Pray First for Young Readers: Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God

by Chris Hodges

This fun guidebook on prayer will have children and tweens turning to God before going to anyone or anything else! In Pray First for Young Readers, bestselling author and pastor Chris Hodges shows that praying is simple yet powerful when you know God as your Friend, Father, and Savior.

The practice of prayer can be intimidating at any age, but Pray First for Young Readers shows how to pray and what to pray about, gives your children the tools they need to add prayer to their daily routine, and reveals how a close relationship with Jesus is what leads to a lifelong faith. Adapted from Chris’s popular book Pray First, this resource will give kids the confidence they need to go to God for every need, to intercede for others, to praise Him, and so much more.

This prayer toolbox for ages 8 to 12 includes the

Biblical models of prayerPrayer promptsTips for praying throughout the dayFun facts, infographics, challenges, and other activitiesMindful self-reflection questionsPrayers from throughout historyShow kids that prayer is not an item on a to-do list but a very real connection to our all-powerful God, who longs to hear from us!

Genres: Childrens

208 pages, Paperback

Published July 15, 2025

About the author

Chris Hodges is the founding and senior pastor of Church of the Highlands. Since it began in 2001, Highlands has grown to have campuses across the state of Alabama, known for its life-giving culture and focus on leading people to an intimate relationship with God.

Pastor Chris has a deep passion for developing leaders and planting life-giving churches. He co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) in 2001, which has launched hundreds of churches across the United States. He also founded Grow, specializing in training and resourcing pastors and churches to help them break barriers and reach their growth potential. Chris is also the founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, a ministry training school that trains and launches students into full-time ministry careers.

Chris and his wife Tammy have five children and live in Birmingham, Alabama, where Church of the Highlands began. He speaks at conferences worldwide and is the author of Fresh Air, Four Cups, The Daniel Dilemma, and What’s Next?.

Reviews

[Athena 💗 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian parents! Pray First by Chris Hodges is an absolute blessing and must read. This is a workbook that needs to be in the hands of every single one of your teens and pre-teens.

I have to be honest, this book far exceeded my original expectations. Hodges does an amazing job at not just teaching his young readers to pray first but how to pray like spiritual warriors! He goes into detail over how and when to pray and then gives the reader worksheets to fill out after every lesson. I especially love that everything is backed up by Biblical scripture. I was very impressed by how this book goes into the importance of repentance and forgiveness as well as remembering to pray for others. In a world that seems to lack self-accountability and has become more and more self-absorbed, this book is a good reminder that what our youth needs now more than ever is Jesus in their lives.

I loved the author’s writing style. I think it was written in a way that is easy to read and will hold a teenager’s attention. It was direct and to the point but not boring.

This book could not have come into my family’s life at a better time. It’s no secret that this generation of youth deals with struggles that older generations have never had to face before. As a parent, I often feel as though I fall short when it comes to helping my children grow in their relationship with God. I am a mother to a middle schooler and a 10 year old and this book has been an excellent reminder that so many problems/worries could be avoided if we only stop turning ourselves over to fear and worries but instead turn to God for help and comfort.

[Flora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Apparently this book is the young readers version of an adult version. It is very well written and is definitely suitable for young children in understanding the concepts and theology of prayer and fasting (and listening to God.) Most importantly, it is biblically based. Sections with questions and blank spaces are given at the end of each chapter for readers to enter their own thoughts.

I feel that even adults, especially new Christians, would benefit tremendously from this book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Elizabeth Nielson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has beautiful illustrations and helpful advice. While I assume I'm not the target audience, I entered to win this in a giveaway for a little free library in my area. I know someone will be greatly benefited from this book.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a blessing this book is, guiding the younger generation in learning how to pray and grow a relationship with God. Even adults who are new in their christian walk would benefit from reading this as well.

I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.

[Reva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book's layout and questions are perfectly interactive and a great source for teens and preteens to learn more and practice prayer.

[Tina Hites · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good very informative book that will help 8-12 year old learn how to pray and fast.

[Tamra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book. This book is excellent for young readers and new Christians that are new at praying and connecting with God. The layout is clean and easy to read.

[Lillianna C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this. My daughter has loved going through it and it always makes her day. She has learned so much and I can tell she’s become so much closer to god since she started reading it and working through it.