5 Powerful Ways for Parents to Encourage Their Kids' Faith

1. Pray Over Them

The power of a parent’s prayers! Phew! Is there anything that truly compares? Honestly, those prayers come with lots and lots of heart. Am I right?

The other day, I sat with two of my closest friends, who have children the same age as my own. The real and raw conversations that spewed from our momma’s hearts were eye-opening at best. It seems this generation has it out for them. Yet, something happened once we finally bowed our heads to pray and postured our hearts to rejoice in our God for His goodness and faithfulness. It was as if a weight was lifted, and the Lord reminded us that He has a plan and purpose for our children, and we are called to trust Him.

Friend, the best way to encourage your child in their faith is to invite God to whisper to their hearts. We do this through our own heartfelt prayers. So, pray, mighty warrior! Pray with them, pray over them, pray in their bedrooms when they are away at school, pray for their friends, school, and extracurriculum events - just pray. And, pray a lot. Psalms 4:3 and 145:4 are great verses to cling to as you pray!

2. Speak of the Word

When our daughters were younger, Bible verses were easily dropped in casual conversations, and talking about God almost seemed effortless. Christian music played even more than the usual toddler tunes and bedtime prayers were sweet and innocent. The foundation setting was the fun part. However, recently, it’s gotten a little more complicated. Now we battle with teens who are trying to figure out the world and make sense of things. In other words, it’s not so easy anymore.

I keep going back to the truth found in Proverbs 22:6, which tells us that if we set a firm foundation for our children, they will not depart from it when they are older. The truth of the matter is that our children are going to fail. They may even fall away from the faith and bring you to heartbreaking realities, but there is a good God that has been shown to them and etched into the depths of their heart (Proverbs 3:3). A God full of love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness (Psalm 145:8-9). A God that welcomes the prodigal son and searches endlessly for the lost (Luke 15:11-32 and Luke 19:10).

Our words matter, which is why speaking the truth of God will have lasting effects. Even if it feels like they are oblivious or unaware, one day it could be that simple verse or word of truth that brings them out of the wilderness. The truth also reminds them that no matter how far they stray, what lies they have become entangled in, or how hard life seems, they still have a safe place to return that heeds God’s Word.

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3. Listen and Rejoice in the Lord

Last summer, I hosted a Bible study in my home and met some pretty incredible women. While that may sound lovely and all, the sad part is I was feeling a bit lost in my faith (which is partly why I selfishly hosted it). Besides that, the climate in my home was far from joyful, causing me to be rather grumpy and full of complaints. Ugh!

When one of the women noticed my snarky and somewhat sassy response to my middle daughter, I turned to feel the heat of her gaze, making me feel rather uncomfortable. However, as she opened up to me about the struggles in her own home, her answer was simple - blast praise and worship music!

So, that is exactly what I did. And that is what I continue to do when the temperature in my home rises to a level that welcomes anything but God. If we want to encourage our children in their faith, turn up those gospel tunes. That’s because the message will influence and impact them (and us) in ways we may not even be aware of. Yes, it’s true! And it’s been proven! Research has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, promote peace, bring mental alertness, and trigger memories. Can you imagine what praise and worship music does to our minds, bodies, and souls?

4. Ask and Answer the Tough Questions

Some of the most memorable moments I have had with my daughters have taken place in the car. I know that might sound silly, but in that small and somewhat controlled space, there is no getting away or dodging the tough questions. Sure, we may turn up the music at a time or even sit in silence, but it is also our safe place. A place we deem to share and let our heart lead, all the while knowing that once we step out of that car, those conversations will possibly trigger more later. Maybe it’s a thought or an action. Maybe it was something that brings pen to paper in a journal or a prayer. But those deep conversations generally stir up something. So ask.

Whether you are taking your kiddos to a soccer game, dropping them off at a friend’s house, or taking a short trip to school, open up a line of communication and see where it leads. It may not lead anywhere, at least not at first, but you may find them opening up over time. And, if nothing else, you have asked the questions, and they now have to respond to them, either to you or to God.

So, what are the tough questions to ask your kids? Depending on what is age-appropriate and where they may currently be on their faith journey, there are a wide range of questions. Start with a few mentioned below, and then just be ready to listen.

When do you feel closest to God?

What places make you feel safe and close to God?

How do you know you are a Christian?

Do you feel you have friends that help you draw closer to God?

Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Do you need to forgive yourself?

How do you show others you love Jesus?

What do you think Jesus wants from you?

How can we love everyone as Jesus does but not accept sinful behavior?

5. Connect with the Body of Believers

Lastly, get connected to a body of believers, not just for your children but for yourself. Let’s just be honest: being a parent in this day and age has its own unique set of challenges, and we need support. Thankfully, many congregations have children ministers and youth pastors who are equipped to come alongside you and help lead your child into a beautiful relationship with the Lord.

However, at the same time, be sure to stay connected outside the church walls as well. Whether you host or attend a Bible study, meet up for dinner, or just hang out at a park, be intentional about getting together with other believers. Fellowship with other families allows you and your children to grow spiritually and have accountability.

The truth of the matter is that our children will become most like those they hang out with. So, as they navigate friendships, get to know their friends personally and get involved in their lives. Staying tethered to believers allows them the unique opportunity to shine a light on others who may not know of Christ’s love while enriching and deepening their own faith.

Lord, I pray You lead and guide us as we foster faith in our children. Please soften their hearts to hear and heed Your Word. Help them yearn for truth and give them the wisdom and discernment to seek Your will and way. Open their eyes to a world of need and allow them the chance to be a light and share Your love. I ask this in Your holy name. Amen.