Prayer is potent. How many lives have been lengthened and strengthened because people have dropped to their knees to ask for God’s help for themselves or others? Hardened hearts have crumbled, the weakest have become mighty, and little children have changed the world. All through prayer.

When you and your children pray, you finally stop trying to solve problems alone. You talk out difficulties with God and count on Him to answer. No matter what you’re facing, He understands. It’s up to you to ask, however, and then patiently wait for the reply.

Should you hear that someone’s sick or learn of a car accident, pause to pray. Pray first and often. There will be plenty of time to rush into action but only one initial opportunity to get your mind focused on the Problem-Solver. You need His help, so ask for it.

Your children should hear prayers outside of rote offerings at meals and bedtimes. When they come to you with a problem, pray. Is there a big event coming up, an exam at school? Ask if you can pray with them. No pressure. No fancy words. Just a simple “Hey, let’s ask for God’s help, shall we?”

The next time you feel hurt or confused, ask them to pray for you. Hold hands. They will see your heart, your vulnerability, and your reliance on God and follow suit. Some days you go to God with hair afire in Level Ten Crisis Mode. Slowly breathe prayers in and out. Teach your kids to turn to Him when the problem arises, not after it’s a tangled mess.

If your children hear you handle difficulties by praying, they’ll do the same. They’ll learn that, like you, they can’t do it all themselves. Fortunately, God is there and hears their heartfelt prayers.