How to Effectively Pray the ABC of Salvation Prayer with Kids

Salvation is a beautiful, life-changing experience. And it’s not just for adults! God offers the gift of salvation to everyone–and it’s simple enough for a child to understand! If you have the marvelous opportunity to share the plan of salvation with a child, you can use the ABC of salvation prayer to help them understand and truly give their life to Christ.

I was privileged to teach a Vacation Bible School class for many years, and my favorite age group to work with was the 9-12-year-olds. Kids in that age range are often so receptive to the Gospel. Although children can come to Christ at a much younger age.

Every day we ended our lesson with the ABCs of salvation. Some people will tell you the ABCs are too simplistic, and don’t follow the Gospel. But when you present them accurately and Biblically, the ABC prayer can lead a child to accept Christ Jesus as their Savior.

How Old Does a Child Have to Be to Accept Christ?

This is a touchy question with no real answer in Scripture. Children all grow and mature at different rates, so there is no set age a child can or should be saved.

As parents, it is vitally important that we pray for our children to come to Christ as early as possible. Pray for them while they’re still in your womb, during those late-night feedings, and while you’re baby-proofing the cleaning supply cabinet again. Pray that God will speak to them while they are young and that they will understand the Gospel of Christ and be saved.

Before a child can be saved, they must:

1. Understand what sin is.
2. Realize they are a sinner
3. Understand the concept of repentance.

Only when a child can understand that he is a sinner and cannot save himself can he truly be saved. We don’t know when that will happen, so we should always be prepared to share the good news of salvation.

Using the ABC Prayer of Salvation in Children’s Ministry and Beyond

If you work with children at your church, knowing how to lead a child to Christ is super important! You never know when you may be called on to talk to a child about their soul.

However, knowing how to present the plan of salvation to a child is just as vital if you’re a mom! While Sunday School and church youth programs are amazing, the responsibility to lead your child to Christ is ultimately yours.

As a homeschool mom, I am with my children 99% of the time. They spend about 5-6 hours every week at church, but they spend pretty much every other hour with me. My prayer is that I will have the opportunity to lead them to Christ and bring my boys into God’s family.

Knowing the ABC plan of salvation, and being able to present it is important if you have any ministry with children, whether it’s a formal one in your church or a family relationship.

Related: How to Make a Written Prayer List

The ABC’s of Salvation

God’s plan of salvation is simple. It really is as easy as ABC. But it is absolutely vital that we present it accurately, Biblically, and in a way that children can understand.

When ministering to a child who has questions about salvation, make sure you read from an open Bible. Make sure they understand that the words you are saying to them are not your own, but the literal words of God! The apostle Paul gave us many powerful verses for salvation in the book of Romans. We refer to many of these Scripture quotations as the Romans road and they are wonderful for sharing the plan of salvation.

A–Admit You Are a Sinner

Before any person can receive forgiveness of sin, they must first recognize they are a sinner. Before a child can receive Christ, they must understand that they are a sinner who is incapable of saving themselves.

The first step to salvation must be a realization that you are a sinner in need of a Savior.

Scripture References:

Romans 3:10–As it is written, there is none righteous, no, not one.

Romans 3:23–For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

B–Believe on the Lord Jesus

Because of our sins, we are condemned to spend eternity in Hell. But God loved us so much, He sent Jesus to die for our sins. He wants us to live in Heaven with Him forever.

God’s gift of eternal life is free because Jesus paid the price on the cross. To be saved, you must believe in Jesus, and accept Him as your personal Savior. Jesus died so that we can spend eternity in Heaven!

Scripture References:

John 3:16– For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 6:23–For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 5:8–But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

C–Confess Your Sins

This is the part of salvation that some people leave out. Salvation only comes through confession and repentance. Thankfully, God does not expect us to confess every sin we’ve ever done! For many of us, that would be impossible.

However, a sinner must confess that he is a sinner, and that he is willing to turn away from that sin through repentance.

Scripture References:

Romans 10:9-10–That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.

Romans 10:13–For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.

A Simple Prayer for Salvation

Salvation is a free gift of God and all we have to do is accept it. But we have to understand that not every person’s salvation experience is the same. No two people come to God the same way.

Salvation only requires a simple prayer, but there are not exact words we should say. We are not saved by our words but through the power of God.

It is very important when leading a child to Christ that we do not put words in their mouths. God sees their heart, and He knows if they come in genuine repentance, even if you and I cannot know.

We should allow a child to pray from his heart, asking God to save him.

However, if a child doesn’t know where to start, you may recommend a simple prayer to help them get started.

Dear God, I am a sinner, and I know that I cannot save myself. I believe that You sent Jesus to die on the cross for my sins. I ask You to forgive me for my sins and come into my heart today and save me so that I can live in Heaven with You forever. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

No one needs to say these exact words to be saved, but this is a simple example of a sinners’ prayer that is helpful to refer to if a person needs help.

Next Steps After Praying the ABC Salvation Prayer

If you have prayed this prayer, or had an opportunity to pray it with someone else, congratulations! From the very moment a person receives Jesus as their Savior, they become a new creature in Christ. They have a new Heavenly Father and the Holy Spirit living in their heart.

The birth of a new Christian is the beginning of a new life. Salvation is more than just a change of heart, it is truly becoming a new creation in Christ.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

The first thing to do as you begin this new life in Christ is to grow your personal relationship with Christ. If you have led a child to Christ, encourage them to start a Bible reading plan. Take any opportunity to help them read and understand God’s Word.

Encourage them to follow the Lord in believer’s baptism and to share their faith with others. Even children can have a powerful influence when they share their salvation testimony!

A new person has just been born into God’s family and there is much rejoicing in our hearts, as well as in the Kingdom of Heaven!

You may also like:

• 6 Powerful Prayers a Mama Can Pray for Her Son
• 100 Easy Bible Verses for Kids to Memorize

Share with your friends!