Prayer for Children: 10 Prayers to Pray Over Little Ones

Through prayer, we bring our needs to our heavenly Father and trust that he hears us. In fact, Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV) says, “Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” We can also bring the needs of those we love to God, including the children in our lives.

Here, we share 10 prayers for children you can pray to stand in the gap for the little ones around you.

What’s Here:

• 10 Powerful Prayers for Children
• The Power of Prayer Can Change a Child’s Life

10 Powerful Prayers for Children

1. Prayer for Protection

Maybe you have a child getting ready to go to school for the first time. Maybe you know a child facing a dangerous situation. Or maybe you’re a sponsor for a child living in poverty. Place the child in your life in God’s mighty hands of protection through this prayer:

Father, your Word says that you help us and uphold us with your righteous right hand. I ask that you help and uphold [Child’s Name], protecting them from harm. Father, keep them safe as they go about their day and as they sleep at night. Thank you for protecting them from things both seen and unseen. In Jesus’ name, amen.

2. Prayer for Health

Whether they have the sniffles or are struggling with a serious illness, it’s hard to watch the little ones around us suffer. But God is the great Physician — you can bring your child’s health concerns to him.

Father, I know you’re the only one who can truly heal. And I know that you care so much for [Child’s Name]. Father, I ask that you touch their body. Give them the strength they need to overcome illness, disease and pain. Make them well. Thank you for being our great Physician. In Jesus’ name, amen.

3. Prayer for Fear

Children often struggle with fear. Sometimes, they may be afraid of monsters under the bed. Other times, their fears are bigger, such as the fear of an upcoming medical procedure. You can help alleviate their fears through prayer.

Father, you tell us not to fear because you’re with us. I ask that you remind [Child’s Name] that you’re with them. Father, help them to trust in you so that all fear would vanish from their mind and heart. Thank you for being near them, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.

4. Prayer for Them to Know God

The greatest thing a child could ever do is accept Jesus as their Savior and begin a life-changing relationship with God. You can help guide the children in your life towards Jesus with this prayer:

Father, through the sacrifice of your Son, Jesus, all of us can have eternal life. Thank you so much for that sacrifice, Father. God, I pray that [Child’s Name] would know you like I know you. I ask that you speak to their heart and draw them to you through your love and kindness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

5. Prayer for Good Friendships

God’s Word has a lot to say about friendship. After all, good friends strengthen us and encourage us, even in hard times. Proverbs 27:17 (NIV) says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Pray for the kiddos around you to have good friendships using this prayer:

Father, thank you for creating friendship as a source of strength and encouragement as we walk through life. I ask that you bring [Child’s Name] good and healthy friendships that create joy. Protect them from hurtful relationships that would cause them unnecessary pain. In Jesus’ name, amen.

6. Prayer for Heartbreak

We all suffer heartbreak, including the littlest ones around us. But Psalm 34:18 tells us that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted. We can bring anything and everything that breaks our hearts to him.

Father, thank you for being close to the brokenhearted. I ask that you be close to [Child’s Name] as they go through [Situation]. Remind them of just how much you love them. Remind them of how capable you are of picking up the pieces and putting them back together. Heal their heart, Father. In Jesus’ name, amen.

7. Prayer for Guidance

Children are often faced with difficult situations that leave them confused, hurt and wondering what to do next. For example, they may have a fight with their best friend. Or they might suffer an injury that leaves them unable to play their favorite sport.

But God says that if we lean on him and not our own understanding, he will make our paths straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Pray for the child in your life to be guided by the Lord.

Father, you are so faithful to guide us, even when we don’t know what to do next. God, please guide [Child’s Name]. Help them follow your lead and lean not on their own understanding. Thank you for being our guiding light, even in dark moments. In Jesus’ name, amen.

8. Prayer for Courage

Standing up to the bully. Trying out for the school play. Being someone’s voice when they’re treated wrongly. Kids face many situations that require courage. Luckily, God promises that he’s with all of us, including the children around us (Joshua 1:9).

Father, your Word says that you’re with us, so we don’t have to fear. We can have courage! I pray that you would inspire courage in [Child’s Name]. Remind them that you’re right beside them, even when they’re scared. Fill their heart with boldness. In Jesus’ name, amen.

9. Prayer for School

School is hard. There’s so much to learn. Homework, tests, friendships, activities and so much more can pile up on kiddos’ shoulders, leaving them overwhelmed. You can help combat the overwhelm by praying on behalf of the children in your life.

Father, thank you for the opportunities you give us all to grow. I ask that you help [Child’s Name] as they go to school. Keep them safe. Help them make good friends. Help them learn. Help them find peace and strength in you so they won’t be overwhelmed. Most importantly, help them be a bright light for you to those around them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

10. Prayer for Poverty

Around 333 million children around the world live in extreme poverty, surviving on less than $2.15 each day. These children are unable to access necessities such as food and clean water, leaving them desperate and hopeless.

You can stand in the gap for children living in poverty by praying for God to intervene on their behalf.

Father, thank you for loving and caring for all, including children living in poverty. Wrap your arms around those suffering through hunger and other painful consequences of poverty. Strengthen them and fill their hearts with hope, Father. I ask that you inspire those who can help to do so, so that these little ones receive what they need to thrive. Help me to see those in need and do what I can to bring them relief. In Jesus’ name, amen.

The Power of Prayer Can Change a Child’s Life

At Compassion, we’ve seen the power of prayer in the lives of children time and time again.

• Ricardo from Bolivia suffered a perforated intestine that left him fighting for his life. But through the consistent prayers and support of those at his local Compassion center, he’s now physically and spiritually thriving.
• Alejandra from Guatemala was diagnosed with dengue fever that left her unconscious. Her family feared for her life. But constant prayers and encouragement from Alejandra’s Compassion center strengthened their faith, inspiring Alejandra’s family to fight. Soon, Alejandra began to eat and breathe on her own. And now? She’s fully recovered.
• Reine from Togo has been passionate about music for her entire life. In Togo, learning to play music is an opportunity available only to the wealthy. But Reine knows the power of prayer. After praying many times that God would help her Compassion center get musical instruments, he answered her prayer. Reine now plays drums and piano and is learning trumpet. Through her newfound skills, Reine is reaching for her dreams and overcoming poverty.

Your prayers can impact the lives of children just like Ricardo, Alejandra and Reine. Let these stories and the above prayers for children inspire you to keep praying for the little ones around you and around the world.

And if you want to become even more involved in helping a child in need, consider the life-changing act of sponsoring a child.