I wish I talked to God more like my 7-year-old nephew.

When Max prays, he thanks God for the popsicle he ate that day. He prays for a sick bird he saw at the zoo. He asks forgiveness for accidentally crushing an ant with his foot on the sidewalk.

Often, when Max prays, he asks God for impossible things. He prays for everyone in the world to be nice to each other. He requests for God to ensure that mom-mom and pop-pop never grow old. He asks for the gift of flight.

Praying Like a Child

Max worships and prays to God like a child because he is a child.

In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells us to be like children, too.

But how can adults possibly be like children? Well, we can start by praying like children. But how do we do that?

Here are 3 ways you can practice praying like a child every day:

1. Children often say exactly what they think—even when we think they shouldn’t. We can bring our pain and worry and joy God in the same way: without filters.

He is near to those who call to him,
    who call to him with sincerity. —145:18 (GNTD)

2. Kids are full of imagination. They often think without barriers. They hope for things that seem impossible. When you pray, remember that God is more powerful than the walls we create for ourselves.

“I assure you that if you have faith as big as a mustard seed, you can say to this hill, ‘Go from here to there!’ and it will go. You could do anything!” — Matthew 17:20 (GNTD)

3. Children often see the world simply. It’s easy to get caught up in the complexity of our everyday lives. We might also feel pressure to make our prayers sound lofty and important. Practice praying simply. Ask God to help you love people well. Thank God for the piece of chocolate your coworker gave you.

Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people. — Ephesians 6:18 (CEV)