Project – The Impact of Children’s Prayer Life on Their Spiritual Development and Moral Behaviour in Christian Families in RCCG, Lagos

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Prayer is a central practice in Christianity and is widely regarded as a vital means of communication between believers and God. In the context of Christian families, especially within Pentecostal denominations such as the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), prayer is not only a spiritual discipline but also a foundational tool for nurturing children’s moral and spiritual development. Children are often introduced to prayer at an early age through family devotion, Sunday school activities, and church programs, where they are taught to communicate with God, express gratitude, seek guidance, and ask for protection.

In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the role of religious practices in shaping children’s behaviour and moral identity. Studies have shown that religious upbringing contributes significantly to the development of values such as honesty, obedience, respect, self-control, and compassion among children (Maduelosi & Ezuluofor, 2022) . Within Nigerian society, where moral decadence such as examination malpractice, peer pressure, and juvenile delinquency is rising, the church and the family are considered key institutions responsible for moral formation.

In RCCG, Lagos State, children’s prayer life is actively encouraged through structured programmes such as children’s church services, morning devotions, and special prayer meetings. These practices are believed to strengthen children’s relationship with God and guide their moral choices in everyday life. Prayer is also seen as a tool that helps children develop discipline, spiritual awareness, and a sense of accountability.

Furthermore, psychological and religious development theories suggest that early childhood spiritual exposure influences long-term moral reasoning and behavioural patterns. Prayer, when consistently practiced, can help children internalize moral values and distinguish between right and wrong. It also promotes emotional stability, empathy, and self-reflection, which are essential for healthy social behaviour.

However, despite these perceived benefits, there are concerns that the effectiveness of children’s prayer life in shaping moral behaviour may depend on several factors such as parental involvement, church teaching methods, peer influence, and the consistency of religious practice at home. This study therefore examines the impact of children’s prayer life on their spiritual development and moral behaviour within Christian families in RCCG, Lagos State.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Despite the emphasis placed on prayer in Christian homes and churches, there is growing concern that many children still exhibit poor moral behaviour such as disobedience, dishonesty, lack of respect for authority, aggression, and poor spiritual commitment.

In RCCG congregations in Lagos State, children participate in regular prayer activities, yet questions remain about whether these practices effectively translate into observable moral development. Some parents report that although their children pray regularly, they still struggle with peer pressure, poor decision-making, and inconsistent spiritual discipline. This raises concerns about the real impact of prayer on children’s behavioural outcomes.

Moreover, modern societal influences such as social media, urban lifestyle, and school environments may be weakening the influence of prayer and religious teachings on children. In some cases, prayer is treated as a routine activity rather than a deeply internalized spiritual practice, which may limit its influence on moral behaviour.

The problem, therefore, is that despite consistent engagement in prayer activities within RCCG Christian families, there is insufficient evidence to confirm that children’s prayer life significantly influences their spiritual development and moral behaviour. This study seeks to address this gap.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this study is to examine the impact of children’s prayer life on their spiritual development and moral behaviour in Christian families in RCCG, Lagos State.

Specifically, the study aims to:

1. Determine the extent to which children engage in prayer practices in RCCG families.
2. Examine the influence of children’s prayer life on their spiritual development.
3. Assess the effect of prayer life on children’s moral behaviour.
4. Identify factors affecting the effectiveness of prayer in shaping children’s moral values.

1.4 Research Questions

1. To what extent do children in RCCG engage in regular prayer activities?
2. How does children’s prayer life influence their spiritual development?
3. What is the relationship between children’s prayer life and their moral behaviour?
4. What factors affect the effectiveness of prayer in shaping children’s moral values?

1.5 Research Hypothesis

H₀ (Null Hypothesis):
There is no significant relationship between children’s prayer life and their moral behaviour in Christian families in RCCG, Lagos State.

H₁ (Alternative Hypothesis):
There is a significant relationship between children’s prayer life and their moral behaviour in Christian families in RCCG, Lagos State.

1.6 Significance of the Study

This study will be beneficial to parents, church leaders, Christian educators, and researchers. It will help parents understand the importance of consistent prayer training at home. Church leaders in RCCG will also gain insight into improving children’s ministry programmes. Additionally, it will contribute to academic literature on child spiritual development and moral education in Nigeria.

1.7 Scope of the Study

The study focuses on Christian families within the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Lagos State. It examines children’s prayer practices and their influence on spiritual development and moral behaviour. The study is limited to selected RCCG branches in Lagos State.

1.8 Operational Definition of Terms

• Prayer Life: Regular communication between children and God through spoken or silent prayers.
• Spiritual Development: Growth in a child’s understanding of God and religious values.
• Moral Behaviour: Actions that reflect accepted standards of right and wrong in society.
• Christian Families: Households where at least one parent practices Christianity and trains children in Christian faith.
• RCCG: Redeemed Christian Church of God, a Pentecostal Christian denomination.

Project – The Impact of Children’s Prayer Life on Their Spiritual Development and Moral Behaviour in Christian Families in RCCG, Lagos