This is a little story that incorporates prayer - for children of all ages. The setting is an ordinary farm with a stand of pine and a creek running through it, and it takes place on a warm and dusty summer day.

I find that it is much easier to learn about prayer, appreciation and thankfulness by remembering a little story modeling these qualities.

Little Johnny, 9 Years Old

Little Johnny, 9 years old
Running all around
Across the barnyard, along the creek
He never can be found
Where can he be found?

Out behind the hay barn
Johnny stops his play
To help a farmer pitch his crop
Then Johnny's on his way
Moving on this summer day.

Darting through the pine woods
Racing down the road
Little Johnny rarely stops
But visits his friend, a speckled toad
A springing, croaking speckled toad.

Supper bell a-ringing
Sounding far away
Johnny trudges home at last
Winding down his busy day
Winding down from all his play.

Little Johnny snug in bed
Tuckered out from chores and playing
Takes some time to thank the Lord
Soon sleeping after praying
Sweet dreaming after praying.

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As a follow through activity after reading this little story with your children, have them draw pictures of Johnny from each paragraph and collate the pages into a little prayer book for them.

More stories for children to learn and illustrate are listed here

Children's Prayers of Thanksgiving
Children's Prayers of Appreciation
Children's Prayers as Stories - Little Johnny
Children's Prayers as Stories - Walking Along
Christmas Prayer for Children
Easter Prayer for Children
Meal Prayers - Saying Grace
Bedtime Prayers for Children
Collections for Kids and Teens

Story and photo by Susan Helene Kramer; dedicated to my father ...

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For offsite reading

Meditation for Teens and Adults
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 114 pages.

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Meditation for all Kids
Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.