Prayers for children

At a time such as this children may ask why do we have to fight each other? Why does God let it happen? Where is God? Children will be seeing images of war on the television and in newspapers and they may be afraid by what they see and whether it will happen to them. Help the children by listening to their questions and being honest in response.

Prayer activities for children

Whether with a children’s group or as a family collect together newspaper headlines and pictures as a focus for prayer. Point to the images of individual people and remind the children that God cares for each and every one of them. Light a nightlight candle and remind the children that God is in the darkest places bringing his love.

Alternatively give the children little silver stars to stick on the images that upset them or which make them afraid. Invite the children to ask God to bring the light of his love into those places.

Prayers that might be used at this time with children

Lord God Let your peace rest so gently on our hearts and minds That we may have the strength To work for peace in our world Today, tomorrow and for ever.

God of goodness and love, whom we can trust to be with us in every hour of need; Watch over and protect all who are faced with the fears of fighting and war. Protect the children and their families keep them together and safe from harm. We ask that peace will soon return. And that this war may bring about a new freedom and hope. Where countries will once again live at peace with one another. Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

From Prayers for Children. Compiled by Christopher Herbert