Make a Prayer Table

A prayer table gives young people a simple way to grow closer to God. It gives them a quiet space to slow down and focus. In a busy world filled with screens and noise, this can make a big difference. Just knowing there is a special place to sit and pray can help kids and teens remember that God is near.

This activity also gives youth a sense of ownership over their faith. When they help set up the table or choose items to include, it becomes personal. They begin to see prayer not just as something they’re told to do, but as something they can enter into with meaning and joy. It teaches that prayer isn’t only for church—it can be part of daily life.

The prayer table can also help build good habits. When kids see it each day, it reminds them to pause, pray, and reflect. It becomes part of their routine. Over time, this regular practice of prayer can help them feel more peaceful, more patient, and more in tune with God’s presence. It doesn’t have to be long or fancy—just real.

For group settings, like youth ministry or classrooms, a shared prayer table encourages unity. Everyone adds something to it, and everyone prays together. It builds a sense of belonging. Whether at home or with a group, a prayer table can help youth feel supported in their faith journey and know they are never alone.

Rooted in the Word and the Faith

A prayer table connects young people to the Bible. Many of the items placed on the table—like the crucifix, Bible, and rosary—remind us of stories from Scripture. The table becomes a place to reflect on Jesus’ life, His teachings, and His love. When youth spend time at the prayer table, they learn to see the Bible not as just a book, but as a guide for daily life.

This activity also supports key themes in Catholic catechesis. It encourages personal prayer, reverence for holy things, and love for Mary and the saints. These are all important parts of our Catholic faith. By adding holy water, prayer cards, or pictures of saints, young people are reminded that they are part of a much larger family—the Church.

In youth ministry, the prayer table can help teens and children feel more involved. It makes faith feel real and close. When they help create the space, they are not just learning about God—they are entering into a relationship with Him. The table offers a peaceful setting for group prayer, reflection, or discussion. It helps build trust and a deeper connection to the faith.

Instructions for Setting Up a Prayer Table

These are just suggestions. Customize your prayer table for the materials you have available and your own personal tastes.

Choose a Location: Pick a quiet, accessible spot in your home where everyone can gather. The living room is a good choice.
Select a Table: Find a small table that can hold several items. A side table or small coffee table works well.
Gather Materials:
- A statue of the Blessed Mother or a saint
- A Bible
- Candles
- Flowers
- A crucifix or religious art
- Rosaries
- A bowl for holy water
- A bowl for written prayers
Set Up the Table:
- Place the statue in the center.
- Arrange the Bible, candles, and flowers around the statue.
- Hang the crucifix or religious art above the table.
- Place the rosaries on the table.
- Set up the bowl for holy water and the bowl for written prayers.
Add a Chair: Place a comfortable chair near the table for reading and reflecting.

Personalize It: Add any other items that are meaningful to your family or group. This could be prayer cards, a journal, or pictures of saints.

Variations

Seasonal Changes: Change the items on the table according to the liturgical seasons. For example, use an Advent wreath during Advent or a crucifix during Lent. See this article on Setting Up an Advent Table.
Themed Prayer Tables: Create themed tables for different purposes, like a prayer table for peace, gratitude, or healing. Use relevant symbols and items to represent the theme.

Classroom Adaptation: In a classroom, make a larger prayer table where students can gather as a group. Allow students to take turns adding items to the table that are meaningful to them.
Outdoor Prayer Space: If weather permits, set up a prayer table outside in a garden or patio area. This can be a peaceful place to connect with nature and God.

By following these steps and considering the variations, you can create a meaningful and personalized prayer table that enhances your family’s or group’s spiritual life.

Lesson: A Holy Space Just for Jesus

Age Group: Grades 3–5
Time: 30–40 minutes

Supplies

Small table or flat surface

Small statue (Mary, Jesus, or a saint)
Bible (children’s version is fine)
Battery-operated candle or real candle (with adult supervision)

Flowers (real or fake)
Small bowl (for prayer intentions)
Paper and pencils

Rosary or prayer cards
Optional: cross or crucifix, holy water, cloth for the table

Opening (5 minutes)
Begin with a short prayer. Ask God to help everyone learn about prayer and feel close to Him.

Talk and Discuss (5–10 minutes)
Ask: “What does it mean to pray?”
Let the children share their answers.
Show a few of the items you will use. Explain how each one helps us pray.
Say: “We are going to make a special prayer table. It’s a place to remember God is near.”

Activity (15–20 minutes)
Let the children help set up the prayer table.
Ask them where each item should go.
Invite them to write short prayer intentions on slips of paper.
They can fold them and place them in the bowl.
Let a few children take turns lighting the candle (if safe) or turning on a battery candle.

Quiet Time and Closing (5 minutes)
Invite everyone to sit quietly. Say: “Let’s take a moment to talk to God in our hearts.”
After a short pause, close with a prayer.
You can say a Hail Mary, an Our Father, or a prayer the group knows.

Where to Use This

In religious education classes
During Children’s Liturgy of the Word

At Vacation Bible School
In a youth ministry meeting
At a family faith night or retreat

You can repeat this activity often. Let kids help change the table for Advent, Lent, or feast days. Let them bring items from home too. This helps them feel part of it.

Resources

Click here to view and print a copy of the Prayer Table instructions

Click here to view and print a copy of the Holy Space Just for Jesus Lesson

Unleashing Creativity: The Power of Creative Activities in Youth Ministry

More Youth Ministry Activities

Looking for more ways to help youth grow in faith? Our Youth Ministry Activities page has lots of simple ideas you can use in your group, class, or family. Each activity is made to help kids and teens learn about Jesus and live out their faith in a fun and meaningful way.

You’ll find games, prayer ideas, service projects, and lessons for many age groups. Whether you lead a youth group, teach religious education, or plan VBS, there’s something for you. Visit our youth ministry activities page to explore more.

Questions and Answers

What is a prayer table?

A prayer table is a small, sacred space in your home for prayer and reflection. It holds religious items like a Bible, candles, and statues.

Where should I put the prayer table?

Place the prayer table in a quiet, accessible spot in your home. The living room or a common area is ideal.

What items should I put on the prayer table?

Include a Bible, a statue of the Blessed Mother or a saint, candles, flowers, a crucifix, rosaries, and a bowl for holy water. You can also add a bowl for written prayers.

Can I change the items on the prayer table?

Yes, you can change the items according to the liturgical seasons or personal preferences. This keeps the prayer table relevant and meaningful.

How can the prayer table benefit my family?

A prayer table encourages regular prayer, strengthens family bonds, and helps teach the Catholic faith. It provides a special place to connect with God.

Can children help set up the prayer table?

Yes, involving children in setting up the prayer table can make them feel included and more interested in prayer and faith activities.

Can I have more than one prayer table in my home?

Yes, you can set up multiple prayer tables in different rooms if you have the space. This can provide more opportunities for prayer throughout your home.

A Quiet Corner to Meet God

The prayer table activity gives young people a special space to talk with God. It is simple to set up and can be used in homes, classrooms, or youth ministry groups. The items on the table—like a Bible, statue, or rosary—help remind kids that prayer is part of everyday life. It teaches them that faith is not just for Sundays.

This activity also helps children learn to pray on their own. They can write prayer intentions and place them on the table. They can sit quietly, read a Bible verse, or just talk to God. It’s a space for peace in the middle of busy days.

Prayer tables also work well in group settings. Everyone can help set it up. They can take turns adding items that are important to them. This helps build a strong faith community. It shows that prayer is something we share with others.

You can also change the table for different seasons or themes. Use purple cloth for Lent or include an Advent wreath during December. Let kids help with these changes. This keeps the prayer table fresh and meaningful all year long.

Your Turn

This activity is easy to do and makes a big impact. Try it at home, in your classroom, or with your youth group. It helps young people grow closer to God and feel part of a faith-filled community. The prayer table can be as simple or detailed as you want.

We’d love to hear how you use this in your own setting. Share your ideas or any special touches you add. Did your group enjoy it? What worked well? Use the comment section to let us know. Your ideas might inspire others to try it too!