Train up a child”… The Passion translation in Proverbs 22:6 says, “Dedicate your children to God and point them in the way that they should go, and the values they’ve learned from you will be with them for life.” (TPT) Children are great imitators. As believers, how can we use this trait to help train them for Kingdom purposes? Prayer is one of our most powerful tools/weapons. It is not reserved for the old. God’s ears are open to anyone’s prayers from the youngest to the oldest of His children. Our church has been blessed with many children in the last few years. Before their birth we began to pray for them. From an early age, we have a glimpse of how God will magnify their impact in the world. I spoke with several parents about the way they incorporate prayer into their lives and teaching their children about prayer. One mom shared with me how modeling prayer was an important building block in their home including praying in the Spirit. After a story before bed, their children are invited to pray what is on their heart, even this simple prayer, “That we don’t get any more owies.” We have a text prayer group, and when a text request arrives, she and the children stop what they are doing and pray. The children are learning the importance of prayer. (We have seen many miracles as we pray.) Another family has walked through some major health challenges with their daughter, but it is prayer and God’s faithfulness that has led them through to victory. Their three-year-old daughter is already a mighty prayer warrior, as is their son. They are children who know that God hears and answers their prayers. Their first response when an illness or injury occurs is, “Let’s pray. Jesus will heal us.” Adults, are you listening? We need that childlike faith. A short time ago, their daughter had an ear infection and was in the waiting room for her turn to see the doctor. As she looked around the room, she saw a little boy who was sick. “Mom, that little boy is sick we need to pray for him.” And she did. One of her favorite prayers is, “Jesus will touch him. I believe it.” Yes, as we learn from the Bible, people who encountered Jesus were healed because they believed. “Daughter, your faith has healed you.” (Mark 5:34) (This is the story of the woman with the issue of blood for 12 years who believed all she had to do was touch the hem of Jesus’ garment, and she would be healed. And she was.) When it was the little girl’s turn to go in and see the doctor, the redness of her ear was gone, and she was no longer crying uncontrollably from the pain. Jesus had heard her prayer for the little boy, and had healed her. What a good, good heavenly Father who loves us so much. One of my favorite stories is when the little girl needed to go to a doctor’s appointment. She told her mom she didn’t need to go because “Jesus will heal me.” Her parents convinced her that sometimes God works through doctors too. This was her response, “God has made me a strong girl. I will be brave.” That’s a prayer we can all adopt as we face life’s challenges. One other tip from this family is that every Sunday on the way to church they pray for the pastors, church leaders, Sunday School teachers, and all those they will meet at church. What a great idea for all of us to pray on our way to church on Sunday morning. This will prepare our hearts to receive a word from the Lord and to encourage others. What a blessing to see our young children up front on a prayer night interceding for others. So grateful for leadership that encourages our children to seek first the Kingdom of God and take everything to God in prayer. How can you be a blessing to the children in your life? Pray with them and let them pray for you. Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and don’t prevent them, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them.” (Matthew 19:14) Lord, teach us to pray, and believe with childlike faith that You will hear, answer, and heal.