Go around the table and have each family member say one thing they love about God. This is a way to praise Him.

Prayer: Close with a simple prayer, thanking God for being our loving Father and for all the good things He does.Parenting Tip: Encourage each child to express themselves freely. Praise their contributions to build their confidence in prayer.

Family Devotion 2: Purpose and Kingdom

Theme: Seeking God's kingdom first.

Activity/Time: During a car ride.

Devotion:Opening Question: What is something you want to do when you grow up?

Read Together: "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." (Matthew 6:10)

Discussion: Explain that God's kingdom is about love, kindness, and doing what is right. Ask how they can show God's love at school or with friends.

Activity: As you drive, point out places where they can show kindness or help others, like a park or school.

Prayer: Pray together, asking God to help them be kind and loving, bringing His kingdom to earth.Parenting Tip: Use everyday situations to highlight how they can live out God's kingdom values.

Family Devotion 3: Daily Dependence

Theme: Trusting God for daily needs.

Activity/Time: Breakfast time.

Devotion:Opening Question: What is your favorite breakfast food?

Read Together: "Give us today our daily bread." (Matthew 6:11)

Discussion: Talk about how God provides for our needs every day, just like breakfast gives us energy for the day.

Activity: Have each child share one thing they are thankful for that God has provided.

Prayer: Thank God for providing food, family, and everything they need.Parenting Tip: Reinforce gratitude by encouraging them to thank God for specific things each day.

Family Devotion 4: Forgiveness and Freedom

Theme: The power of forgiveness.

Activity/Time: Bedtime.

Devotion:Opening Question: Has anyone ever said "I'm sorry" to you? How did it make you feel?

Read Together: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." (Matthew 6:12)

Discussion: Explain that forgiving others helps us feel better and keeps our hearts clean.

Activity: Ask if there's anyone they need to forgive or say sorry to. Encourage them to do it the next day.

Prayer: Pray for a forgiving heart and thank God for forgiving us.Parenting Tip: Model forgiveness by sharing a personal story of forgiveness and its impact.

Family Devotion 5: Protection and Guidance

Theme: Asking God for protection.

Activity/Time: While cleaning up toys.

Devotion:Opening Question: What is something you are afraid of?

Read Together: "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one." (Matthew 6:13)

Discussion: Explain that God helps us make good choices and keeps us safe.

Activity: As you clean, talk about how God helps us clean up our hearts by keeping us safe from bad choices.

Prayer: Ask God to protect them and help them make good choices.Parenting Tip: Encourage open communication about fears and reassure them of God's protection.