Did You Think to Pray first verse

Hymns can be tricky to teach to young children.  Sometimes there are words in the hymn that aren't commonly used.  Read through the words and become familiar with the words and message so you can explain the meaning and define any words that might need explanation.

"Did You Think to Pray," hymn # 140, is a perfect way to teach children, and adults, too, about prayer.

I like to begin with the verse because the chorus will be easy as they repeat it after each verse.

First verse:

• Show a picture of a child kneeling by their bed. Sing "Ere you left your room this morning,"
• Draw a "?" mark on a piece of paper. Every time you sing "Did you think to pray?" hold up the question mark.
• Sing the whole first line using the picture and question mark.
• Show a picture of Jesus and sing the next phrase.  Explain that we begin our prayers by saying Jesus, name.
• Sing the next phrase.  Ask if anyone knows what the word "sue" means in this hymn.  Explain that the word has several different meanings but in this hymn it means to ask, plead, seek request, beg.  Sing the phrase again substituting one of the other words in place of "sue."
• The last part of the phrase, "as a shield today" means that when we pray and ask Heavenly father to watch over us and protect us that it is a shield for us and a reminder to do what it right throughout the day. Draw a picture of a shield perhaps with the letters "C T R" on it.
• Sing the verse several times using the visual prompts to help the children.