As parents, we all want our children to grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God and man, just as Jesus did. Luke 2:52 shows us that Jesus grew in these areas, and it’s a wonderful example for us to model in our children’s lives. But how do we help preschoolers grow spiritually in ways they can understand and engage with?
One simple and effective way is by teaching them the foundational habit of reading the Bible and praying every day. You might recognize this from the song, “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow!” This catchy tune is more than just a fun song—it’s a powerful reminder that daily Bible reading and prayer help us grow spiritually, just like Jesus did.
Growth Through Bible Reading
The first part of the song tells us to “read your Bible,” and this is essential for growth. When we read the Bible with our preschoolers, even in small doses, we’re planting seeds of wisdom. At this age, children are soaking up everything, and the Word of God can shape their hearts and minds in the simplest of ways. Whether you’re reading a story from the Bible or a child-friendly devotional, you are helping your little one grow in wisdom just like Jesus did. You can start with simple Bible stories that show how Jesus grew, like His love for others, His kindness, and His wisdom. For preschoolers, stories like Jesus Heals a Blind Man or Jesus Calming the Storm work great, as they are easy to understand and packed with meaningful lessons.
Growth Through Prayer
The second part of the song, “pray every day,” teaches us that prayer is just as vital for spiritual growth as Bible reading. Jesus not only grew in wisdom but also in favor with God through a life of prayer. Preschoolers can begin learning the simple habit of prayer, too! They might not fully understand everything about prayer yet, but they can begin to practice talking to God in their own way. When they pray, encourage them to thank God for their family, their friends, and the blessings they’ve received. You can even pray together as a family before bed or before meals, reinforcing the idea that prayer is a regular and important part of the day.
Growing in Stature
“Stature” in Luke 2:52 refers to the physical growth that we see in our little ones every day. Jesus grew physically, just as your child is growing! It’s amazing to watch how quickly they change—growing taller, stronger, and learning new things every day. As they grow in their height, their muscles, and their skills, they are becoming more and more like the people God created them to be. Measuring their growth is an exciting way to celebrate this physical transformation, whether it’s marking their height on a wall, noticing how their clothes fit, or seeing their increased abilities to run, jump, and play.
Favor with God and Man
Jesus grew in “favor with God and man.” This is where the spiritual growth comes in, and it ties beautifully to the second part of the song. When we teach our preschoolers to read their Bible and pray every day, they are not just learning about God—they are growing in their ability to walk with Him and live according to His ways. They begin to understand how to treat others with kindness, how to show love to their family, and how to grow in favor with both God and people. As they grow spiritually, they also begin to grow emotionally, building relationships with their family, friends, and everyone they meet.
So next time you hear your little one singing “Read your Bible, pray every day, and you’ll grow, grow, grow!” remember that these words are more than just a catchy tune—they are a vital part of teaching your child how to grow spiritually. When you make Bible reading and prayer a part of your daily routine, you are helping your preschooler grow in wisdom, stature, and favor with God, just like Jesus did.
As you help your child grow in these foundational habits, know that you are setting them on a path of spiritual growth that will last a lifetime. Let’s encourage our little ones to keep reading their Bible, praying every day, and watching them grow in every way!
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