Lent is a special time when we prepare our hearts for Easter, but let’s be honest—asking kids to give up candy or be extra patient for 40 days can feel like a bigger miracle than the parting of the Red Sea! Children may not fully understand fasting or sacrifice, but they understand love, kindness, and the joy of growing closer to Jesus. That’s why Lenten prayers for kids should be simple, heartfelt, and filled with faith—helping them experience God’s love in a way they can relate to.
Through these 20 inspiring Lenten prayers, children will learn to trust God, practice gratitude, and embrace the meaning of Lent with joy. Whether they are praying for patience when their sibling takes their toy or asking for strength to give up their favourite snack, these prayers will help them walk through Lent with childlike faith.
Inspiring Lenten Prayers For Kids
Just as Jesus welcomed little ones, this collection of prayers helps them feel His presence every day, leading up to the joy of Easter morning.
1. A Prayer for a Loving Heart
Dear Jesus,
Lent is a time to grow in love. Please help me be kind to my family and friends. When I feel upset, remind me to be patient. When I see someone sad, help me show kindness. Just like You loved everyone, teach me to love too. “Love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:12). Thank You for loving me so much that You gave Your life for me. I want to follow You with all my heart. Amen.
2. A Prayer for Strength to Give Up Something
Dear Jesus,
Lent is a time to give up things that keep us from You. Help me stay strong when I want to take back what I gave up. When I feel weak, remind me that You fasted in the desert for 40 days (Matthew 4:2). You didn’t give up, and I don’t want to either! Fill my heart with joy, knowing that I am doing this for You. Thank You for always helping me. Amen.
3. A Prayer for Forgiveness
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes I make mistakes, and I don’t always do what is right. Please forgive me when I disobey or hurt others. Teach me to say “I’m sorry” when I need to. Your Word says, “If we confess our sins, He will forgive us” (1 John 1:9). Thank You for Your mercy and love. Help me to forgive others just like You forgive me. Amen.
4. A Prayer for a Thankful Heart
Dear God,
Thank You for all the good things You give me—my family, my friends, my home, and my food. Help me to be grateful every day. Even when things don’t go my way, remind me that You are always with me. Your Word says, “Give thanks in everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). I want to have a heart full of thanks, just like Jesus. Amen.
5. A Prayer for Helping Others
Dear Lord,
You taught us to help those in need. This Lent, show me ways to be helpful. Whether it’s sharing my toys, being kind to someone lonely, or praying for others, I want to serve like You. “Do good and share with others” (Hebrews 13:16). Thank You for the chances to show kindness every day. Help me make the world better by loving like You. Amen.
6. A Prayer for Obedience
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes I don’t like listening to my parents or teachers, but I know You want me to obey. Help me to listen with a happy heart, just like You obeyed Your Father in heaven. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). When I feel like being stubborn, remind me that obedience makes me more like You. Thank You for guiding me. Amen.
7. A Prayer for Trusting God
Dear God,
Sometimes I feel scared or worried. Help me trust You, even when I don’t understand what’s happening. Your Word says, “Do not fear, for I am with you” (Isaiah 41:10). I know that You love me and will always take care of me. No matter what, I want to put my trust in You. Thank You for being my strong and loving God. Amen.
8. A Prayer for a Humble Heart
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes I want to be first or get all the attention. But You teach us to be humble and put others first. Help me to be kind and not brag. Let me serve with a happy heart, just like You washed Your disciples’ feet (John 13:14-15). “Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:4). Thank You for showing me the way. Amen.
9. A Prayer for Patience
Dear God,
I don’t like waiting, but I know patience is important. Help me to be patient with my family, my friends, and even myself. When things don’t happen right away, remind me that You have a perfect time for everything. “Be patient and trust the Lord” (Psalm 37:7). Jesus, You were patient with everyone—help me be patient too. Amen.
10. A Prayer for a Giving Heart
Dear Jesus,
You gave Your life for us. Teach me to be generous, not just with things, but also with my time and love. Let me share my blessings with those who have less. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Thank You for everything I have, and help me give with a joyful heart. Amen.
11. A Prayer for Self-Control
Dear Lord,
Sometimes I want to say or do things that are not good. Help me to stop and think before I act. Let me have self-control, especially when I feel angry or tempted. “A person without self-control is like a city with broken walls” (Proverbs 25:28). Jesus, help me to be strong and make good choices. Amen.
12. A Prayer for Strength in Difficult Times
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes I feel sad, lonely, or afraid. When things are hard, help me remember that You are always with me. “The Lord is my strength and my shield” (Psalm 28:7). I know that no problem is too big for You. Thank You for loving me and giving me the courage to keep going. Amen.
13. A Prayer for Listening to God
Dear God,
I want to hear Your voice and follow You. Help me to listen when I pray and read Your Word. Sometimes I get distracted, but I want to be close to You. “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9). Open my heart to hear Your guidance and follow Your way. Amen.
14. A Prayer for Jesus to Be My Best Friend
Dear Jesus,
You are the best friend I could ever have. Thank You for always being there for me. When I feel alone, remind me that You are near. “I call you friends” (John 15:15). Help me to talk to You every day and trust You with my heart. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
15. A Prayer for Peace
Dear Jesus,
Sometimes I feel upset or worried. Please fill my heart with Your peace. Help me to bring peace to others by being kind and forgiving. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). When I feel angry or afraid, remind me to turn to You. Thank You for being my Prince of Peace. Amen.
16. A Prayer for Loving My Enemies
Dear God,
It’s hard to love people who hurt me, but You tell us to love everyone. Help me to be kind, even to those who are mean to me. “Love your enemies and pray for those who hurt you” (Matthew 5:44). Teach me to forgive, just like You forgive me. Fill my heart with love instead of anger. Amen.
17. A Prayer for Understanding Jesus’ Sacrifice
Dear Jesus,
You gave Your life for me because You love me so much. Help me to remember Your great sacrifice during Lent. “God showed His love for us: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Thank You for suffering for me and giving me new life. I want to love You more each day. Amen.
18. A Prayer for Growing Closer to God
Dear Lord,
I want to know You better. Help me to pray more, read my Bible, and listen to You. “Come near to God, and He will come near to you” (James 4:8). Thank You for always being near me. Please help me to grow in faith this Lent and every day. Amen.
19. A Prayer for Joy in Jesus
Dear Jesus,
Lent is a serious time, but I know that You bring joy. Help me to remember that even in hard times, You are my happiness. “The joy of the Lord is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). Thank You for the hope of Easter and the joy of knowing You. Amen.
20. A Prayer for Easter Hope
Dear God,
Lent reminds me of Your great love, and Easter brings the hope of new life. Help me to hold onto this hope in my heart. “Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life'” (John 11:25). Thank You for dying and rising again so that I can have eternal life with You. I love You, Jesus. Amen.
Conclusion
Lent isn’t just about giving things up—it’s about growing in faith and learning to love Jesus more each day. These prayers help children develop a habit of talking to God, whether they’re asking for help, saying thanks, or just sharing what’s in their hearts. By praying during Lent, kids can build a strong foundation of faith that will stay with them long after Easter has passed.
As families and teachers guide children through this sacred season, these simple but meaningful prayers can be a daily reminder of God’s love and presence. No matter how small their prayers may seem, God listens, and He delights in the voices of little ones. May this Lenten journey be a time of joy, learning, and growing closer to Jesus, as we all prepare to celebrate His resurrection!
