One of the best ways to learn more about your sponsored child is to ask how you can pray for him.

Think about it: Your sponsored child faces many concerns through his or her day. Is this water safe to drink? Do we have enough money for school fees? Will I eat lunch today?

Along with the classic kid worries about what game to join or who to play with, your child has a lot on her mind. Yet if you got the chance to ask, you might find that your sponsored child’s greatest anxiety revolves around his or her parents.

So here’s the tip for the day. Ask how you can pray for their parents (or caregivers). Ask how you can pray for their teachers. Ask who they admire in their life, and you’ll learn a lot about a child’s world.

“I want you to pray for my family to be friend of Jesus like me.” – Melissa, age 9, Dominican Republic

“Please pray for me. Because for God nothing is impossible. The reason why I ask your prayer is that my parents are in great problem. But I believe God will help us.” –Nahom, age 9, Ethiopia

“I want to talk to you about my family…I don’t want that my mother divorce from my father, please pray for this.” –Adonis, age 13, Dominican Republic

“My dad and me are Christians. My dad and I pray for my mother a lot that she comes to the feet of Lord. I also pray for you.” – Rosauris, age 11, Dominican Republic

And as I’ve shared elsewhere, these letters are two-way streets. Sharing how your sponsored child can pray for you assures them that other people have problems, too. It shows that you trust them.

They also really want to know. Just ask Hegade, age 11, from India: “Please inform about your family so that I may pray to God meaning-fully.”

You might be surprised by their response to your requests:

“Also she prays for you and God bless you and says, Don’t worry you will have childrens very soon.” – Menfi, age 8, Honduras

“Thank you for everything. My birthday was celebrated happily. And send my greetings to your family. And I am doing well in my studies. May God bless you. And I pray for Rachel and Donnie to excel in their studies. And now I am 12 years old. Do you still basketball? Are you still developing in God? And my family send their greetings to you.” – Micky, age 11, Kenya

“I am so encouraged through your heartfelt loving letter. I am so sad to write in the same letter about your wife’s death. I am praying to Lord Jesus for his peace for you. I also praying for wellbeing.” – Saiful, age 14, India 

Prayer requests are like windows: your child can see into your life, and you get a better idea of their worries and concerns. And you may find that the best little prayer warrior is halfway across the world.