Teaching Our Kids to Pray Bold Prayers

Before Lucy was even born, there was a little boy with folded hands and a big heart who prayed her into existence.

Anderson was just a young child when he began praying for a sister—consistently, faithfully, with a kind of innocence and belief that adults often overthink. His prayers weren’t complex or fancy, but they were bold. He simply trusted that God would hear him. And He did.

When we struggled with infertility, those prayers became a balm to my aching heart. And when Lucy arrived—our miracle baby—it was as if Anderson had always known she was coming. His joy was full, his faith affirmed.

That season taught me something I will never forget: God listens when children pray. And not only does He listen, He delights in their trust.

Now, years later, we continue encouraging both Lucy and Anderson to pray with that same courage and honesty. Whether it’s for a friend who’s sick, a test that feels too hard, or peace in the middle of a tough moment, prayer is our family’s anchor.

Just the other night, Lucy curled up in bed and whispered a prayer that made me pause. “Jesus, help me be kind even when my face wants to be mean.” I smiled through tears, because that’s the kind of real, vulnerable, precious prayer that moves mountains—even if the mountain is just a grumpy moment before bedtime.

We remind our kids often that prayer isn’t about the “right” words. It’s about the heart behind them. And when they pray boldly, they learn that God isn’t far off—He’s right here in the everyday moments, listening, loving, and shaping them through every whispered word.

Let this be a gentle encouragement to all of us raising little ones with big hearts: teach them to pray—honestly, boldly, and often. Their words hold more power than we know.