Listening for God: Silence Practice for Little Ones
By Katie Warner · Published by TAN Books
Overview
This children’s book uses the biblical story of the prophet Elijah to teach little ones how to sit in sacred silence so they may learn to listen for the voice of God and grow in prayer. Written with insight into children’s spirituality and rooted in the Church’s tradition of adoration, it encourages young hearts to build the habit of quiet reflection that supports a lifelong relationship with Jesus.
- Uses Elijah’s encounter with God’s still, small voice to introduce silence as prayer.
- Engages children with bright illustrations and an interactive storyline.
- Teaches that even brief silent time can grow into deeper listening and dialogue with God.
- Designed to be read repeatedly so children and adults alike learn to value quiet prayer.
- Supports early spiritual formation by nurturing the gift of listening to God’s voice.
Intended Audience
This book is ideal for Catholic families, catechists, and parents who wish to introduce preschool and early elementary children to the practice of prayerful silence rooted in Scripture and the Church’s tradition, and as a supportive resource for family devotional life.
Key Themes
- Introduction to sacred silence and listening for God’s voice
- Scripture example of the prophet Elijah
- Early spiritual formation in prayer
- Family‑oriented devotional practice rooted in tradition
- Author:
- Katie Warner
- Illustrator:
- Amy Rodriguez
- Imprint:
- TAN Books
- Pages:
- 32
- Publication Date:
- 2/2/21
- SKU:
- 2932
- Product Format:
- Hardcover
- Height:
- 8.00
- Width:
- 8.00
18 Reviews
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Great book!
This is a great book to help introduce little ones (and big ones too!) to sacred silence. Originally bought for my children but ordered some more recently to give as gifts.
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Children’s adoration basically
Good way to get out wiggles before few minutes of prayer or adoration.
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Listening for God
A helpful resource for my kid who struggles with anxiety and ADHD.
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Wonderful
Beautiful introduction to silent prayer for kids. Something we adults need to practice sometimes as well. Love how engaging it is for little ones
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Amazing!
This book surprised me - it is a beautiful way to teach our young kids about prayer in silence, how to listen for the voice of the God. Definitely recommend!
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A valuable resource.
This was the fourth Katie Warner book we have read. A few years ago we read Cloud of Witnesses: A Child's First Book of Saints and loved it (My daughter reads it to my wife almost every night still). Both my daughter and I loved this book. She read it to me three times the day it arrived and has picked it up every day since and read it to herself. She cannot wait to share it with her friends down the street. And has asked if we can donate it to her school library. It is an excellent read, and we will continue tracking down other works from Katie to read. The description of this volume is: “This creative book, which contains some surprise interactive elements that your child will love, will become an invaluable resource to your family prayer life. Katie Warner, noted Catholic author of numerous wonderful books for children writes: “Years ago, I started having my young children practice silent time each day. They loved the story of Elijah and the still small voice, and we’d talk about it in the same way this book does. That daily silent time practice became the seed concept for this book. I think it’s so important for little ones to learn early and intentionally how to quiet themselves so they can hear God’s voice. At first, our silent time training only lasted a minute. Then two, three, four minutes and more - a building block to future holy hours that our little ones will spend in the chapel or at home listening for God’s voice and getting to know their Savior and Best Friend.” The ability to be silent is a skill that even many adults have never developed. Give your child this priceless gift and give it early. For it is one that will reap eternal rewards.” The story begins with a bible quote of 1 Kings 19:11-12. The first part of the book is a series of illustrations about Elijah and his experience listening to God. Then the story transitions to us. And specifically children and how they can listen to god, and how they can learn to practice silence. We are told that God wants to give us: Faith Hope Love Wisdom Courage Strength That God has a plan for us, just like he did for Elijah. But we need to learn to listen. The book does a wonderful job teaching about listening for God. And learning to spend time in silence. Both are great lessons, not only for children but for all Catholics. It is a wonderful book. Well written, and from the notes at the end written from Katie’s family experience. The illustrations are awesome. There are a few both my daughter and I would love to have as prayer cards to have in our collection. It is a book that will bless the children who read it, who have it read to them. And it will bless adults who read it to and with children. It is aa valuable volume for any home, school or church library. Pick up a few copies to give to the children in your life. It is excellent!
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Listening for God
The book was advertised as one for those receiving Holy COmmunion for the 1st time so I got a copy to give away. At first I was disappointed in it but came to like the idea that kids need to know they can talk to God without speaking.
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Great book to teach children about silence and prayer
I gave this book as a gift to a friend for his family. Him and his wife read it to their little ones and were so pleasantly surprised how many questions were stirred up by their children.
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Great for little ones!
Our 5-year-old daughter loves this book. It's a fun way to introduce them to the idea and practice of quiet prayer time!
