Praying Their Way: 24 Prayer Practices for Kids and the Adults Who Love Them by L Roger Owens and Mary Clare Owens
Father-daughter co-authors L. Roger and Mary Clare Owens have written a guide for caregivers on how to introduce kids to prayer, and for kids on how to navigate life’s challenges with prayer. The goal is not for the adults to come with all the answers, but to act as guides for kids as they develop spiritual questions and dilemmas.
Faith + Leadership recently interviewed Roger and his 12-yearold daughter and co-author, Mary Clare, about the experience of writing this book together.
I have always been a big questioner. I want to know when the universe was created and how, and how long ago. I used to ask God for those answers, but as I’ve learned other ways to pray, and that prayer is not just asking God for things, it’s more just spending time with God. I’ve learned that prayer helps me say to God, “I don’t know, and you do.” And that’s OK! You’re here with me, and I’m here with you. And that’s what’s important.
Mary Clare Owens
We love this approach, and it seems to resonate with what we have been hearing from parents. Many caregivers have shared that they feel ill-equipped for spiritual conversations with the kids in their lives. There is an anxiety about “getting it wrong”. The Owens show us a way where it’s less about directing and instructing children as it is tapping into what they care about, and where they are developmentally. Roger especially notes he includes elements of mindfulness practice in the book.
For any adults who are looking for resources to explore prayer with the children in their life, we recommend you pick up a copy!
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