Dad, why do we pray?

Aug 16

When you reflect on what prayer is—an opportunity to bring our needs before a heavenly Father who loves us and is willing and able to give us all we need—the better question is why don’t we pray more!

Few things instill more guilt in Christians than discussion of prayer. We all feel like we should pray more. But mere obligation is unlikely to get us far in leading our families in embracing prayer. Instead, we should consider what a gift it is to have regular encounters with a loving heavenly Father who listens to us and responds to our requests. Nothing will shape our understanding of God or of ourselves more.

Kids' Questions

Talking Points: Dad, why do we pray?

Though our culture increasingly mocks prayer as empty and useless, prayer is an incredible gift from God that enables us to see both God and ourselves more accurately. God, our Father in heaven, is able and willing to do what’s best for us, and we glorify him by recognizing our childlike dependence on him to fulfill our needs. We need to set aside our pride and instead lead our families in reveling in the rich blessing of prayer.

Key Questions: Dad, why do we pray?

Answers to the questions: If God is sovereign and good, why do we need to pray? Isn’t he already going to do what’s best for us? I get so distracted when I pray, and so do my kids! How can we stay focused? What should we pray?

Sample Discussion: Dad, why do we pray?

A sample of how to talk to our kids about the gift of prayer. God is just like your dad, but better! He longs to hear from you and he is willing and able to give you everything you need.

Recommended Resources: Dad, why do we pray?

A curated list of some helpful articles, podcasts, and books on this topic for those who want to explore it further.

Graham Thompson

Dad, why do we pray?

When you reflect on what prayer is—an opportunity to bring our needs before a heavenly Father who loves us and is willing and able to give us all we need—the better question is why don’t we pray more!

Recommended Resources: Dad, are boys and girls the same?

Talking Points: Dad, why do we pray?