We are working on showing Mitchell how to pray. In a book club at our church one of the ladies who was leading the group suggested that we try spontaneous prayer with our children in addition to bedtime prayer.
I have started initiating a morning prayer as Kenneth and Mitchell are walking out the door. We have about 2 seconds, so it consists of a group hug with heads together and whatever is on our minds at the moment, "good day, safe drive, mommy have a nice run etc.." Mitchell always says "Amen!!!"
I am also trying to pray out loud with him in the car while we are driving or right before we go into day care. He has caught on to it and bows his head (sometimes) and waits for the amen. Even though he can't really talk much, I know he understands my words and will catch on that I pray from my heart and whatever is on my mind is what I share with God.
I think the repetition and memorized prayers and verses are equally as important. We are just starting to read him the catechism questions from our church. Presbyterians do less of the memorization and more of the spontaneous prayer so I will have to work on this area more. I want Mitchell to have God's word hidden in his heart. On the plus side it is teaching me a lot too!
Parenting is such a fun job.
Mary