Fasting with children can be a challenge, yet it holds great opportunity for lasting impact in forming their faith in Jesus. 

How can your entire family fast together? Is there a favorite routine that can be altered to focus more on Jesus? How can family prayer incorporate a time of honoring the fast without creating a power struggle between children and parents? 

Perhaps your children have ideas of how they would like to fast this year. Have you asked them? 

Most important during this time is parents who model their surrender to Jesus with joy. Talk about your Jesus encounters with your children. Remind them why you are changing your habits; "Because you want more of Jesus than anything else." Show curiosity and support for their efforts as well. 

Here are some suggestions to help your children pray:

Prayer Requests: Have each family member decide who they will pray for every day this month. Ask them to say a prayer for this person at every family prayer time.

Sentence Prayer: You can help your children pray aloud by giving them a sentence to complete, such as:

“Lord, I thank you for…”
“Lord, forgive me for…”
“Lord, help my friend…”
“Lord, help me to let go…”

Highs and Lows: Ask your children what their “highs” were from the day, and then ask them about their
“lows” from the day. Share your highs and lows as well, and than pray about them together.

Scripture Prayers: Choose a family scripture verse to learn and pray about every day.

Remember that prayer is just a conversation with God. Let your children hear you talking with God
about your day, your concerns, and your joys, and then ask them to do the same.