How Do I Teach My Kids To Hear From God?

The Bible is full of stories of people who heard from God and it went well for them; it’s also full of stories of people who did not listen to God and suffered the ramifications of that decision. I think it’s safe to say that, since we’re raising Jesus kids, want our kids to know how to hear from God. Like most anything else we teach our kids, hearing from God takes practice. If it’s going to be a regular part of their lives, it needs to have time set aside for it regularly. I know what you’re thinking: “That sounds great, Abbey. But how do I actually teach my kids to hear from God?” Good news! It might not be as hard as you think.

When/Where/How Do I Teach My Kids To Hear From God?

The good news is, hearing from God can be done anywhere, at any time. Of course, you’ll want to pick a time when your children are happy and semi-calm. Right when they get done jumping on the trampoline might not be an ideal time; we have good success with doing faith-based activities right after a meal, because we’re all together, full, and happy. Choose a spot where they can focus on God, away from distractions (TV, toys, etc.). We sit at the dining room table, on the couch, or in their bed.

Now to the how. This is the intimidating part, but it’s really so simple. Talk to your kids about how God loves them and wants to talk to them. You might read a Bible story where God speaks to someone. Pray and ask God to speak to each one of you. Then, tell them to sit still, listen, and see what God says to them. Wait 1-2 minutes, then ask them what they heard. If they didn’t hear anything, that’s okay. Encourage them to try again or explain that sometimes we don’t hear anything. And just like that, you’ve taught your kids to hear from God.

What If I Don’t Think God Said That To Them?

You need to use your discernment here, because you never want to mock or discredit what a child says, but you also don’t want them to confuse what they want to hear with what God wants to say. Another thing to note is some things may seem really random or like they made it up; that may just be their imagination, but God gave them their imagination, so who’s to say He isn’t speaking through it? Even if it is their imagination, you can respond nicely without skewing their view of God. I’m going to give you some hypothetical examples that can hopefully help you respond with grace and kindness to your children. 

Child: “I heard God say that you should take me to Disneyworld!” or “I heard God say that you should buy me this toy that I really want!”

Parent: “I can tell that you’re very excited about [toy/Disneyland]. I will pray about that and see what God says. When God speaks to you, He wants to say something about you, not what I should do for you. How about we try again and see what God wants to say about you?”

Child: “I heard God say that He thinks it would be really fun to eat cotton candy while riding an elephant.”

Parent: “You know, I think that would be fun, and God likes fun.”

Child: “I didn’t hear anything. I don’t think God wants to talk to me.”

Parent: “God loves you so much. Sometimes He wants us to wait to hear Him. Let’s try again later/tomorrow/etc.”

Keep your responses very calm and understanding, especially when you are first starting this practice. Your kids are learning what God sounds like, and this is laying a solid foundation of relational prayer in their life.

How Often Should We Practice?

As often as you want! Do you desire to talk to your children? So does God; He LOVES to talk to His kids (all believers). He doesn’t save up His words and only speak on Sundays, or when we’re in a “holy” place. If we will listen to Him, He’ll speak to us constantly. So make this a daily or weekly habit, add it in to your morning devotional time, set a spot for it right after lunch. If you make yourself available, God will be ready to speak.

God is our Father, and He desires deeply to be a part of our everyday life. It should be normal for us and for our kids to pray and listen when we need help throughout the day, when we’re sad, or just when we need someone to talk to. God is there, and He wants to tell us something. It’s our job to listen.

Do you practice hearing from God with your kids? What are some other ways you can teach your kids to hear from God?