How to Pray with a Child for the Holy Spirit

HOW TO PRAY WITH A CHILD FOR THE HOLY SPIRIT BAPTISM

By: Martin Perryman

Salvation brings us into a right relationship with God – but the baptism in the Holy Spirit give us the power we need to live and work for God. Praying for children to receive the Holy Spirit is something that you will probably do as a coach in Kids Camp. The following suggestions may make your task easier.

1. Find out the name of the child you are praying with. This may sound unimportant, but it helps you make your dealings with that child more personal and meaningful.

2. Be sure the child is saved and that there is nothing that they need to ask God’s forgiveness for. It is unlikely that they will receive the Holy Spirit if these things are not tended to.

3. How Should the Child Pray?

A. They should ask, specifically, for the infilling of the Holy Ghost. (“And I say unto you, ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” Luke 11:9) B. Pray out loud. The evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit is speaking in an unknown tongue. This cannot happen if the child doesn’t pray out loud. C. Praise the Lord. . . not just with general words of praise (hallelujah, glory, etc.), but for specific things God has done for them (salvation, blessings etc.)

4. How Should You Pray?

A. Ask God to fill the child. The instructions of Luke 11:9 apply to you just as much as to the child. B Praise God for and with the child. C. Pray in tongues. This can help them feel less self-conscious when the Holy Spirit begins to try to speak. D. Encourage the child to speak out as the Holy Spirit comes. Tell the child that the Spirit gives words, but they have to speak them. E. Get other Spirit-filled youngsters to pray around the child.

5. Things You Should Not Do:

A. Attempt to teach the child to speak in tongues by saying, “Repeat after me. . .” B. Shake the child’s chin or vibrate their throat to make them speak in tongues. REMEMBER: the Spirit gives the utterance; you are only there to encourage prayer and praise!

6. When The Child Is Filled.

A. Encourage them to continue praying in tongues – not just then, but later in camp, at home, or any time you pray. B. Tell them that as they use this gift God has given them, it will grow stronger.

7. Tell Those Who Don’t Receive The Baptism In The Holy Spirit:

A. God loves you and still wants to fill you, so keep seeking this gift of God. B. See if they understand whom the Holy Spirit is, and what His purpose is for their lives. C. Encourage them to read Acts 2 before the next service.