The Lord's Prayer Bible Lesson for Kids | Jesus Teaches Us to Pray
The Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful prayer that Jesus taught during the Sermon on the Mount. There are many engaging ideas to help children learn and understand the Lord’s Prayer, including kid-friendly YouTube videos, hands-on crafts and activities, and printable lesson plans. Whether you're a Sunday school teacher, a homeschool parent, or a teacher in a faith-based school, these resources will make teaching the Lord’s Prayer easy and enjoyable, helping kids connect with this powerful and timeless prayer.
Jesus saw the crowd gathering around him and went up on a mountainside to teach them. This famous sermon was called the Sermon on the Mount.
He taught many things during this sermon, including how to pray. In Matthew 6:5-15, Jesus described prayer that is honoring to God. He explained that we are to pray humbly, instead of making a grand show. He also gave us an example of prayer. This is called the Lord’s Prayer.
WHAT IS THE LORD’S PRAYER?
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV).
We don't have to say these words exactly for God to hear our prayers. Rather, the Lord’s Prayer is a framework for prayer that gives us a model to follow when we pray. That said, many people and churches do recite this as a prayer, and it is a popular passage of Scripture to memorize.
The Lord’s Prayer, Bible Stories for Kids
Are you looking for a simple way to teach about The Lord’s Prayer? Our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts are perfect for children aged 3 to 8.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT THE LORD’S PRAYER
Jesus modeled prayer and its importance many times while he was on earth. He often withdrew to the wilderness or to a quiet place to pray. He would find time to pray to God, despite being busy with teaching, healing, and traveling.
Simply put, prayer is communication with God. It’s talking to God and listening to what God says. Prayer is a way to talk to God about what’s happening in your life. It’s a way to praise Him, confess our sins, and ask Him for help.
THE WHOLE HAND PRAYER FOR KIDS
The Whole Hand Prayer, as outlined in Jesus Teaches Us to Pray for Preschoolers and Jesus Teaches Us to Pray for Older Kids, is designed to give kids a simple framework for their prayer time, instead of just praying a long list of things they need from God. While any prayer is valuable, the ‘whole hand’ prayer method helps students to see beyond themselves during prayer time.
You can use your hand to help guide a prayer. Start with your thumb and work your way towards your pinkie finger. After you have spent time praying for each thing, tuck that finger down until all fingers have been folded into your palm, and you are ready to end your prayer with Amen.
Praying a Whole Hand Prayer
Put down your thumb and praise God. Say, “God, you are...”
Put down your index finger and confess your sins. Say, “I’m sorry for...”
Put down your middle finger and thank God. Say, “Thank you for...”
Put down your ring finger and pray for others. Say, “God, please help…
Put down your pinkie and pray for yourself. Say, “God, I need you to...”
Squeeze your fist and say “Amen.”
For a scripted lesson on the Whole Handed Prayer, be sure to check out Jesus Teaches Us to Pray for Preschool or Jesus Teaches Us to Pray for Older Kids.
PRAYER JOURNAL FOR KIDS
Many adults have embraced prayer journaling. It’s a beautiful way to spend time in prayer and reflect on God. Rereading entries reminds us of God’s faithfulness as we look back on prayers that He has answered.
Prayer journaling isn’t just for adults. Kids can enjoy the practice too. Even kids who can't write yet can draw pictures. God understands all kinds of prayers!
Prayer journaling can take time to get into, especially for kids who are just learning about prayer. Take time to brainstorm ideas about things they can pray about. Try putting on worship music to help kids focus.
You’ll find printable templates for prayer journals in both Jesus Teaches Us to Pray for Preschool and Jesus Teaches Us to Pray for Older Kids.
OTHER ACTIVITIES TO TEACH ABOUT THE LORD’S PRAYER
“Daily Bread” Snack: Eat a bread snack together and discuss what “daily bread” means. Daily Bread is not just bread; we depend on God for everything we need to live.
“Thy Kingdom Come” Craft: Make paper crowns and decorate them with crayons, markers, stickers, or paint. This is a reminder that God is the King of His Kingdom.
Praying Hands Craft: Create a beautiful Praying Hands craft by following the video instructions provided by First Miami Kids. This is a simple craft, but it’s a good visual reminder to kids that prayers are important.
Memorize it through song: Some fabulous songs can help kids memorize this passage of Scripture. Here are a few suggestions:
Motions (The Lord’s Prayer) by Saddleback Kids - This version adds some additional words to the chorus, but it’s a catchy song to help kids memorize the passage.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS ABOUT THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT
YouTube is a great resource to help kids engage with the story. For lessons about The Lord’s Prayer, you may need video content that is more generally about The Sermon on the Mount, as it was during this sermon that Jesus spoke this prayer.
Be sure to preview all videos you intend to show for age appropriateness and content, to ensure they align with what you are trying to teach. Here are some suggestions:
Jesus and Prayer by Crossroad Kids’ Club - While not about the Lord’s Prayer, this video explores what prayer is and provides some examples of prayer.
God’s Story: The Sermon on the Mount - The Lord’s Prayer by Crossroad Kids’ Club
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT JESUS’ LIFE?
This lesson is part of a five-week series on stories from Jesus’ life. The other stories include Jesus as a Boy in the Temple, Jesus is Baptized, The Sermon on the Mount, and The Widow’s Offering.
These Stories about Jesus lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for little kids in preschool/kindergarten and bigger kids in first, second, and third grades.
These Stories about Jesus lessons are also included in the 52-week Bible curriculum for preschoolers and kindergarteners, and older children in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd grades.
The Lord’s Prayer is a beautiful framework for prayer. Prayer is a pinnacle part of a relationship with God, and there are many ways to help kids understand the importance of this practice.
