Monday

Make a prayer cup. The first part of prayer is us talking to God. The second part, the best part, is God talking to us. Start with parent and child saying one-sentence prayers. At the end of the week the child chooses a prayer, writes it on a piece of paper and places it in a disposable cup. On the front of the cup write “From Me to Jesus,” on the back, “From Jesus to Me.” Continue to pray until the child can write the answer to the prayer on the back. Involve as many people as it takes. Why should a child believe in prayer if there is no answer? “Amen” is not the end of the prayer. It’s halfway. The second half is our commitment to trust God until the answer comes. 

Tuesday

Pray at the beginning of the day. Everybody prays when they are in trouble — Daniel in the lion’s den, Joseph when his brothers threw him in a pit, Jonah when he was swallowed by a whale. Jesus’ way of praying was BIGGER. He taught us to pray before we get into trouble, prayers like, “Give us this day our daily bread,” and “Lead us not into temptation.” Even a very quick look at the Lord’s Prayer shows that it’s all about praying before troubles come. There’s no better habit for child or adult than praying in the morning. It’s what Jesus taught.  

Wednesday

Make a list of at least three prayer partners. Help each child do the same. Follow through by praying with each person on your list at least once a week, even if it’s on the phone for just two minutes. A person who doesn’t pray with others seldom prays by him or her self.

Thursday

Read the instruction manual, starting with one or more of these five verses: John 5:39, Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 40:29, 1 John 3:22, Jude 1:20.      

Friday

Pray with a pure heart. Are you angry with someone? Forgive them. Have you sinned? Repent and ask God to cleanse your heart. Are you ungrateful? Thank God for past prayers answered. Are you praying selfishly? Make a list of others to pray for.

Saturday

Pray to be more sensitive to God’s Holy Spirit. The only way for a child to break free of the worldly influences that surround us is an ever-increasing sensitivity to the Holy Spirit. That path begins with prayer — a HABIT of prayer. Today pray with your child for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to help you pray.  

Sunday

Pray for others. Start with the brothers and sisters in your church, people your own age as well as the ill or elderly. Make a list and carry it with you on a prayer walk. Then find a globe for your room and at least once a month pray for Christians in other countries. Find a list of Christian missionaries online. Contact one or two and pray for them when you see the globe.

Photo: Anastasiia Stiahailo/Getty Images | This article was originally titled “Seven Days to a Better Prayer Life” in the July 2026 issue of The War Cry.