Prayers for Kids and Teens to Make into Books

Here are summaries of prayers and verses especially suitable for kids and teens - even preschoolers can benefit from rhymes of inspiration.

Take a few minutes to read the prayers to the youngest children, and over time they will memorize them.

Most of these prayers have several paragraphs. A project could be to have kids make an illustration for each paragraph or shorter prayer and assemble the pages into individual prayer books for later reading and meditating upon during quiet time.

Bedtime Prayers
A collection of little prayers to meditate upon before sleep. "Before I close my eyes tonight / I thank you Lord with all my might / For my friends and neighbors, too / For everyone that´s in my school / And keep my family in your heart / And may I remember we´re never apart. ..."

Christmas Prayer
A little Christmas prayer for children and families to enjoy. "Holly trees with berries red / Children early tucked in bed / Thoughts alive with holiday cheer / For Christmas morning´s almost here. ..."

Communion Meditation and Prayer
This communion meditation and prayer is appropriate for those making their First Holy Communion and for nurturing a spiritual communion at any time. "Bring my spirit close to Yours / Today and everyday. / Keep me safe within Your Heart / Is all I ask and pray. ..."

Easter Prayer
An uplifting prayer for children around the world. "Time for joy and time for giving / Time for remembering / Love while living. / Take this message Easter Day / Show kindness, care / At home and play. ..."

Meal Prayers - Saying Grace
Blessings of thankfulness for our food and family. "Meal time blessings / We ask and pray / To be with us / All through the day. ..."

Prayers as Stories - Little Johnny
A story set to verse, with Little Johnny, 9 years old, that incorporates thankfulness, appreciation and prayer. "Little Johnny, 9 years old / Running all around / Across the barnyard, along the creek / He never can be found / Where can he be found? ..."

Prayers as Stories - Walking Along
A story set to verse that includes examples of kindness and helpfulness. "Walking along / Feeling fine / Meeting with friends / Spending some time. ..."

Prayers of Appreciation
Ways to show appreciation for all we have been given. "Giving thanks becomes a life-long habit when begun early. Giving thanks can be in the form of prayers from religion, uplifting verse or spontaneously formed in the moment. ..."

Prayers of Thanksgiving
Verses and prayers for children of all ages on the main theme of thankfulness. "A little prayer of "Thank you, God," / Sets our thoughts aright. / Keeps us feeling all day long, / More positive and bright! ..."

Teens' Prayers and Affirmations
A collection of brief meditative thoughts for teens, beginning with affirmations: "Staying calm and cool is my ´golden rule´. / When angry or stressed, I take even breaths. / I take the time, to ´calmly´ express my mind. ..."

Article by Susan Helene Kramer; photo credit in Holland - Stan Schaap

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For offline reading

Meditation Lessons for 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.