Shep Teaches the Power of Prayer - A Children's Story

Shep Teaches the Power of Prayer

By Bill Conley
America’s Favorite Children’s Storyteller

Moral of the Story

Prayer is how we talk to God, and He always listens with love. When two or more gather in prayer, Jesus is right there with them. The Lord’s Prayer teaches us how to speak to our Heavenly Father. Calling on Jesus’ name brings light, hope, and salvation to every heart. Prayer gives comfort, courage, and strength to follow God’s way.

Shep, the wise old shepherd dog, lay on the grassy hill just outside the village. The sun dipped low in the sky, filling the fields with golden light. Around him gathered a group of children, their eyes wide with curiosity.

“Tell us another story, Shep,” said Rosie, clutching her little brother’s hand.

“Yes,” chimed in Mateo, “last time you told us about the light that outshines the darkness. What comes next?”

Shep wagged his tail and spoke gently. “Children, tonight I will teach you about prayer—the way we talk to God.”

The children leaned closer.

“Prayer is not just words,” Shep explained. “It is our hearts speaking to the One who created us. And do you know what? God always listens.”

Learning the Lord’s Prayer

One of the children, Emma, raised her hand shyly. “But Shep, how do we know what to say when we pray?”

Shep’s eyes sparkled. “Jesus himself taught us. He gave us the perfect prayer. It’s found in the Bible, in the book of Matthew 6:9 - 13. It is called the Lord’s Prayer.”

He recited slowly so the children could follow:

“Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”

The children whispered the words after him, their voices blending together.

“It’s beautiful,” Rosie said softly. “It feels like…peace.”

“That’s because it is,” Shep replied. “These words remind us that God is our Father, that He provides for us, forgives us, and keeps us safe.”

Where Two or Three Gather

The children practiced the prayer until it rested sweetly in their hearts. Then Shep continued.

“Do you know what else Jesus said?” he asked. “In Matthew 18:20, He told us: ‘For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.’”

“Does that mean Jesus is here right now?” Mateo asked, looking around with wide eyes.

Shep nodded. “Yes, He is with us as we pray together. You may not see Him with your eyes, but you can feel Him in your hearts.”

The children smiled, holding hands as they realized Jesus was among them.

The Comfort of Prayer

Later that evening, a soft rain began to fall, and some of the children felt uneasy about walking home. “What if the storm gets worse?” Emma whispered.

Shep placed his paw gently on the ground. “This is why prayer is so important. When you are afraid, pray. When you are thankful, pray. When you need help, pray. God hears every prayer.”

So together they prayed:

“Father in heaven, thank You for being with us. Keep us safe as we walk home. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

The rain eased, and the children felt braver.

Calling on the Name of Jesus

As they walked, Shep shared one more truth. “The Bible says in Romans 10:13, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ That means when you say the name of Jesus with faith, you are calling on the One who saves us. He is our light, our Savior, and our friend.”

Rosie whispered, “Jesus, thank You for being with me.” And a warmth filled her heart, chasing away every fear.

The Lesson

That night, each child went home with something precious. They knew prayer was not only words but a way of living close to God. They knew Jesus was with them when they prayed together. And they knew that calling on His name filled their hearts with light.

As they drifted to sleep, each whispered the same prayer: “Thank You, Father. Thank You, Jesus.”

Moral of the Story Poem

When you feel small or full of fear,
Pray to God, for He is near.
Jesus listens when we call,
His light will guide and guard us all.
Two or three who pray in His name,
Will feel His love, forever the same.
So lift your voice both night and day,
For God is with us when we pray.