WITH: A Simple Prayer Guide Every Parent Can Teach

Prayer is more than just a list of requests. It’s a conversation—a relationship—a sacred rhythm of listening and speaking to our loving God. As parents and children’s ministry leaders, we don’t just want our kids to know how to pray; we want them to know who they’re praying to and what it means to be WITH God in every moment.

That’s why the WITH model is such a helpful tool. It teaches kids that prayer isn’t just about talking at God—it’s about walking with Him. Each letter in the acronym WITH offers a simple framework to help children connect with God personally and meaningfully.

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W – Wow!

We begin prayer with wonder.

Kids naturally say “Wow!” at fireworks, dinosaurs, or a rainbow after a storm. What if we taught them to say “Wow!” to the God who made it all?

Scripture reminds us:

• “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” —Psalm 19:1
• “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” —Isaiah 40:28

Encourage your child to start prayer with awe:
“Wow, God! You made the stars and the oceans! You’re amazing!”

Helping children express awe nurtures reverence and reminds them that God is powerful, creative, and worthy of praise.

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I – I’m Sorry

Next, we teach kids that prayer includes confession. It’s where we come clean, not to be shamed, but to be freed.

Confession builds honesty. When kids learn to say “I’m sorry” to God, they begin to understand that sin matters—but so does God’s mercy.

Scripture promises:

• “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us.” —1 John 1:9
• “Create in me a pure heart, O God.” —Psalm 51:10

Teach your child to pray:
“I’m sorry for being unkind to my brother. Please forgive me.”

This part of prayer helps them grasp God’s grace and understand that they are loved and forgiven.

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T – Thank You

Gratitude shapes perspective. It reminds us that every good thing comes from God and that the greatest gift of all is Jesus.

As kids give thanks, their hearts turn from what they want to what they have. They grow content and joyful.

Scripture tells us:

• “Give thanks in all circumstances.” —1 Thessalonians 5:18
• “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son…” —John 3:16

Encourage your child to say:
“Thank You for my family, my friends, and for Jesus dying on the cross for me.”

Gratitude grounds children in God’s goodness—both in the everyday and in eternity.

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H – Help

Lastly, we teach our kids that it’s okay—even good—to ask God for help. He invites us to bring our needs to Him. No request is too small.

Prayer becomes personal when kids learn to rely on God, not just admire Him.

Scripture says:

• “My help comes from the Lord.” —Psalm 121:2
• “By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” —Philippians 4:6

Encourage your child to pray:
“Help me be kind at school today. Help me listen and obey.”

This builds trust. It reminds kids that God walks with them in every moment of their day.

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Encouragement to Parents & Leaders

You don’t need a theology degree to teach your kids to pray. You just need a rhythm—and a relationship. The WITH model (Wow, I’m Sorry, Thank You, Help) makes prayer approachable and real.

Model it. Practice it. Let your kids hear you pray this way. Then invite them to do the same. At dinner, at bedtime, during car rides—prayer can become part of the natural flow of life.

Over time, your children will learn that prayer is not a performance—it’s a pathway to knowing God more deeply. And as they walk with God through WOW, I’M SORRY, THANK YOU, and HELP… they’ll begin to discover the joy of praying with Him, not just to Him.

Keep praying WITH your kids—and watch their faith grow.

Listen to Episode 201 of the Collide Kids Podcast where I talk more about how to teach kids and families to pray WITH God.

Click the link to purchase the resource guide and much more: Pray WITH God: A Guide for Parents