Teaching children to pray is one of the most valuable gifts a parent can give. The “Our Father” prayer is a timeless, scripture-backed way to guide kids in connecting with God. In Matthew 6:9-13, Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray using this model: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…” This prayer not only teaches reverence and faith but also instills a sense of dependence on God for daily needs, forgiveness, and protection.
When kids learn to pray the Our Father, they are learning obedience, gratitude, and trust in God’s loving care. In this post, we provide a simple, child-friendly version of the Our Father prayer for kids, along with tips to help them memorize and practice it daily, empowering them to grow spiritually strong from a young age.
Scripture of the Day
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” — [Matthew 6:9-10 NIV]
Prayer to Honor God’s Name
Matthew 6:9 – “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.”
Prayer:
Dear Jesus, thank You for being my loving Father. Help me always to honor Your name in everything I do. Teach me to speak kindly, obey Your Word, and live in a way that makes You proud. Let my words and actions glorify You so others can see Your goodness through me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Follow God’s Will
Matthew 6:10 – “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to do what pleases You every day. Teach me to listen to Your guidance and follow Your ways. Even when it’s hard, give me courage to choose Your will over my own. Let my life reflect Your kingdom here on earth, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Daily Provision
Matthew 6:11 – “Give us today our daily bread.”
Prayer:
Father, thank You for taking care of me every day. Please give me what I need—food, clothes, and love. Help me to trust You to provide and to share what I have with others. Teach me to be thankful for all You give, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Forgiveness
Matthew 6:12 – “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I am sorry for the wrong things I have done. Please forgive me and help me forgive others who have hurt me. Clean my heart and make me kind, loving, and free from anger. Teach me to forgive just like You forgive me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Avoid Temptation
Matthew 6:13 – “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”
Prayer:
Father God, protect me from things that are wrong or unsafe. Help me to say “no” to bad choices and to follow Your ways. Guide me away from temptation and danger, and keep me safe under Your loving care, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Protection
Psalm 91:11 – “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for watching over me. Please send Your angels to protect me at home, at school, and wherever I go. Keep me safe from harm, accidents, and anything scary. Help me trust that You are always with me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for a Kind Heart
Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to be kind and loving to everyone I meet. Teach me to forgive and show compassion, just like You forgive me. Let my words and actions spread love and happiness to others, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Love Others
Matthew 22:39 – “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to love my friends, family, and even people I don’t know. Help me to care for others and to share Your love every day. Let my heart be full of kindness and joy, so everyone around me can feel Your goodness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Be Obedient
Colossians 3:20 – “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
Prayer:
Father, help me listen to my parents, teachers, and people in authority. Give me a heart that obeys and respects them, even when it’s hard. Let my obedience make You happy and help me grow into a good person, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Peaceful Sleep
Psalm 4:8 – “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for taking care of me today. As I go to sleep, please keep me safe and calm. Help me rest peacefully and wake up happy and healthy. Let me feel Your love all through the night, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Grow in Faith
2 Thessalonians 1:3 – “Your faith is growing more and more.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, help my faith grow bigger every day. Teach me to trust You in everything I do. Let me believe in Your promises and follow You with a happy heart, even when things are hard. Help me always to keep my eyes on You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Thankfulness
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for all You give me my family, my friends, food, and love. Teach me to be thankful every day and to notice all the good things You do. Help me to say “thank You” to You and to others with a happy heart, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Courage
Joshua 1:9 – “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Prayer:
Lord, give me courage when I feel scared. Help me to trust You and be brave in every situation. Let me know You are always with me, guiding me and keeping me safe, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Wisdom
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”
Prayer:
Father, please give me wisdom to make good choices. Help me know right from wrong and teach me to listen to Your Word. Guide me in school, at home, and with my friends so I can do what pleases You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Share Joy
Philippians 4:4 – “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to be joyful every day. Let my happiness show in my words, actions, and smile. Teach me to share joy with my friends and family so they can feel Your love too, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Speak Truth
Ephesians 4:15 – “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to always tell the truth and be honest. Teach me to speak kindly and in love, even when it’s hard. Let my words bring peace and reflect Your goodness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Patience
Galatians 5:22 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Prayer:
Father, please help me to be patient with my family, friends, and teachers. Teach me to wait without getting angry or upset. Fill my heart with Your Spirit so I can show love and kindness always, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Be Helpful
Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be helpful to others every day. Let me share, serve, and care for people around me. Teach me to see opportunities to do good and act with a loving heart, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Speak Kindly
Proverbs 16:24 – “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”
Prayer:
Jesus, help me to speak kind words to everyone. Let my words make people happy and encourage them. Teach me to avoid hurtful words and to be gentle in everything I say, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for God’s Love to Shine
Matthew 5:16 – “Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to let Your love shine through me. Teach me to do good deeds and show kindness, so others can see You in me. Let my heart be full of Your love every day, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Strength to Do Good
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for giving me strength. Help me to do good in all I say and do. When I feel tired or weak, remind me that You are with me and will give me the courage and energy to make the right choices. Let me use Your strength to bless others and glorify Your name, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Patience with Others
Ephesians 4:2 – “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Prayer:
Father, help me to be patient with my friends, siblings, and classmates. Teach me to stay calm and loving, even when things don’t go my way. Let me remember to show kindness and forgiveness, so I can reflect Your love to everyone around me, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Keep God First
Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help me to put You first in everything I do at home, at school, and with my friends. Teach me to make choices that please You and to trust You with all I need. Let my heart always follow You, so Your kingdom can grow in my life, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Joy in Learning
Proverbs 1:5 – “Let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance.”
Prayer:
Father, help me to enjoy learning new things. Give me understanding, curiosity, and joy in studying. Teach me to listen carefully, ask questions, and use what I learn to do good and honor You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for a Pure Heart
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Prayer:
Lord, make my heart clean and pure. Help me to think good thoughts, speak kind words, and do what pleases You. Let me love You and others with a pure heart, and guide me to always do what is right, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Friends
Ecclesiastes 4:9 – “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor.”
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for my friends. Help me to be a good friend to them kind, helpful, and loving. Teach me to choose friends who follow You and to encourage one another to do what is right. Let our friendship grow in Your love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer for Happy Days
Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for today. Help me to be happy, enjoy the day, and see Your blessings all around me. Let me share my joy with others and always remember that every day comes from You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Trust God Always
Proverbs 3:5 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
Prayer:
Father, help me to trust You in everything, even when I don’t understand. Teach me to lean on You and not my own ideas. Let me feel Your presence guiding me and giving me confidence in all I do, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Obey Teachers
Hebrews 13:17 – “Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority.”
Prayer:
Lord, help me to obey my teachers and listen carefully in class. Teach me to be respectful and responsible so I can learn well and honor You. Let me always follow their guidance with a happy heart, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Prayer to Be Thankful for Family
Psalm 127:3 – “Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.”
Prayer:
Father, thank You for my family. Help me to love, respect, and care for them every day. Teach me to be grateful for my parents, siblings, and all who take care of me. Let me show them Your love through my words and actions, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Testimony
There was a little girl named Hannah who often felt anxious at school and at home. She struggled to trust God and would sometimes cry at night, worried about everything. Her mother decided to teach her the Our Father prayer and helped her say it each morning and night, explaining the meaning of each line in simple words.
After a few weeks, Hannah began to feel calmer and happier. She would repeat the prayer before bedtime, asking God to protect her, help her forgive others, and guide her in doing good. Slowly, she noticed that she could be kind to friends, patient with her little brother, and brave in facing challenges at school.
Hannah’s parents also noticed a change she smiled more, prayed confidently, and even shared the prayer with her classmates. The Our Father prayer became a powerful tool in her young life, helping her connect with God, trust Him, and build a heart full of love and gratitude.
This shows why teaching children scripture-based prayers matters: even simple daily prayers like the Our Father can shape a child’s character, provide peace, and cultivate a lifelong habit of trusting and talking to God.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should kids learn the Our Father prayer?
Q: Is it really important for children to learn this prayer?
A: Yes! The Our Father prayer teaches kids how to talk to God, honor Him, ask for help, and trust His guidance. Matthew 6:9-13 shows that Jesus Himself gave this prayer as a model, making it a foundational way for children to learn faith, gratitude, forgiveness, and protection.
At what age can kids start saying the Our Father prayer?
Q: What is the best age to start teaching this prayer?
A: Children can start learning the prayer as early as 3–4 years old. Start with short, simple phrases and gradually help them memorize the full prayer. Using age-appropriate explanations makes it easier for them to understand the meaning behind the words.
How can I help my child memorize it?
Q: What are practical ways to teach kids the prayer?
A: Repeat the prayer daily with your child, break it into small parts, use songs or rhymes, and encourage them to say it before bedtime, meals, or school. Consistency, praise, and gentle reminders help make memorization fun and effective.
Can children understand the meaning of the prayer?
Q: Will young kids really understand the words?
A: Yes! You can explain each line in simple terms. For example, “Our Father in heaven” means God loves us like a parent, and “Give us today our daily bread” means God provides for our needs. Even young kids can grasp these basic concepts and grow in faith over time.
Should kids pray the Our Father daily?
Q: Is it necessary for children to say this prayer every day?
A: Daily practice helps children develop a habit of prayer and strengthens their relationship with God. You can start with morning and bedtime prayers, gradually including moments before meals, school, or special needs. Consistency builds faith, trust, and a loving connection with God.
Final Encouragement
Teaching children the Our Father prayer is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. It helps kids learn to talk to God, trust Him, and grow in faith, obedience, and love. Even simple daily practice creates a strong spiritual foundation that will guide them through life’s challenges.
By praying this prayer with your children, you equip them to ask for God’s provision, forgiveness, protection, and guidance in a way they can understand and remember. Over time, it becomes more than words it becomes a habit of turning to God in every moment, filling their hearts with peace, joy, and confidence in His care.
Encourage them, celebrate small victories in memorization, and show how prayer shapes daily life. With consistent practice, the Our Father prayer will empower children to grow spiritually strong, trust God fully, and shine His love wherever they go.
Call to Action
Don’t wait start teaching your child the Our Father prayer today! Grab a quiet moment, sit with your kids, and guide them line by line, explaining the meaning in simple words. Make it fun with repetition, songs, or bedtime routines, and watch them grow in faith, trust, and love for God. Encourage them to say it daily and celebrate every small step they take in memorizing and understanding it. The earlier they learn to pray, the stronger their connection with God will become. Start now and give your child a lifelong habit of talking to God!