With millions of prayer books sold, Stormie Omartian is well-known for her Power of Praying books for adults. Now she has branched out to share her passion for prayer with children. She believes, “It’s never too soon to teach a child to pray.”
What Happens When I Talk to God? is written for children aged 3-7 and is intended for adults to read to their children or grandchildren. In this appealing, easy-to-read book, each two-page spread includes thoughts about prayer along with colorful artwork by Shari Warren. The illustrations show children of different races hugging a pet, swinging, and other activities.
In a child-friendly way, Omartian explains what prayer is, when we can pray, why we should pray, and suggests things to pray about. She emphasizes that we can talk to God anytime, anywhere, and about anything. And as we talk to God, we get to know him better.
Children will learn God is their friend and loves to hear from them whether they are happy or sad, have done something good, or need to ask forgiveness. He wants to help them, cares about what they care about, and understands how they feel. They also learn God always hears them whether they whisper, talk aloud, or only pray in their minds. He accepts their prayers whether long or short, prayed alone, or with others.
Omartian encourages children to pray with others and for others. She assures them that although they are small, their prayers are big in God’s eyes. Each page of text ends with a prayer, and the book concludes with this prayer: “Thank You, God, that You are close to me right now and You love to hear me pray.”
I look forward to reading and rereading this book to my grandchildren. It expresses God’s truth and unconditional love in simple ways they can understand. I agree that you can’t begin too soon to teach children to pray. Do you have young children in your life? If so, consider this book to help you teach them to pray.
Stormie Omartian, author
Shari Warren, artwork
Harvest House Publishers, 32 pages, 2007
About Lydia Harris
Lydia E. Harris is happily married to Milt, her sweetheart for 48 years. She has two married children, five grandkids, and is the author of a Bible study, "Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting" (AMG Publishers, 2010 release). She's also a tea enthusiast and writes the column "A Cup of Tea with Lydia."
