“Never stop praying.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NLT)

That verse used to make me want to hide under my bed.

I’d look at my scattered day and think, How on earth am I supposed to teach my kid about constant prayer when I can barely remember to say grace before scarfing down my lunch?

But then something clicked. God isn’t asking for marathon prayer sessions. He’s just saying “stay connected”—like texting a friend throughout your day. And that changes everything.

Real Prayer for Real People

We’ve all heard those prayers—you know the ones. Eloquent. Profound. Making everyone wonder if the person has a direct heavenly hotline.

But Jesus actually rolled his eyes at showy prayers (Matthew 6:7). Instead, he talked about coming to God like kids—honest, simple, no fancy words required.

So what if prayer with our kids looked less like a formal meeting and more like…life? Quick whispers. Tiny check-ins. Little moments of reaching for God like grabbing a parent’s hand when crossing the street.

This Is What It Actually Looks Like

Forget the leather-bound prayer journal. I’m talking about normal, messy, human-sized moments:

• Kid struggling with shoelaces: “Jesus, I’m frustrated but help me keep trying.”
• Morning drop-off anxiety: “God, my stomach feels weird. Stay with me today?”
• After your child gets excluded at recess: “That really hurt, God. I need You right now.”
• Nighttime fears: “I’m scared of the dark but You’re bigger than what scares me.”

No pressure. No performance. Just saying what’s real.

Not Robot Prayers—Relationship Prayers

The point isn’t turning our kids into mini prayer warriors who recite perfect spiritual phrases. It’s helping them get that God is actually there—listening, caring, and close by.

Those little prayers scattered through ordinary moments teach them something huge:

• God doesn’t require an appointment.
• Prayer is just talking, not performing.
• They’re never doing life solo.

And that shapes who they become.

Something Simple to Try: Prayer Pebbles

Get 3 small stones (or buttons, whatever). Let your kid keep them in their pocket. Each one is a little prayer prompt:

• Stone #1: “Thanks for something”
• Stone #2: “Help with something”
• Stone #3: “I trust you with something”

At dinner, ask: “Did your stones remind you to talk to God today? What did you say?”

The conversations this opens up will surprise you.

You Don’t Need a Pinterest-Perfect Prayer Strategy

Let’s be honest—most of us want the 5-step foolproof system for raising spiritual giants. But most of the time, it’s not elaborate prayer routines but those tiny three-word prayers that stick: “Help me, God.” “Thanks for this.” “I’m scared, Lord.”

When those words become as automatic as “I’m hungry” or “I’m tired,” prayer becomes as natural as breathing.

Here’s what I’ve learned: Those small prayers might seem insignificant, but they’re like seeds. They don’t look impressive at first, but they’re growing something powerful—roots of trust that go deep.

So start small. Whisper little prayers while brushing teeth. Before the bus comes. During the wait at the doctor’s office.

God catches every single one. And your child? They’re figuring out how to talk with their Creator—not just during designated prayer time, but in the middle of their beautifully messy, ordinary day.