Psalms and Prayers for Little Ones
What’s inside...
Psalms and Prayers for Little Ones by Allia Zobel Nolan is a collection of Psalms tailored for young children to understand aspects of God as Creator, Redeemer, and loving Shepherd. The book includes prayers, a personal note, guidance for adults, and information about the psalmists such as King David and Asaph. It is intended to guide children to the Word of God for living a holy life. The book includes illustrations by Tammy Lyon, a 'Digging Deeper' section for reinforcement, and a 'Words and Their Meanings' glossary.
Discussion points
What did you feel when you read the prayer about being thankful?
Can you think of a time when you felt really peaceful, like in the prayer about peace?
Which prayer was your favorite, and why do you like it the most?
How can we use these prayers to help us during the day?
What do you think the prayers teach us about being kind and loving to others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Take turns reading the prayers aloud with your child, which can make the reading experience more interactive and engaging.
Relate the prayers to everyday situations your child encounters to help them connect with the content on a personal level.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about each prayer, fostering an open and supportive dialogue.
Use the prayers as a bedtime routine to establish calmness, making the themes more meaningful and memorable.
After reading, ask your child to create their own short prayer, enhancing their understanding and personal connection to the themes discussed.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Gratitude
Explanation: Through various psalms and prayers, children learn to express thankfulness for their family, friends, and the world around them.
Real-World Application: Children can practice saying 'thank you' more often and recognizing the good things in their day-to-day life, fostering an attitude of gratitude.
Example Lesson: Compassion
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of being kind and caring towards others through its gentle prayers.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this by sharing with others, helping friends in need, or comforting someone who is upset.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through prayers that focus on seeking help and finding strength in difficult times, children learn about overcoming challenges.
Real-World Application: This can be mirrored in a child's life by encouraging them to try again after a setback and to use calm problem-solving approaches.
Example Lesson: Faith
Explanation: The prayers emphasize trust in a higher power and reliance on spiritual guidance.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to reflect on their own beliefs and find personal strength in their faith or spiritual understanding.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: The reflective nature of the prayers encourages children to be present and aware of their feelings and surroundings.
Real-World Application: Children can practice mindfulness by taking moments to breathe deeply and observe their current thoughts and emotions without judgment.