Saturday, January 31, 2026

Intentional Prayers - Bringing BIG CHURCH to your kids

Hello again from my tiny corner of the internet! My name is Melissa Hudson, and I’m serving as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Christ Church Arlington in 2026.

So far this year, I haven’t been around much! I had a week in January where I was out of town, we’ve been snowed in for two Sundays in a row, and I’m actually going on a trip next Sunday that’s been planned for months. I am really looking forward to being back and jumping into this role in a hands-on way very soon.

Since there are a lot of things I can’t do in person right now, I decided to start this little blog. My hope is that this becomes a space where I can share what your kids are doing in Sunday School, highlight resources for parents, and give you simple ways to carry those conversations home.

And this week… we’re snowed in. Again.

I’m stir crazy, so I can only imagine how you feel. The good news? The ice is supposed to melt soon. The better news? Church doesn’t have to be cancelled at your house.

So I wanted to ask you:

How can you create Sunday School at home this week?

Sunday School is more than goldfish crackers and VeggieTales. Those things aren’t bad! But what really makes an impact is something much simpler:

A conversation.

Kids of any age want the adults in their lives to be present with them.

And let’s be honest about what today probably looks like…

You try to watch the church livestream while your kid asks you 47 questions. Then it’s lunch time and you realize you are dangerously low on milk and eggs (why do we go through those so fast when it snows?). Dino nuggets hit the plate with a handful of Doritos while you sneak away for 90 seconds of quiet to scroll your phone. Nap time comes and goes. Your kids wake up with the energy of a jackrabbit wearing rollerblades, but going outside for more than a short amount of time isn’t a great option in this weather. And do you really want to dress them up in four layers, AGAIN, for them to play outside for four minutes and inform you that they really HAVE to go potty right NOW? So, Ms. Rachel is back on. Coffee is reheated for the third time. Someone asks, “What’s for dinner?” followed immediately by, “I don’t want that.”

Bath time ends with water everywhere because today your child decided to imitate a breaching whale they saw on a commercial. You wrestle the tiny octopus—sorry, kid—into pajamas. Bedtime negotiations begin. The door finally shuts.

Five minutes later: “Can I have some water?”

Y’all have been home for a week. I am tired FOR you.

So can I invite you to try something a little different today?

When the church livestream ends, don’t send the kids off and go back to survival mode. Sit down with them while you eat lunch. Even if it feels awkward. Even if you’ve never done this before. Even if your child gives you the look.

This is a start. And I’m really proud of you for starting.

You could say something like:

“Hey, today at church we read from a book in the Bible called Ephesians. The pastor talked about prayer and about how big God’s love is. Did you know prayer is how we talk to God?”

And just see where the conversation goes.

You can tell them:

  • We can thank God.

  • We can ask God for help.

  • We can talk to God about anything.

  • We go to church because we’re part of a community of people who love God and want to be more like Him.

Then say:

“Can I show you some verses we read today?”  

Ephesians 3:16–19 “ “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

These verses talk about being rooted and established in Christ’s love and how His love is bigger than we can even understand.

Tell your kids:

“I love you more than anything in the whole world. But God loves you even more than I do. Isn’t that wild?”

Then ask them:

“Do you know what a root is?”

Talk about how trees have leaves, branches, and trunks we can see — but the most important part is underground. Roots hold the tree steady. Roots feed the tree. Roots keep it alive.

When we are rooted in Christ’s love, it means:

  • He is what holds us steady.

  • He is what helps us grow.

  • He is our foundation.

And how do we grow those roots?

By:

  • Talking to God (prayer)

  • Learning what the Bible says

  • Going to church and being with other people who love Him

That’s it. That’s the lesson.

No craft. No prep. No goldfish required, but feel free to throw those in if you ran out of Doritos!

Just you, your kid, and a conversation about how big God’s love really is.

Conversation Starters You Can Use

  • What do you think it means to be “rooted” in something?

  • How do roots help a tree?

  • How can we grow our roots in God’s love?

  • What is something you want to tell God today?

  • What is something you’re thankful for?

  • Who can we pray for together?

You don’t have to be a Bible expert. You just have to be present.

You might think the holiest part of your day was watching the church livestream.
But it may actually be the conversation you have between bites of Dino chicken nuggets.

Let your kids see you worship. Let them see why church matters to you. And then let that love spill right into their little world.

The day may still be loud. It may still be chaotic. (It’s been a WEEK, y’all.)

But in those tiny, ordinary moments, you are planting seeds.
You are helping their roots grow deep in the love of Christ.

And today, that’s more than enough.


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Friday, January 23, 2026

Intentional Prayers: Prayer Journal for Kids


Hey Parents! Do you ever journal your prayers? It's one of my favorite things to do. I love being able to look back and see how God has been moving in my life. 

You can encourage your kids to start their own prayer journal! All you need is access to a printer!

Right click on the images below, and print out the prompts that you think would work best for your child's very own prayer journal. 




















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Intentional Prayers: Prayer & Faith-Building Books for Kids

 


Prayer & Faith-Building Books for Kids (That Parents Will Love Too!)

Looking for ways to help your children grow in prayer — and spark meaningful faith conversations at home? These gentle, faith-centered books are perfect for building family prayer habits, sparking thoughtful conversations, and teaching kids how to talk with God in language they can understand.

Introduce prayer from the very start with this adorable lift-the-flap board book designed for the tiniest of hands and hearts. Filled with six pairs of “great and small” animal friends hiding under chunky flaps and accompanied by simple, joyful prayers of thanksgiving, this book makes the quiet moments with your baby meaningful even before they can talk. Each page gently models gratitude and invites you to pray aloud together — showing your little one that talking with God is natural, comforting, and rooted in love.

Why it matters: It’s never too early to share faith with your child. Research shows that reading aloud to babies — even before they can speak — supports language development, attention, and emotional bonding between caregiver and child. Hearing rich vocabulary and the cadence of spoken words stimulates brain areas responsible for language comprehension, memory, and communication skills. Shared reading helps children build early literacy foundations and gives them a sense of security and connection that extends far beyond the story itself.

Try at home: Turn this simple board book into a daily prayer ritual — even a few minutes of reading together can soothe your baby, build early language awareness, and plant seeds of faith. As you lift each flap, say the prayer slowly and use your voice to reinforce both the words and the love behind them.

Bedtime Prayers for Little Ones

A sweet board book full of short, rhyming prayers about blessings, fears, needs, and gratitude — perfect for little ones at bedtime (ages 0-4). This encourages toddlers and preschoolers to talk with God and rest in His peace each night.


This delightful devotional is packed with short, faith-building bedtime readings, blessings, and prayers written especially for young boys. Each devotion focuses on topics that resonate with kids — courage, trust, gratitude, and everyday challenges — helping them wind down with Scripture truths and gentle prayer moments. Bright illustrations and easy-to-read passages make it ideal for reading aloud together at the end of a busy day.


Tailored to affirm and encourage girls as they grow, this gentle devotional invites young hearts to reflect on God’s love and strength through short, meaningful prayers and Bible truths. Each reading is just the right length for bedtime and highlights courage, gratitude, peace, and trust in God — ideal for winding down with your daughter and helping her connect prayer with her everyday world.


Part of the For the Bible Tells Me So series, this interactive board book teaches kids ages 0-4 that God loves to listen to them in prayer. Simple language, engaging rhythms, and interactive prompts make it especially fun for little hands and hearts.


This one’s a full-year prayer devotional (365 days) that helps older kids (roughly ages 8-12) develop a daily prayer habit and see how God listens to every need, fear, and joy. Each entry starts with Scripture and offers an authentic conversation with God.

Try at home: Pick a time (morning or bedtime) and make a daily ritual of reading one prayer together — talk about what the verse means and how it relates to your child’s life.


A beautiful picture book about a bird named Sparrow who learns that prayer isn’t just one way. Sometimes it’s spoken words — other times it’s art, movement, gratitude, or quiet reflection. This book opens up creative conversations about how we pray, not just that we pray.


This delightful children’s prayer book from beloved author Stormie Omartian helps young readers (and listeners) understand that prayer is simply talking to God — and God always listens. Through clear, age-appropriate language and relatable examples of everyday childhood experiences, it introduces kids to the idea that prayer isn’t a mystery — it’s a friendship habit they can practice every day.

How it helps kids:

  • Explains what prayer is and why it matters

  • Encourages children to talk to God about fears, joys, and daily life

  • Shows how they can thank God, ask for help, and pray for others


This thoughtful book helps children grow not just in knowing about prayer but in understanding prayer — what it means to talk with God, why God responds, and how prayer connects us to Jesus. Nancy Guthrie writes in a warm, accessible way that gives kids confidence to pray boldly and honestly. It’s great for ages ~6-10 who are ready for deeper conversations about faith.

Highlights:

  • Introduces key biblical truths about prayer

  • Encourages kids to wrestle with real questions like “Why pray?” and “Does God hear me?”

  • Builds a foundation for lifelong prayer habits


This charming, Scripture-inspired board book leads little hearts into prayers of gratitude for the everyday things — from sunshine and snuggles to favorite toys and family moments. Simple rhymes and gentle reflection help children learn that prayer isn’t just for “big problems,” but also for thankfulness in everyday life.

Why it’s special:

  • Encourages early gratitude and awareness of God’s blessings

  • Short, memorable prayers perfect for toddlers and preschoolers

  • Helps kids build language around faith and thanks

Try at home: After each page, pause and ask your child, “What’s one little thing you want to thank Jesus for today?”


A timeless classic that uses the beloved Bear family to show children how prayer fits into everyday life. Brother and Sister Bear learn to talk with God at bedtime, mealtime, and in moments of need — all in the familiar setting of Bear Country. With gentle humor and warm illustrations, this book makes prayer feel normal, comforting, and meaningful for kids ages ~3-8.

What kids learn:

  • Simple prayer language linked to daily routines

  • How to bring fears, needs, and thankfulness to God

  • That prayer is something families do together

Praying for Your Child from Head to Toe

A thoughtful 30-day guide to pray Scripture over your children in specific ways — from head to toe. Ideal for parents who want intentional prayer rhythms tied to God’s promises.

Try at home: Use a physical touch (e.g., hand on shoulder, forehead, or hand-hold) while praying — this helps little ones connect the prayer to presence and peace.


This beautifully-designed daily devotional gives parents 365 Scripture-rooted reflections and prayers crafted to help you lift your children to God each day. Nancy Guthrie weaves wisdom from the Bible with honest parenting insight — helping you pray with confidence, hope, and perspective as you navigate the ups and downs of raising kids in a faith-filled way. The daily structure includes an anchor verse, a short devotional thought, and guided prayer prompts that keep your focus centered on Christ and your child’s spiritual growth.


Lay your burdens at your heavenly Father's feet using Scripture's words of praise, conviction, repentance, and protection. Gathered from mamas just like you, these prayers will encourage you to become more vulnerable and intentional in presenting heartfelt needs for your children, community, and yourself.


Inspired by the biblical story of Honi the Circle Maker, this book challenges parents to pray bold, persistent prayers over their children’s lives. Batterson encourages parents to pray circles of protection, purpose, and faith—trusting God with both the present and the future of their kids.

Try at home: Write your child’s name in the center of a page and circle it with specific prayers—faith, friendships, courage, and calling. Revisit and update the prayers over time.


This practical resource equips parents to pray God’s Word directly over their children. Organized by topic—character, faith, protection, and more—it helps parents confidently speak Scripture into their kids’ lives. It’s especially helpful for parents who want to pray intentionally but don’t always know what to say.


The dinner table may be the only time that today's busy families sit down together - and pray together. This book meets families where they are, offering prayers of thanks for macaroni and cheese, fast-food meals, and, yes, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Includes rhyming prayers for little kids, dinner-table prayers for special family occasions, and prayers marking the movement of the church year.

Final Thoughts

Books can be soft invitations into real, ongoing conversations with God — gentle, consistent, and heartfelt. Whether your child is tiny and just learning words, or older and ready to dive into daily prayer, there’s a resource here to help your family grow together in prayer and trust.

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Intentional Prayers: Teaching Our Kids to Pray & Praying for Our Children


Teaching Kids to Pray — And Praying for Our Kids

Prayer is one of the greatest gifts we can share with our children. It’s not only communication with God — it’s relationship, trust, and dependence on our Heavenly Father. As we guide families in intentional prayer, let’s explore how to teach children to pray and how to lift up our kids before God with confidence and love.

1. Make Prayer Part of Everyday Life

Children learn best by watching and imitating the adults they trust most. When they see parents pray — at mealtimes, bedtime, and moments of need — they begin to understand that prayer isn’t something “ritualistic” or distant, but relational and real.

Share aloud how God is answering prayer or guiding your family. Invite them into your personal prayer times and let them hear you talk to God honestly — both in joy and in struggle. This modeling builds confidence and familiarity with how to pray themselves.

2. Simple Steps to Teach Kids to Pray — The P-R-A-Y Method

Using easy, memorable tools helps young hearts learn how to talk to God. One helpful strategy is the PRAY acronym:

  • P – Praise: Teach kids to start prayer by honoring God for who He is. Encourage thanking Him for His goodness, protection, and love.

  • R – Repent: Help children understand that prayer isn’t just asking for things — it’s talking to God about their mistakes and seeking His forgiveness.

  • A – Ask for Others: Encourage interceding for family, friends, teachers, missionaries, and those in need. This shifts prayer beyond self-focus.

  • Y – Your Needs: Finally, let them bring their own needs and concerns to God — reminding them that God cares about every part of their life.

This simple structure can help children feel comfortable and intentional as they begin praying on their own.

3. Create Rituals That Invite Prayer

Bedtime prayers are a beautiful way to anchor prayer in children’s routines. Simple, short prayers help kids focus their hearts before sleep and learn to trust God with both their worries and their gratitude. These might look like classic nighttime prayers, simple thank-you prayers, or blessings spoken over loved ones.

When I was young, my mom prayed with me every single night before bed. And me—being the tiny social butterfly that I was (and still am)—I would thank God for every. single. family member and friend I could think of. Those prayers could easily last ten or fifteen minutes. Eventually, my mom had to gently suggest that I thank God “for all of my people” or “for all of my family and friends,” because I was starting to realize that if I prayed for everyone I knew, I could stay up well past my bedtime.

Whether it’s a repeated prayer each night or a spontaneous conversation with God, consistency helps children begin to see prayer as a trusted friend—one they can return to again and again.

4. Pray With Confidence — And Over Your Kids

Parenting is full of joy and concern, and prayer connects both to God. The Bible tells us to pray specifically for protection, wisdom, friendship, joy, salvation, and more — by name and stage of life.

For example, parents might pray:

  • For protection in school and friendships.

  • For wisdom and perseverance in challenges.

  • For a joyful heart that reflects Christ even in hard times.

  • For salvation and a deepening relationship with Jesus.

Don’t be afraid to pray big prayers — bold requests that align with God’s heart for your children. God always hears us, and even when answers differ from what we expect, we can trust His faithfulness.

Featured Author Spotlight: Missi Goldson

We are so blessed to have a gifted children’s author within our own church family! Missi Goldson has written three gospel-centered children’s books, each designed to meet kids at different stages of faith development — from simple prayer foundations to understanding salvation and living boldly for Christ.

✋ My Five Finger Promise

This interactive and engaging book uses finger play and repetition to help young children learn one of God’s BIGGEST promises in a way they can easily remember. God is who He says He is, and He will never leave or forsake His children. This is a perfect book for bedtime, prayer time, or family devotionals.

Why parents love it:

  • Builds early prayer habits

  • Encourages Scripture memory through movement

  • Ideal for short attention spans and nightly routines

This book lays a gentle, joyful foundation for prayer and helps little ones begin to understand that God is always near and faithful.

✝️ Victory on the Cross

Victory on the Cross walks children through the message of salvation in an age-appropriate, thoughtful way. It explains why Jesus came, what His sacrifice means, and how His victory on the cross changes everything — using language kids can grasp without watering down the gospel.

Why parents love it:

  • Clearly presents the gospel message

  • Great conversation starter about faith and salvation

  • Ideal for kids asking deeper “why” questions

This is a wonderful resource for families navigating spiritual milestones, questions about Jesus, or moments when children are ready to understand salvation more fully.

📣 Curly Q Cheerleader for Christ

This encouraging story focuses on identity, confidence, and bold faith. Through a relatable main character, children are reminded that following Jesus means standing firm in who God created them to be — even when it feels uncomfortable or counter-cultural.

Why parents love it:

  • Reinforces Christian identity and courage

  • Encourages kids to live out their faith at school and with friends

  • Especially impactful for kids navigating confidence or peer pressure

This book empowers kids to shine for Christ with kindness, courage, and authenticity.

💛 Why These Books Matter

Together, Missi’s books beautifully support a child’s faith journey over time:

  • My Five Finger Promise → learning to pray

  • Victory on the Cross → understanding salvation

  • Curly Q Cheerleader for Christ → living out faith boldly

They are wonderful additions to family prayer rhythms, children’s ministry libraries, and gospel-centered homes. Be sure to click on the links to purchase from Amazon and add to your child’s library!



Final Thoughts

Teaching children to pray is not about perfect words or long prayers — it’s about helping them trust God with their whole hearts. Prayer becomes a sacred space where children learn they are known, loved, and heard by their Heavenly Father.

As we pray with and for our children, let’s invite God deeper into our homes, our hearts, and their growing faith journeys.

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Thursday, January 22, 2026

Snow Day Gospel Activities for Elementary Kids

Hi! My name is Melissa Hudson, and I’m honored to be serving our Christ Church Arlington campus in 2026 as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator.

With the weather rolling in this weekend, it looks like church will probably be canceling in-person services on Sunday. While that’s always disappointing, I want to reframe it for just a moment—because this is actually a beautiful opportunity to bring the gospel into your home.

Discipleship doesn’t pause when church is canceled. In fact, moments like these remind us that discipleship starts at home, and the church exists to partner alongside parents as you lead your children in knowing and loving Jesus.

So if you’re snowed in this weekend with your elementary-aged kids, here are a few simple, meaningful ways to turn a snow day into a faith-filled day.



Snow Day Gospel Activities for Elementary Kids

1. Snow as a Gospel Picture

If you have snow outside, take a few minutes to look at it together—or even play in it.

Talk about:

  • How snow covers everything and makes it clean and new
  • How Jesus forgives our sins and makes us “white as snow”

Read together:

“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” — Isaiah 1:18

Ask your kids:

  • What does it mean that Jesus forgives us?
  • Why do you think God uses pictures from nature to teach us about Himself?

2. Hot Cocoa & a Short Devotional

Make something warm together—hot cocoa, soup, or a favorite snack—and sit down for a short family devotional.

You don’t need anything fancy:

  • Read a short Bible passage (Psalm 51:7, John 1:5, or Romans 6:23)
  • Ask one simple question
  • Pray together

Keep it short. Keep it relaxed. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s presence.

3. Snowflake Uniqueness Activity

If you have paper, try cutting out snowflakes together.

Talk about:

  • How no two snowflakes are the same
  • How God created each of us uniquely and on purpose

Read:

Psalm 139:14

Remind your kids that God cares about every detail of their lives—including snowy Saturdays at home.

4. Faith & Movement

If cabin fever hits (and it probably will), turn it into an opportunity for faith-based movement:

  • Act out Bible stories
  • Do “freeze dance” to worship music
  • Take turns thanking God for things you see outside

Kids learn through movement—this still counts as discipleship.

5. Prayer Walk (or Prayer Window!)

If it’s safe to go outside, take a short walk and pray for:

  • Neighbors
  • First responders
  • People who don’t have warm homes

If you can’t go out, stand by a window and pray together instead. Teach your kids that prayer doesn’t depend on a building—it depends on a relationship with God.

A Final Encouragement

Parents, you are doing holy work.

You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to recreate Sunday morning. You simply have to point your kids to Jesus in everyday moments—and snow days are full of those moments if we’re willing to look for them.

The church is here to partner with you, encourage you, and support you as you disciple your children.

How can I help?
Drop a comment below—questions, ideas, struggles, or wins. I’d love to walk alongside you.

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Intentional Prayers - Bringing BIG CHURCH to your kids

Hello again from my tiny corner of the internet! My name is Melissa Hudson, and I’m serving as the Children’s Ministry Coordinator at Christ...