Editor’s Note (2026): This post was originally published in 2017 and remains one of our most-loved resources. We have gently refreshed the language and updated the printable bookmark.

10 Ways to Pray with Kids

Exploring ways to pray with kids creates space for connection—with God, with one another, and with the honest feelings children already carry. Prayer doesn’t have to be complicated or polished. When we practice simple, repeatable rhythms together, we offer children language for gratitude, courage, wonder, and justice.

Below you’ll find 10 ways to pray with kids. Pick and choose, mix and match, and adapt them for your home, classroom, or congregation.

Pray Through Art

1. Coloring Prayer 

For many children (and adults), art creates space for focus, regulation, and honest conversation. Coloring, especially, slows us down. It gives busy hands something to do while hearts and minds reflect.

First, gather coloring utensils and coloring sheets. Second, decide what each color will help you notice or pray about. For example, use purple while praying aloud for animals, green for family members, or blue for the earth and the environment. Adapt the categories to your own family, classroom, or congregation.

Looking for some fresh coloring sheets? Download a free sample pack here!

2. Musical Prayer

One of the most natural ways to practice prayer with children is through music. Music helps words settle into memory and gives kids language they can carry with them throughout the day.

The doxology is one song often used as a prayer of praise and thanksgiving:

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.
Praise God all creatures here below.
Praise God above ye heavenly host.
Praise Father/Mother, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Amen.

You can adapt the language to reflect the names for God that feel meaningful in your community. Many families and churches also write their own simple sung prayers together.

3. Journaling Prayer

Invite your children to begin drawing and writing their prayers. Even little ones can draw what they’re feeling or grateful for. Older children might write letters to God, lists of hopes, or questions they’re carrying.

Giving children a prompt can offer helpful structure. You might ask:

• What made you feel brave today?
• Where did you notice kindness?
• What feels heavy right now?

Remind them there’s no “right” way to write or draw a prayer—God meets us in honesty.

If your kids enjoy tactile or reflective practices alongside journaling, explore our Beaded Examen Prayer for Kids, which helps children notice gratitude, emotions, and moments of courage throughout their day.

Pray Using Your Body

4. Moving Prayer

There are many ways to invite movement and bodies into prayer practices. For children, especially, movement can help focus attention and regulate emotions.

You might try this simple prayer together:

(3 deep breaths)
God, you are above (reach toward the sky),
below (touch your toes),
inside (hands to heart)
and all around (big arm circles).
I worship you (reach toward the sky),
and give my life to you (touch your toes).
And I love you (hands to heart)
with all that I am (big arm circles).
(3 deep breaths)

Feel free to adapt the movements, so they’re accessible and comfortable for every body. Seated versions, smaller gestures, or simply imagining the motions work just as well.

Yoga, stretching, and simple dance can also become embodied prayers when we move with intention and gratitude.

5. Holding Prayer

Over the years, many families have used our printable bookmark version of the Five-Finger Prayer—a beloved practice often attributed to Pope Francis that assigns each finger something to pray for.

We’ve recently updated the design to be more inclusive and accessible. Instead of centering hand anatomy, the new artwork features flowing, nature-inspired lines rather than specific bodies or abilities.

The prayer remains simple: we begin with those closest to us, move outward toward leaders and helpers, remember those who feel weary or left out, and finally pray for ourselves.

You can download the Holding Prayer bookmark by entering your name and email below:

Pray Through Conversation

Prayer is what happens when we talk to God. It doesn’t always need to be formal; it can begin simply by naming what’s true, what’s beautiful, or what feels heavy.

6. Fill-in-the-Blank Prayer

Take turns going back and forth—or from person to person in a group—saying,
“God is great, God is good, thank you God for __________.”

See how long you can keep it going. It’s often surprising (and sometimes breathtaking) to hear what children notice and name.

Talking about what’s in our hearts builds connection. This simple rhythm strengthens relationships—with God and with one another.

7. Noticing Prayer

Go outside together and search for things to notice and give thanks for: sidewalks that help us travel safely, trees that offer shade for rest, the warmth or coolness of the air on your skin, the rhythm of bird songs overhead, smiles exchanged with neighbors, the scent of flowers in bloom, and buses and cars that make connection possible.

A noticing prayer invites children to slow down and see the world with curiosity. It can also open conversations about care for the earth, our neighbors, and the communities we share.

This is a beautiful way to move your bodies, breathe fresh air, and practice gratitude together.

Pray Through Silence

Silence can feel unfamiliar at first, especially for children used to constant activity. But gentle, guided, quiet moments can help kids notice their thoughts and feelings and remind them they don’t have to hold them alone.

8. Centering Prayer

Centering prayer invites us to become aware of God’s presence without needing to say anything. For young children, two to five minutes is often plenty. Older children might gradually extend that time as they grow comfortable.

You might guide them to close their eyes (if that feels comfortable) and imagine sitting by a quiet stream. When a thought enters their mind, invite them to imagine placing it on a leaf and watching it float downstream until it disappears from view.

9. Breathing Prayer

Breath prayer pairs simple words with slow breathing.

Choose a word or short phrase. If it’s a phrase, say one part on the inhale and one part on the exhale.

For example, using Psalm 56:3:
Inhale: “When I am afraid.”
Exhale: “I will trust you.”

Breath prayers are simple, grounding practices that can help children regulate big feelings and remember that God’s presence is steady.

10. Scripture Prayer

Choose a Bible verse and use it as a prayer to begin or end your day together. Psalm 46:1, Romans 15:13, Micah 6:8, or a verse your family already loves can offer steady words when your own feel hard to find.

Posting the verse near a bedside, mirror, or kitchen table can help make it part of your daily rhythm.

Tell Us Your Prayer Ideas for Kids

We hope these ways to pray with kids spark imagination and connection in your home or community. Prayer doesn’t have to be perfect; it just needs to be honest.

What practices have helped the children in your life feel safe, seen, and connected? We’d love to hear in the comments below.