Slow Down!

Start with a game to emphasize the importance of slowing down and finding time for prayer. Have several stations for doing “tasks”:

• Laundry Station: Have some laundry that needs to be folded.
• Book Station: Have some books that need to be put in a backpack.
• Basketball Station: Have a soft basketball that needs to be shot into a hoop.
• Dishwashing Station: Have some dirty dishes and a tub of soapy water to wash them in.
• Additional Ideas: You can add more stations, like sweeping a small area or organizing a stack of papers.

1. Divide Into Teams: Split the group into two or more teams. Each team will line up behind the starting line.
2. Relay Style: The first person on each team will start the relay. They must complete the following tasks:
   • Fold one piece of laundry.
   • Put one book in the backpack.
   • Shoot one basket with the basketball.
   • Wash one dish.
   • Complete any additional tasks you have set up.
   • After completing the tasks, they tag the next person in line.
3. Winning the Game: The first team to have all their members complete the tasks wins the game.

After the game, gather everyone together and ask these questions:

• Did that game make you feel busy? Encourage them to think about how they felt rushing from one task to another.
• Do you like being busy all the time? Ask them to reflect on whether they enjoy being constantly busy or if it makes them feel stressed.
• What do you like to do when you are not busy? Get them to share activities they enjoy when they have free time. This could include hobbies, spending time with family, or praying.

The purpose of this game is to show how busy our lives can be and why it’s important to slow down and find time for prayer. By doing these tasks quickly, they can experience the busyness we often feel in our daily lives. This sets the stage for understanding why Jesus took time to pray and why we should too.

Rest is important in our lives. Jesus understood this. During his ministry, he was often surrounded by crowds. They could be demanding, either wanting him to work a miracle for them or wanting to challenge him with their questions. He would often go away to a quiet place to pray.

Mark 6:30-34 (Jesus invites his apostles to rest) – the for the 16th Sunday in Ordinary Time – Year B

The apostles gathered together with Jesus and reported all they had done and taught.

He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.”

People were coming and going in great numbers, and they had no opportunity even to eat. So they went off in the boat by themselves to a deserted place. People saw them leaving and many came to know about it. They hastened there on foot from all the towns and arrived at the place before them.

When he disembarked and saw the vast crowd, his heart was moved with pity for them, for they were like sheep without a shepherd; and he began to teach them many things.

Mark 6:30-34

Let’s take some time to think about rest and prayer. Jesus shows us that even though His work was very important, He still made time to step away and be with His Father. He understood that prayer wasn’t something extra or optional. It was at the center of everything He did. Without prayer, He would not have the strength or focus to keep going. That’s why He often went to a quiet place, away from the noise and demands of the people, to spend time in prayer.

Think about how busy your life can get. School, sports, activities, friends, family, homework, jobs, and everything else can fill up your time. Sometimes you might feel like you are always running from one thing to the next. Maybe you even feel like you don’t have time to stop and catch your breath. If you’ve ever felt that way, then you understand what the apostles were going through when Jesus invited them to rest. They had been working hard, teaching, and healing people. They were tired, hungry, and worn out. Jesus saw this and told them to come away with Him to rest.

But even then, the people kept following. Crowds came looking for Jesus because they needed Him. Instead of sending them away, He had compassion for them and began teaching them. He did not ignore their needs, but notice the order: first He invited His disciples to rest and pray. That tells us something important. We can care for others, but we also need to take care of our souls. Resting with God is not selfish. It is necessary.

So why did Jesus go to deserted places to pray? Because prayer requires focus. If you are surrounded by distractions, your mind will wander. Jesus teaches us that finding a quiet space helps us enter into prayer more deeply. For us, that could be a corner of our room, a chapel, or even sitting outside in nature. The important thing is that it’s a place where you can quiet your heart and listen to God.

Prayer also helps us when life feels overwhelming. Have you ever felt like there’s too much on your plate, or that people expect too much from you? Jesus felt that too. Crowds pressed in on Him, demanding miracles or trying to trap Him with questions. Yet instead of letting stress take over, He turned to prayer. That shows us something powerful: the busier life gets, the more we need prayer.

St. Francis de Sales said something very wise: “Every one of us needs half an hour of prayer a day, except when we are busy – then we need an hour.” That might sound strange at first. If you are busy, how can you give more time to prayer? But the truth is that prayer makes the rest of your day go better. It gives you peace, patience, and strength to handle whatever comes.

So how do we make prayer part of our daily lives? First, schedule it. If you wait until you “have time,” it probably won’t happen. Choose a set time each day. Maybe you pray as soon as you wake up, or before you go to bed. Maybe you take a few minutes during lunch break. Find a time that works and stick with it.

Second, find your quiet place. Turn off the phone, the TV, and the computer. Step away from noise. You might even want to light a candle or hold a rosary in your hands. Small actions like that can remind you that this is your special time with God.

Third, try different ways of praying. You can pray the rosary, read scripture, or sit quietly and talk to God from your heart. The examen, a prayer where you review your day and notice where you felt God’s presence, can be very meaningful too. Explore different forms of prayer and see what helps you feel closest to God.

Finally, be patient. Prayer is not about instant results. Sometimes it feels dry or hard. That doesn’t mean it’s not working. Think about friendships: they grow over time by spending time together. The same is true with God. The more time you spend in prayer, the more your relationship with Him grows.

Prayer is not just another item on your to-do list. It is your lifeline to God. It brings you peace, strength, and direction. Jesus knew this. He showed us by His example. If we follow Him, we will find rest for our souls and strength for our lives. So ask yourself: what keeps you from praying every day? And how can you take one step today to make prayer a regular part of your life?

When moving into small groups, encourage everyone to share honestly but also to listen with respect. Remind the youth that there are no “wrong” answers. The goal is not to solve every problem but to reflect together and learn from each other. Give each person a chance to speak. If someone is quiet, gently invite them to share, but do not force it. Keep the focus on how we can grow in prayer and follow Jesus’ example.

• Why do you think Jesus invited His disciples to rest with Him?
• What are some things in your life that make you feel too busy or distracted to pray?
• How do you feel when you think about setting aside time for prayer every day?
• What is one place where you could go to have a little quiet time with God?
• Have you ever tried different types of prayer, like the rosary, scripture reflection, or examen? Which one helped you most?
• Why do you think St. Francis de Sales said that when we are busy, we need more prayer, not less?
• What is one small step you can take this week to make prayer part of your daily routine?

If you already have a daily prayer habit, keep it up! Don’t change a prayer habit that is working for you. Consistency is key, and if you have found a routine that helps you connect with God, stick with it. Your regular prayer time is important for maintaining your relationship with God.

If you aren’t praying regularly, use the tips we talked about to develop a habit. Set a specific time each day, find a quiet place, and try different ways of praying. If you need accountability, choose a prayer partner. A prayer partner can check in with you every day to remind you to pray and offer support. This can help you stay committed to your new prayer routine.

If possible, end the lesson plan by spending some time in adoration or praying before the tabernacle. This is a special way to connect with Jesus. Being in His presence can bring peace and focus to your prayers. Take this time to talk to Jesus and listen to Him in the silence.

End with an appropriate closing prayer. Gather everyone together and pray as a group. You might say a simple prayer like the Our Father, Hail Mary, or a personal prayer thanking God for the time spent together. This closing prayer helps to end the lesson on a positive and reflective note, bringing everyone closer to God.

Themes for the Slow Down! Lesson Plan on Prayer

• Jesus’ Example of Prayer: Jesus often took time to pray alone. This teaches us the importance of connecting with God. We should follow His example.
• Importance of Rest: Jesus invited His apostles to rest. This shows that rest is essential for spiritual and physical health. We need to balance work and rest.
• Finding Solitude: Jesus prayed in quiet places. We should find a quiet place to pray. This helps us focus on God.
• Connecting with God: Prayer is a way to talk to God. It strengthens our relationship with Him. We need to make time for it.
• Daily Prayer Habits: Regular prayer should be part of our routine. It helps us stay close to God. Set a specific time each day to pray.
• Overcoming Distractions: Life is full of distractions. We must set aside time for prayer. This helps us stay focused on what truly matters.
• Different Ways to Pray: There are many ways to pray. Try the rosary, scripture reading, or the daily examen. Find what works best for you.
• Prioritizing Prayer: Prayer should be a top priority. It’s more important than many other tasks. We must make it a central part of our lives.
• Spiritual Recharging: Just as we need physical rest, we need spiritual recharging. Prayer helps us renew our spirit. It gives us strength for our daily lives.
• Model of the Saints: Saints like St. Francis de Sales emphasized prayer. They showed that it’s essential, especially when we are busy. We can learn from their example.
• Listening to God: Prayer is not just talking to God. It’s also listening to Him. We need quiet time to hear His voice.
• Building a Relationship: Prayer helps build a relationship with God. Like any relationship, it needs time and effort. Regular prayer strengthens this bond.

Background Material for the Slow Down! Lesson Plan on Prayer

The Slow Down! Lesson Plan on Prayer is rooted in Catholic teaching and tradition. Prayer is essential in our relationship with God. The Bible and the Catechism of the Catholic Church provide a strong foundation for understanding the importance of prayer.

In the Gospels, we see that Jesus often took time to pray. In Mark 6:30-34, Jesus invites His apostles to a quiet place to rest and pray. This passage shows that even Jesus needed time away from the crowds to connect with God. He understood the importance of balancing work and prayer.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church explains the significance of Jesus’ prayer life. It says, “Jesus often draws apart to pray in solitude, on a mountain, preferably at night. … His words and works are the visible manifestation of his prayer in secret” (CCC 2602). This teaches us that Jesus’ public ministry was supported by His private prayer. Our lives should follow this example.

Saints and Church leaders have also emphasized the importance of prayer. St. Francis de Sales famously said, “Every one of us needs half an hour of prayer a day, except when we are busy – then we need an hour.” This quote highlights that the busier we are, the more we need to pray. Prayer helps us find peace and focus amidst our busy lives.

The lesson plan on prayer encourages youth to develop a regular prayer habit. The Catechism states, “Prayer is the raising of one’s mind and heart to God or the requesting of good things from God” (CCC 2559). By setting aside time each day for prayer, young people can strengthen their relationship with God and grow in their faith.

This lesson plan also addresses the challenge of distractions. In our modern world, we are constantly bombarded with noise and activity. Finding a quiet place to pray, as Jesus did, helps us focus on God. The lesson plan on prayer suggests creating a prayer space free from distractions like phones and televisions.

There are many ways to pray, and the lesson plan on prayer encourages exploring different methods. The rosary, scripture reading, and the daily examen are all effective ways to connect with God. The Catechism mentions various forms of prayer, including blessing, petition, intercession, thanksgiving, and praise (CCC 2644). Each form of prayer allows us to communicate with God in different ways.

The lesson plan on prayer fits into Catholic teaching by emphasizing the importance of a regular, dedicated prayer life. It teaches that prayer is not just another task but a vital part of our spiritual health. By following Jesus’ example and making time for prayer, we can find balance and peace in our lives.

In summary, the Slow Down! Lesson Plan on Prayer helps young people understand the importance of prayer in their daily lives. It draws from the example of Jesus and the teachings of the Church. By setting aside time for prayer and finding quiet places to connect with God, youth can grow in their faith and strengthen their relationship with Him. This lesson plan aligns with Catholic teaching and tradition, showing that prayer is essential for a balanced and healthy spiritual life.

Music Suggestions for the Slow Down! Lesson Plan on Prayer

• Only in God
• Beautiful Is Your Love
• Come as You Are
• Jesus My Everything
• These Alone Are Enough
• Your Are Mine