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Pray First for Young Readers: Simple Steps for Talking (and Listening) to God
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!
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!
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 15, 2025
About the author
Chris Hodges
64 books255 followersChris Hodges is a pastor, mentor, and author who has dedicated his life to helping people grow in their faith, develop as leaders, and build life-giving communities. He is the Founder and Chancellor of Highlands College, Founding Pastor of Church of the Highlands, Founder of GrowLeader, and Co-Founder of the Association of Related Churches (ARC).
In 2025, after more than two decades of leadership, Chris transitioned the role of Lead Pastor to Mark Pettus, allowing him to focus more on mentoring leaders and investing in the next generation. He continues to serve Highlands as Founding Pastor.
Highlands College – America’s Ministry Leadership University
Chris has always had a heart for equipping young leaders for ministry. In 2011, he founded Highlands College, which has since grown into a fully accredited, academy-model ministry leadership college. Inspired by Luke 2:10, Highlands College is dedicated to developing leaders of competence and character to fulfill the Great Commission.
More than 1,300 graduates have been placed in more than 370 churches and ministries across 38 states and 21 countries.
GrowLeader – Coaching Leaders and Equipping Churches
Understanding the challenges that pastors and church leaders face, Chris created GrowLeader, a coaching network dedicated to training leaders and resourcing churches. Through conferences, roundtables, and leadership coaching, GrowLeader provides practical tools and biblical strategies to help churches grow in a healthy, sustainable way.
Association of Related Churches (ARC) – Church Planting
In 2001, Chris co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) with a group of pastors who shared a heart for starting life-giving churches in communities that need them. Through coaching, support, and relationships, ARC has helped plant over 1,150 churches across the U.S. and trains more than 1,000 church planters annually.
Writing and Teaching
Chris is a bestselling author who is passionate about making biblical truth practical and accessible, and he has written several books to encourage believers in their spiritual growth.
His works include:
• The Daniel Dilemma – standing firm while loving well in a culture of compromise
• Four Cups – understanding the promises of God for every believer
• Out of the Cave – finding hope in the midst of depression
• Pray First – living a life centered on prayer
• What’s Next? – following practical steps for growing in faith
• Fresh Air – experiencing spiritual renewal
• Jesus, The High Road Leader (co-authored with John C. Maxwell) – following leadership lessons from the life of Jesus
Global Leadership and Ministry
Chris has been honored to serve alongside mentors and leaders from around the world. He is involved with organizations such as:
• EQUIP – a leadership organization founded by John C. Maxwell, which has trained millions of leaders worldwide
• Global Teen Challenge – a ministry helping people find freedom from addiction
Personal Life
Chris holds a B.A. in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Masters of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Professional Leadership from High Point University.
Originally from Louisiana, Chris spent time pastoring in Colorado before moving to Birmingham, AL, in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have five kids and twelve grandchildren.
In 2025, after more than two decades of leadership, Chris transitioned the role of Lead Pastor to Mark Pettus, allowing him to focus more on mentoring leaders and investing in the next generation. He continues to serve Highlands as Founding Pastor.
Highlands College – America’s Ministry Leadership University
Chris has always had a heart for equipping young leaders for ministry. In 2011, he founded Highlands College, which has since grown into a fully accredited, academy-model ministry leadership college. Inspired by Luke 2:10, Highlands College is dedicated to developing leaders of competence and character to fulfill the Great Commission.
More than 1,300 graduates have been placed in more than 370 churches and ministries across 38 states and 21 countries.
GrowLeader – Coaching Leaders and Equipping Churches
Understanding the challenges that pastors and church leaders face, Chris created GrowLeader, a coaching network dedicated to training leaders and resourcing churches. Through conferences, roundtables, and leadership coaching, GrowLeader provides practical tools and biblical strategies to help churches grow in a healthy, sustainable way.
Association of Related Churches (ARC) – Church Planting
In 2001, Chris co-founded ARC (Association of Related Churches) with a group of pastors who shared a heart for starting life-giving churches in communities that need them. Through coaching, support, and relationships, ARC has helped plant over 1,150 churches across the U.S. and trains more than 1,000 church planters annually.
Writing and Teaching
Chris is a bestselling author who is passionate about making biblical truth practical and accessible, and he has written several books to encourage believers in their spiritual growth.
His works include:
• The Daniel Dilemma – standing firm while loving well in a culture of compromise
• Four Cups – understanding the promises of God for every believer
• Out of the Cave – finding hope in the midst of depression
• Pray First – living a life centered on prayer
• What’s Next? – following practical steps for growing in faith
• Fresh Air – experiencing spiritual renewal
• Jesus, The High Road Leader (co-authored with John C. Maxwell) – following leadership lessons from the life of Jesus
Global Leadership and Ministry
Chris has been honored to serve alongside mentors and leaders from around the world. He is involved with organizations such as:
• EQUIP – a leadership organization founded by John C. Maxwell, which has trained millions of leaders worldwide
• Global Teen Challenge – a ministry helping people find freedom from addiction
Personal Life
Chris holds a B.A. in Management from Colorado Christian University, a Masters of Ministry from Southwestern Christian University, and an Honorary Doctorate in Professional Leadership from High Point University.
Originally from Louisiana, Chris spent time pastoring in Colorado before moving to Birmingham, AL, in 2001. He and his wife, Tammy, have five kids and twelve grandchildren.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 25, 2025
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.
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.
October 7, 2025
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.
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.
August 31, 2025
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.
November 11, 2025
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.
I received a free copy of this book, in exchange for my honest review.
August 18, 2025
This book's layout and questions are perfectly interactive and a great source for teens and preteens to learn more and practice prayer.
August 20, 2025
A very good very informative book that will help 8-12 year old learn how to pray and fast.
September 1, 2025
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.
August 18, 2026
This is a great overview about prayer for tweens and teens!
April 26, 2026
Love this
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews