The 5 Finger Prayer is perfect for teaching kids how to talk to God. Children can remember to pray for the different people in their lives by simply using their little hands. Use this free 5 Finger Prayer printable at home with your child or in a congregation with a group of kids. Children of all ages can use this 5 Finger Prayer method to grow in their relationship with God.
5 Finger Prayer
James 5:16 is one of my favorite verses regarding the power of prayer:
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
As a mama, I want my children to understand the power of prayer. Talking with God has the power to change things, but more importantly, ourselves. But sometimes it is hard to know what to pray. So, how do we teach our kids to pray when we sometimes struggle with talking with God ourselves?
Five Finger Prayer Printable
One of my favorite prayer strategies is praying Scripture. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Word of God is living and active:
For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Therefore, praying Scripture is a powerful way to pray. It declares God’s Truth as we come to Him with praise, thanksgiving, and petitions. I want to teach my children to communicate with God in all situations, good and bad. In addition, I deeply desire to model praying Scripture for them so they can confidently talk to God. Praying Scripture cements the Truth of the Word in their hearts and minds while they develop their relationships with the Most High.
Praying With Five Fingers
The 5 Finger Prayer is a great way to teach kids about God’s Truth. If you want more hands-on resources for training your child in righteousness, I invite you to browse the Shema Culture blog. Here you will find fun Bible games, crafts, and activities to help you point your child to the One True God. My kids love the Ten Commandments Scavenger Hunt Game, Fruit of the Spirit Bingo, and the Good Samaritan Game.
Each activity on the blog is perfect for busy mamas and teachers like you! The activities on the blog are easy to implement and require minimal supplies. In addition, many of the crafts, games, and activities on the blog include free printables to make things fast and easy. If you want to discover more fun activities to help your child grow in your faith, feel free to browse the blog or click the images below:
5 Finger Prayer Method
The 5 Finger Prayer method is a simple way to help children learn how to pray. Each finger represents a group of people we should remember to pray for. First, our thumb reminds us to pray for family and friends. Next, our pointer reminds us to pray for the teachers in our lives. Our middle finger reminds us to pray for our leaders. Next, our ring finger reminds us to pray for the sick, weak, and poor. Finally, our pinky reminds us to pray for ourselves.
I love that the 5 Finger Prayer method ends with praying for ourselves. That’s because praying for others first tends to put things in perspective. After petitioning on behalf of others, our prayers for ourselves are more likely to be aligned with God’s will and less self-centered.
5 Finger Prayer for Kids
There are many verses on the topic of prayer. Sharing these verses with our children will help them understand that prayer is an important part of loving and knowing God. Here are a few of my favorite verses about prayer:
And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. – Matthew 21:22
But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. – Matthew 6:6
The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. – Proverbs 15:29
Pray without ceasing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
5 Finger Prayer: How to Teach Kids to Pray
Deuteronomy 6:7 instructs us, as parents, to teach our children diligently the ways of the Lord. That includes instructing our children how to pray. The verses known as the “Shema” in Deuteronomy also tell us to teach our children as we sit in our house, walk by the way, lie down, and rise up.” Basically, throughout the day and every chance we get. Every day is filled with opportunities to train our children in righteousness. What a gift!
Therefore, we should teach our children to pray throughout the day so it becomes a way of life for them. Mealtimes are an obvious time in the day to give thanks. In addition, bedtime prayers are a great way to end the day. But what about the times in between? Use everyday circumstances to pray. If your child bumps his or her head while playing, stop and pray for healing. If you hear someone you know is going through a difficult time, stop what you are doing and pray for them with your children. We are to pray without ceasing and it is important to teach our children that prayer should be a lifestyle for every believer. Prayer should be our immediate response to all situations.
If you are looking for more resources to teach your child about prayer, be sure to get my free printable prayer coloring pages for kids by clicking on the image below:
Practical Tips to Teach Kids How to Pray
Teaching a child to pray can be a wonderful way to help them grow in their faith and help them develop a sense of connection and gratitude. Here are some tips to help you teach your child to pray:
Be a Blessing
Encourage your child to pray about how they can be the answer to someone’s prayer. Is someone your child knows sick? Prepare a meal for or send a card to the sick person as you pray for their healing. There are many ways to be used by God to help others when they are down and out.
Lead by Example
Children often learn best by observing. Therefore, let them see you praying regularly so they understand its importance and how it’s done.
Simple Language
Use language that is easy for your child to understand. Keep prayers simple and straightforward, especially when they are very young.
Teach Different Types of Prayers
Introduce different kinds of prayers such as thanksgiving, forgiveness, blessings for others, and prayers for help or guidance. The 5 Finger prayer is a perfect tool for teaching the various kinds of prayers.
Create a Routine
Establish a routine for prayer, such as before bedtime or meals. Consistency helps children understand that prayer is a regular part of life.
Encourage Spontaneity
While routines are important, encourage your child to pray spontaneously when they feel inspired or something is on their mind.
Use Visual Aids
For younger children, visual aids like picture books, prayer cards, prayer coloring pages, or illustrations can help them understand prayer concepts.
Discuss Intentions
Help your child understand the purpose of prayer—connecting with the One True God, expressing gratitude, seeking guidance—and encourage them to think about what they want to communicate to the Creator.
Answer Questions
Be open to questions about prayer and your faith. Discussing these topics openly can help make prayer more meaningful to your child.
Celebrate Milestones
Celebrate milestones in your child’s spiritual journey, such as their first prayer on their own or a special answered prayer. This reinforces the significance of prayer in their lives.
Be Patient and Flexible
Every child is different, so be patient if your child struggles to understand or engage with prayer at first. Adapt your approach based on their age and developmental stage.
Emphasize Gratitude
Teach your child to incorporate gratitude into their prayers, helping them recognize and appreciate the blessings in their life.
By incorporating these ideas, you can create a nurturing environment where your child can learn and grow in their faith through prayer.
Free Printable Five Finger Prayer Worksheet
The free printable 5 Finger Prayer printable you will find at the bottom of this post includes a 5 Finger Prayer coloring page and prayer request page. Discuss the 5 Finger Prayer method with your child as they color the page. This 5 Finger Prayer coloring page is a great tool for sparking meaningful conversation on the topic of prayer.
Next, encourage your child to fill in the prayer request page with his or her petitions. After the prayer request page has been completed, place it in a prominent place in your home, such as on your refrigerator. Use the prayer request page as a reminder to pray regularly for your child’s specific requests. It is a wonderful experience to see the look on your child’s face when they realize their prayers have been answered! What a reason to celebrate!
Free Printable Prayer Worksheet and Prayer Request List for Kids
To get your free 5 Finger Prayer printable, click on the button below and print the document. I pray this 5 Finger prayer method printable is a blessing to you and your child. May your child’s faith grow as they witness God answering their prayers before their eyes!
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