Why It’s Important to Teach Kids to Pray About Everything (Even the Small Stuff)

As parents, it’s easy to brush off our children’s worries. To us, a lost toy or an argument with a friend might feel like “no big deal.” But to our kids—it’s a big deal. And here’s the truth: if it matters to them, it matters to God.

One of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is that prayer isn’t just for the big emergencies—it’s for everything.

1. Prayer Builds Relationship, Not Just Answers

Prayer is more than asking God for things. It’s building a relationship. Philippians 4:6 tells us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” When kids learn to bring every situation—big or small—to God, they’re learning to lean on Him daily.

2. Prayer Trains Them to Run to Jesus First

Psalm 55:22 reminds us to “Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you.” Teaching kids to pray first when problems arise—whether it’s a lost toy, a scary dream, or a test at school—trains them to run to Jesus before anyone else.

3. Small Prayers Build Big Faith

When children see God answer small prayers, their faith grows stronger. A lost toy found after prayer may seem minor, but to a child it becomes a reminder: “God cares about me.” These little faith victories prepare them to trust Him with bigger challenges later in life.

4. It Shows Them God Is Personal

Jeremiah 33:3 says, “Call to Me and I will answer you.” God isn’t distant—He’s personal. Teaching kids to pray about everyday situations helps them see that God listens to them, not just Mom or Dad.

Final Encouragement

Parents, every prayer matters. When you stop and pray with your children over their little worries, you are building lifelong habits of faith. You’re teaching them that prayer isn’t a last resort—it’s their first response. And that lesson will guide them for the rest of their lives.