This is a prayer inspired by Psalm 139. Use it for your youth ministry meeting or youth group activity focused on authenticity and being your true self. This is a good lesson for teens who are feeling overwhelmed by the need to be popular.
Prayers
Paper Airplane Prayer (for Youth Ministry or VBS)
Paper airplane prayers are a way to offer prayers in a group setting. It works well for Vacation Bible School or youth group. It would also be appropriate for Children’s Liturgy of the Word. It can be done indoors or outdoors.
Pray By Putting Yourself in a Gospel Scene
St. Ignatius of Loyola believed that God gave us our imaginations and could use this gift to speak to us. One method of praying in the Ignatian tradition is to put yourself in a gospel scene and to see where that leads you.
Tips for Praying Video
In this video, Fr. Mike Schmitz offers some suggestions on how to pray. Prayer is not an option for Christians. Prayer requires putting in some effort.
St. Patrick’s Breastplate
St. Patrick’s Breastplate is a prayer for protection and guidance. Christ is always with us providing us strength and wisdom.
Prayer of Teilhard de Chardin – Patient Trust
This prayer is about waiting patiently for God. It is especially good for high school students and young adults who are discerning a vocation or possible career. We can be impatient about wanting an answer from God during the discernment process and this prayer is a good way to help trust that God will eventually show us where we are supposed to head.
Lenten Activities: Make Pretzels and Say a Prayer
The pretzel is a symbol of prayer. The twist in the pretzel is meant to look like hands in prayer. And pretzels are made with simple ingredients – no sugar, butter, eggs, milk, etc. Includes a prayer you can say together before you enjoy your pretzels.
How to Pray the Daily Examen
The Daily Examen is a powerful prayer developed by St. Ignatius of Loyola. It encourages us to look at our day and reflect how God is speaking to us in our experiences and emotions. The Examen helps us see how God is moving in our lives. It is especially useful for discernment.
First Person Stations of the Cross
This mediation will take youth through the way of the cross. They will see each station as if they were there. The prayers are meant to relate to their own lives. This is appropriate during Lent or even if you will be offering youth an opportunity for reconciliation soon.
Popcorn Prayer Circle
A popcorn prayer circle gives everyone an opportunity to offer a prayer, either silently or vocally. This is a nice way to pray if you are doing an activity where you are practicing silence. But it is also just another way to pray together, or if you want to make sure everyone has a chance to offer their whole prayer without interruption.