Greetings once again in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior. Welcome to this time of reflection on the Word of Life. This article continues our series on raising children from a biblical perspective.
If you are a parent or guardian caring for young children, or if you are expecting to become a parent, then this message is especially important for you.
We have shared other articles in this series before; if you missed them, feel free to contact us via WhatsApp at +255693036618, and we will gladly send them to you.
The Power of Teaching Children to Sing Praise to God
First, it is essential to understand that every child is born with an innate capacity for worship and praise. Whether we as parents like it or not, this desire to worship is placed within them by God. This natural worship comes to full expression when children gather to play and sing together.
Observe carefully: in places where many children assemble, you will hear them singing various songs — often the ones they have been taught or those they have overheard others singing. This is evidence that praise is deeply rooted within their spirits.
Jesus Himself used the example of children playing and singing in marketplaces to illustrate the spiritual condition of His generation. He said:
“To what then shall I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, ‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not weep.’”
— Luke 7:31-32 (ESV)
Children’s Praise: A Spiritual Force Not to Be Overlooked
When children sing, it might seem like mere play or fun, but in reality, their praises are a powerful act of worship that carries significant spiritual weight. This is seen clearly in the account of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
As Jesus rode on a donkey, the crowds laid down their cloaks and palm branches, loudly praising Him with shouts of “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, the King of Israel!” (John 12:13 ESV).
Nearby, children caught hold of these praises and began to echo them inside the temple courts. This caused great distress among the religious leaders, who rebuked Jesus, saying, “Do you hear what these children are saying?”
Jesus responded with a profound Scripture:
“Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have prepared praise’?”
— Matthew 21:16 (ESV)
This passage reveals that genuine, Spirit-filled praise originates even from the youngest mouths, and it fulfills God’s perfect will of worship.
What This Means for Parents and Guardians
If true praise comes from even the youngest children, then it is crucial for us as parents and caregivers to nurture this gift. Teaching children to sing songs of worship and praise is more than just cultural tradition — it is a spiritual strategy that shakes the foundations of the enemy’s kingdom (Psalm 8:2).
On the other hand, if children grow up singing secular or worldly songs filled with ungodly themes, they may inadvertently be offering their praises to Satan, empowering his influence rather than resisting it. Sadly, many children today sing music that promotes worldly values, and many parents, preoccupied with work and other commitments, neglect this vital aspect of spiritual formation.
Practical Steps for Raising Children in the Fear and Praise of God
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Intentionally teach your children songs of praise to God, filling their minds and hearts with the truths of Scripture.
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Reject and guard against secular music that contradicts godly principles.
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Regularly involve your children in Sunday school and sound biblical teaching where worship is centered on God’s glory.
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Be vigilant about the influences your children encounter—music, friends, media—and guide them wisely (Proverbs 22:6).
Final Thoughts
True peace and joy fill a home where children’s hearts are trained to worship the Lord. Their praises are a spiritual weapon that strengthens the family and thwarts the enemy. May the Lord empower us as parents to raise a generation that worships in spirit and truth (John 4:23-24).
May His grace and peace be with you.
Shalom.
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