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.

See https://young-catholics.com/875/make-a-prayer-table-in-your-home/ for more information.