Devotion for Kids

Why do people pray to idols?

"Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools. And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, & to birds, & fourfooted beasts & creeping things."
Romans 2 : 21-23

Some people pray to idols because they believe or hope that prayers will make a difference. That is, they believe in a false god. They believe that their god hears and answers their prayers. Other people pray to idols out of superstition. In other words, they say their prayers as a sort of a good luck charm. They do not really know or believe in their idol. They just hope something will happen if they pray.

Praying to idols is wrong. They are not alive and they cannot answer your prayers. God wants you to place your trust only in Him.

ACTIVITY
People have prayed to idols for thousands of years. Today's verses come from Paul's letter to the church in Rome, where many people worshipped made-up gods and goddesses. In an encyclopedia or history book, read about a country where praying to idols is common, e.g., China, India or Peru. Pray for these people that they will hear about the true God and learn to pray to Him.

Betsy Elliot