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By the time bedtime rolls around, we’re usually ready to call it a day. My toddler is winding down, my husband’s taking out the trash, the house finally feels calm, and I’m thankful the day’s come to a close and we now have an opportunity to rest and recharge.

But I’ve found those last few minutes before sleep can be more than just going through the bedtime routine and lights out. They’re actually a really great opportunity for a simple way to plant little seeds of faith.

I’ve discovered two simple questions to use in these moments to build faith in little children, and they’ve been working well for my family, so I’d like to share them with you in this post.

“More than just going through the routine and lights out, bedtime is a great opportunity for a simple way to plant little seeds of faith.”

The Two Questions

Every night before bed, I’ll ask my son:

What are you thankful for today?
What would you like to pray about?

That’s it. Two simple questions, easy enough for even a three-year-old to answer (albeit in their own sweet, funny way).

Often, when there aren’t too many loose odds-and-ends chores to finish in the house, my husband will join us in J’s bedroom and wind down with us. We’ll do a roundtable and after everyone has answered, I’ll wrap the time of sharing up by leading in a simple prayer encapsulating everyone’s thanksgivings and prayer requests.

A couple of nights ago, J’s responses made me laugh and heart-melt at the same time:

“I’m thankful for mama cooking.” (Awwww.)
“A bird!” (because of course, toddlers think of the most random things).

The next day, as he was moon-spotting by the window at sunset (a skill he’s gotten quite good at) we suddenly saw an eagle-like bird gliding across the sky. It stayed in view for a good few minutes, long enough for us to watch in awe.

And I couldn’t help but point it out: “See, J, God hears our prayers. You asked about a bird yesterday and God gave you a beautiful bird to look at today.”

Making God Real for Toddlers

I’ve been observing for a while now that when I ask or talk to J about God, he struggles a little bit. Because God is someone he can’t see with his own eyes, God is an abstract concept to him. And toddlers don’t yet think in big abstract ideas. Faith and prayer can feel too “invisible” for them to grasp.

So talking about prayer requests and pointing it out when God does answer them? That’s a way to help them connect God with their everyday experiences, like for J it’s actually spotting the bird he asked God about. It makes God real to them.

Back to the two-question bedtime practice. This little practice does a few things at once:

It teaches our children to pause and reflect on what they’re grateful for.
It shows them that prayer isn’t complicated—it’s simply talking to God about what’s on their heart. It gives us a chance to model this too.
It gives us opportunities as parents to connect the dots when God answers, and to say, “See? God listens. God is real.”

Over time, this builds faith. It helps them see God not as a faraway idea but as Someone who is close and cares about them.

One Question is Easier Than the Other

Now, if your little one is very young (like mine), don’t worry if they struggle with the second question (“what would you like to pray about?”). Mine often does. He easily and quickly answers for something he’s thankful about, and usually it’s the highlight of his day. Interestingly, the adults (us) find it easier to answer the prayer requests question, and we’re scratching our heads thinking of a thanksgiving.

On the concept of prayer requests: At first, our young children may not know what a “prayer request” is supposed to sound like. But that’s where modeling comes in. When we answer the questions ourselves, sharing something we’d like to pray about (a struggle, a need) — they start to catch on, you’ll be amazed at how quickly.

And even if their answers feel random or silly, those wobbly first attempts are still beautiful beginnings.

Gentle Encouragement to You

So here’s my gentle encouragement: if you’re looking for an easy way to build faith in your child, try asking these two questions at bedtime (or even at mealtime, or another calm part of your day).

It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. But it sets a rhythm. It builds a faith muscle. It helps their little hearts practice gratitude, and it gives them language to bring their needs before God.

Scripture puts it this way:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” — Philippians 4:6

And someday, when God answers one of those prayers, you’ll get to point it out together and say: “Hey, look what God did!”

🌱 I’m sowing alongside you.

Practical Takeaways

Keep it simple. Two questions are enough: “What are you thankful for?” and “What would you like to pray about?”
Model first. If your child doesn’t know what to say, let them hear your own answers. They’ll learn through your example.
Celebrate the answers. When prayers are answered, big or small, point them out and remind your child that God listens.
Be patient, be consistent. Very young kids may not get it right away, but every attempt is part of the learning journey.

A Prayer Before You Go

Lord, thank You for the simple ways You invite us to nurture faith in our little ones. Help me create gentle rhythms at home that teach my child(ren) to give thanks and to bring their needs before You. Open their heart(s) to see that You are near and that You listen, even to the smallest prayers. May these moments at home plant seeds of faith that will grow deep roots of placing their trust in You in their life. Amen.

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