God calls us to pray, but sometimes it can be hard for kids to think of what to pray for and to verbalize their prayers. Prayer sticks are a great tool to help kids learn how to pray and to foster family prayer time. At its most basic, prayer sticks are blank popsicle sticks on which prayer intentions and thanksgivings are written. The prayer sticks are placed in a container and at prayer time, each family member picks a stick and prays out loud for the prayer written on the stick. For example, one stick might have “Aunt Judy” written on it and “people who are homeless” on another.

It can be helpful to think about prayers in categories, so kids learn that there are many different types of prayers. One simple way to categorize prayers is:

      Prayers of PRAISE: Telling God how great He is and acknowledging all the great things He has done.

• God’s love
• God’s forgiveness
• God’s blessings

 
      Prayers of THANKS: Thanking God for what He has done for us and what He has given us.

• Our family
• Healthy food to eat
• A special family outing or trip

 
      Prayers for OTHERS: Asking God to help other people.

• A sick friend or relative
• Community helpers (police officers, fire fighters)
• People who are homeless

 
      Prayers for MYSELF: Asking God to help other me

• Give me strength to…
• Help me to get along better with…
• Forgive me for...

 
Prayer sticks can be color coated according to the category of prayer (praise prayers could be green, prayers of thanks could be blue, etc.) and at least one of each color should be picked during prayer time. When a prayer is answered it can be moved to another container for “answered prayers” and new prayers sticks can be added at any time.

Many families find that leaving the prayer sticks jar on or near the kitchen table is a visible reminder to pray before a meal together.