The Lord's Prayer for Children

A picture book focuses on making a traditional prayer more accessible to young readers.

Although the Lord’s Prayer is familiar to Christians (described by Abraham as “the perfect way to talk to God” in an endnote), the vocabulary and ideas may be challenging to young Sunday schoolers. On each page of this book, both the traditional King James Version of the prayer and Abraham’s interpretation appear. Abraham simplifies the words and the concepts for each line of the prayer. Swapping an archaic word like hallowed with the simpler special and replacing trespasses with mistakes, the author successfully boils down the essence of the prayer in a way that youngsters can understand without diluting the meaning. A few lines are less effective, such as the introduction of angels in the depiction of heaven, which may be a theological stretch. Still, teachers and parents will find this a helpful rendition. West’s cartoon images focus on diversity, showing mainly children and one crossing guard in many different hues, one of whom uses a rainbow cane. (The guard is depicted as having vitiligo.) God is pictured as a golden figure, sometimes with rays that resemble sunbeams surrounding his head, which may suggest to the youngest readers that the divine is associated with the sun. The figure’s lack of facial features makes sense, keeping God abstract. But this element may be off-putting to some kids, especially since the prayer’s language has been made so concrete.

A useful tool for Sunday school teachers and parents introducing new concepts.

- Kirkus Reviews

The Lord’s Prayer for Children is a delightful children’s book that provides a fresh perspective on a timeless prayer.  Written by Claire Abraham, this book reimagines the beloved Lord’s Prayer, tailoring it to the comprehension level of young readers.

This book is a valuable resource for parents seeking to introduce their children to the practice of prayer. Acknowledging that the traditional vocabulary might be challenging, Abraham skillfully dissects each line of the prayer into simpler words. This approach allows children to grasp the prayer’s significance, facilitating a meaningful connection with their parents and active participation in prayer rituals. Enhancing the book’s appeal are its vibrant illustrations. These visuals not only captivate readers but also celebrate the rich diversity among God’s children. With each turn of the page, a multitude of characters come to life, serving as a visual testament to the unity that threads through the essence of spirituality.

The Lord’s Prayer for Children, by Claire Abraham, merits a prominent place on any child’s bookshelf. Beyond simplifying a sacred prayer for young readers, it fosters an understanding of faith and its personal connection. The book’s approach serves as a catalyst for parents to engage in insightful discussions about prayer’s significance, promoting deeper spiritual connections. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone invested in nurturing a child’s spiritual journey, using the gentle beauty of prayer as a guiding light.

- Literary Titan