John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me
Today at Kingdom Kids I asked the children to just be quiet for a moment and ask God who or what to pray about. I told them to pray about the first person or thing that popped into their minds. Then we each listened and prayed silently.
When everyone was finished praying, I asked how many of them had a person or thought brought to their minds to pray for. Almost all of them raised their hands!
I encouraged them by saying, "How cool is that? You asked, listened and God spoke to you! Isn't that great? Keep asking and listening!"
That is the first step. It's not a big deal for kids. They are very receptive. Of course you can lead them in what might NOT be God's voice later. But, to start out, it's as simple as that!
This is such an important lesson to teach early! Children don't have baggage that adults have so they are able to hear more clearly and pray simple yet powerful prayers. The more they listen and respond, the more they will grow to know His voice. Asking who to pray for is a great first step. Listening and responding is something that can help root them and ground them from the storms later in life.
Start listening!!