“Prayer helps us become closer to Jesus, who loves us very much!” writes Archbishop J. Peter Sartain in his introduction to a new prayer book published specifically for children and families in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

The book, called Prayers by Heart: The Catholic Children’s Prayer Book, was created to support new archdiocesan religious education standards, explained Anne Frederick, archdiocesan director of parish and school faith formation, in an email to catechists.

The 68-page book includes sections on Fundamental Prayers, Praying the Liturgy of the Hours, Daily Prayers, Family Blessings, Praying the Rosary, Mass Prayers and Responses, and Catholic Teachings.

“Incorporating these prayers and family blessings in their daily life — when they awake, when they eat, at Mass, or before they go to sleep — will help children learn to talk to and listen to God while being reminded of how he is always with them, and how much he loves and cares for them,” Frederick wrote.

The book is published by Saint Mary’s Press and is available at www.smp.org.