I absolutely adore the primary song, I Pray in Faith (archives)! It is a fairly short song that teaches about prayer in a simple, sweet way. As you introduce this song in primary, consider using this I Pray in Faith Emoji Action Words idea!
Just follow along with these easy actions paired with cute emoji symbols for a fun way to practice this Come Follow Me Old Testament song in singing time!
**See ALL I Pray in Faith Singing Time Ideas**
I Pray in Faith Emoji Action Words
Even though I am not currently serving as a music leader, I get asked to fill in from time to time. When I am subbing in primary, hand actions are one of my go-to teaching tools. They are simple, yet so effective!
For a simple memory aid, try using some hand actions to help your primary children remember the lyrics to this sweet song about prayer!
I’ve come up with some easy actions to pair with each line of the first verse of this song. Since the second verse teaches us how and what we can pray for, this verse does not lend as well to hand actions. Instead, we’ll be using finger numbers to help remember each “prayer step” mentioned in the song.
Begin with a brief review of I Pray in Faith (lyrics here) before introducing these hand actions. If you are introducing this song for the first time, I recommend having the children simply listen as the pianist plays through the song once.
Then, reach down at touch your knees as you sing, “I kneel” and fold your arms as you sing, “pray every day.” Can you try that with me? Awesome!
Let’s add another action. Cup your hands near your mouth as if you are holding a megaphone while singing, “I speak to Heavenly Father.”
Heavenly Father hears our prayers! Cup your hand near your ear for the phrase, “He hears.”
Did you know Heavenly Father will speak to us when we pray sincerely? Cup your hands near your mouth again for the word, “answers.” Finish by folding your arms as you sing, “pray in faith.”
Pretty easy, right? Do you think you remember all the actions? Let’s do it together! Sing through the first verse a few times using the hand actions.
For the second verse, listen carefully and see if you can tell me what the first step in prayer is. That’s right – We address our Heavenly Father. Hold up one finger.
What’s the next step? Hold up 2 fingers for the line “I thank him for blessings he sends.” Continue adding a finger until you have 4 fingers up for all 4 steps mentioned in the song.
1st Verse Emoji Action Words:
- Pat Knees or Kneel – “Kneel”
- Fold Arms – “Pray”
- Cup Hands Near Mouth – “Speak”
- Cup Hand Near Ear – “Hears”
- Cup Hands Near Mouth – Answers”
- Fold Arms – “Pray”
2nd Verse:
Hold up one finger for each prayer step mentioned in the song – Ex. “Begin by saying, Dear Heavenly Father” – Pointer finger
Extension Activities:
- Cut out the emoji action pictures into cards. On one side of the board, tape all the pictures. Write the song lyrics on the other side of the board. See if you can match each emoji action to the correct song phrase.
- Divide the room into 2 groups. Have one group do all the actions for “pray” and “speak/answer.” Have the other side do the rest of the actions. Then, switch! Or, divide 3 into 3 groups – one group for “pray,” one group for “speak” and one group for “kneel” and “hear.”
- Hide the emoji action pictures underneath chairs in the room. Have everyone look under their chair to reveal who gets to come up and help with the actions!
For another fun similar activity, head over to see this Anytime, Anywhere Action Words singing time activity!
I Pray in Faith Emoji Action Words Demo Video
Watch this short demonstration video and practice these hand actions along with me! In this video, I’ll walk you through all the hand actions used for this song and provide some helpful tips to guide your planning.
–> I Pray in Faith Emoji Action Words Demo Video <–
I Pray in Faith Emoji Action Words Printable Song Helps
This free in-post printable includes a single-page emoji action words poster with visuals for hand actions in the first verse.
This activity has extended printables available including extended actions for both verses, a pattern chart for the 2nd verse, and emoji and word cards. You’ll find these bonus files included when I Pray in Faith is the featured song of the month.
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Check out this fun I Pray in Faith Body Rhythm activity next for a fun way to incorporate movement as you review this song in primary!
What other fun ways will you use this emoji action words singing time activity in your Primary room?
