Why pray at meals?

Five things your child will learn from praying at the family table.

Children are like sponges. They soak up everything around them. As Christian parents, we must be vigilant about our actions; always making sure we are leading by good example.

One of the ways we can do this is by giving thanks at the table each time we gather for a meal. There are five things your child can learn about what it means to be a Christian by praying at the family table.

1.       They will learn how to pray: Prayer is more than bowing your head and asking God for something. In fact, prayer requires discipline and conscious effort. When parents pray at the family table, they are showing their children that prayer is something that is done in humble reverence.

2 Chronicles 7:14

“If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”

2.       They will learn that all things are provided by God: Children cannot know that the food on the table, the clothes on their backs and the roof over their heads are actually provided by our Lord unless their parents regularly pray to God to thank him for these things.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

3.       They will learn about faith: Praying at the family table teaches your children to put all your faith in God; trusting that he will provide for you and provide you with wisdom.

Proverbs 3:5-6

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Philippians 4:6

“Do not be anxious about anything, but by everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

4.       They will see the good example being set by their parents: When you pray at the family table, your children see the importance of God in your home. They also learn that prayer plays a huge role in Christianity. Most importantly, praying at the family table presents an opportunity for your children to learn by example.

Matthew 5:16

“In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Proverbs 22:6

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

5.       They will learn the meaning of prayer: Through each shared prayer, your child will slowly learn the purpose of prayer and why God has instructed us to continue in prayer all through our lives.

Matthew 7:7

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.”

James 1:5

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.”

Help guide your children down the path of righteousness by teaching them the power of prayer.

Whitney Reed is freelance writer who also owns the site www.ChristianColleges.org. She enjoys volunteering in her community and spending time with her family on the weekends.

If you need support in encouraging your kids to pray at meals you can check out this tip.