Materials Needed:
- A ball (tennis ball, nerf ball, or bean bag)
- Optional: Water balloons (for outdoor play)
Setup Instructions:
- Gather the group and have everyone stand in a large circle.
- Choose a ball or soft object that can be tossed easily. If using water balloons, remind everyone to be careful when catching them.
- Ask everyone to think of a few things they would like to pray for before starting.
Game Play Instructions:
- Start by giving the ball to one person in the circle.
- The person holding the ball offers a short prayer. It can be for a person, a situation, or a word of thanks.
- After praying, the person tosses the ball to someone else in the circle.
- The next person catches the ball, offers their prayer, and tosses it to another person.
- Continue until everyone in the circle has had at least one turn to pray.
- If someone hasn’t received the ball yet, gently remind others to include them.
Additional Notes and Variations:
- Water Balloon Version: If playing with water balloons, remind the group to stay respectful and careful. This version is best for outdoor gatherings on warm days.
- Safety: Use soft objects and toss gently to avoid accidents. Ensure there is enough space between people.
- Shy Participants: If someone is nervous, encourage them to say a simple prayer, like “Thank you, God,” or let them pass if they’re not ready.
- Second Round: If time allows, play another round so people can share more prayers.
For more information, see https://young-catholics.com/1302/ball-toss-prayer-circle/