Prayer

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name… (The Lord’s Prayer)

Our Father who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name,
thy Kingdom come,
thy will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread;
and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.

– Matthew 6:9-13

The Our Father is what many consider one of the “big three prayers” for Catholics, along with the Hail Mary and the Glory Be. It is the first prayer many Catholics remember learning as a child. But since we have been saying it for so long, sometimes we feel like it is too familiar. A challenge when we say the Our Father is to not say it automatically, without thinking. Instead when we pray it, try to see which phrase stands out the most. It will vary from day to day. Maybe that’s what God wants us to focus on in that moment.

Make a Prayer Rock (VBS or Youth Ministry Activity)

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A prayer rock is a simple way to remember to pray each day. Parents can lay them on their children’s pillows so they remember to pray. Teens can keep them in their backpacks or lockers. Anyone can put them on a desk or carry a small one in a pocket or purse.

The first step is to make the rocks. This would be a great family activity or VBS craft or youth ministry activity. We have done these in Vacation Bible School and in youth group. They are also a nice give to make for shut ins.

You can also use this concept without doing the craft. There are lots of printed prayer rocks available, like these colorful scripture glass stones. Use those with the prayers below.

Get some scripture stones

Prayer Rock Craft

Prayer rocks are a reminder to take a little time out of the day to pray. Keep one in your purse or backpack so you remember to pray during the day. Or put it under your pillow so you remember to pray before you go to sleep.

Active Time 15 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Keyword Youth Ministry

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Equipment

None

Ingredients

Smooth stones one per person
Paint pens assorted colors

Instructions

Wash and dry the stones to remove any residue.
Use the paint pens to write the word “pray” or another inspirational word on the rock.
Add additional decorations such as a cross or line drawing or a smiley face.
Dry the stones.

Notes

If you like you can include this a poem on a card with them. Here are two different versions:

Prayer Rock Poem Version 1

I’m just a little prayer rock,
And this is what I’ll do:
Put me on your pillow,
Until the day is through.
Then turn back the covers,
Climb into bed with care,
And you will find your prayer rock sitting right there.
You will then remember
To fold your hands in prayer.
Ask that God will bless you,
And keep you in God’s care.
– Author Unknown

Prayer Rock Poem Version 2

I’m your little prayer rock.
I’ll sit upon your bed.
It’s my job to remind you
When your prayers should be said.
When you put me on your pillow
As you make your bed each day.
Remember when you hold me
To take the time to pray.
Then when you go to bed at night
And put me on the floor,
Remember to take the time to kneel
And say your prayers once more.
– Author Unknown

Tried this idea?Let us know how it was!

Paper Airplane Prayer (for Youth Ministry or VBS)

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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.

Paper Airplane Prayer

Materials

sheets of paper
pens, pencils, markers, crayons, etc.

Instructions

Get more prayer ideas for kids

First, it is important to explain to the youth that this is a prayer activity. So remind them to keep a prayerful attitude.
Give each youth a sheet of paper and have them write a prayer on it. Allow them to spread out and do this quietly.
Have each of them fold it into a basic paper airplane shape. You might have to demonstrate it. Believe it or not, some students never make paper airplanes!
Next, remind them again that this is a prayer activity and that they should be respectful and listen to each other.
Now have each student read their prayer. (He or she might have to unfold the airplane a little to do this.)
Have them refold the airplane (if necessary) and send it on a flight.
After everyone has read and flown their prayer, reflect on how our prayers help us send our thoughts and needs and deepest desires to God.

Lenten Activities: Visit a Garden and Pray

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Christ went to pray at the Garden of Gethsemane during his final hours before his crucifixion. It is a prayer of total surrender to the Father’s will. It is an intense and intimate prayer experience.

He presents his own wishes to the Father. “Let this cup pass from me.” We can take heart from knowing that we can confidently bring our own desires before God without being embarrassed by the asking. But in the end, Jesus knows that his purpose is to do the Father’s will. “Not as I will, but as you will.” So we too

So as a Lenten activity, go to a garden and think about the Garden of Gethsemane. Gardens are mostly bare this time of year, but there might be some small signs of spring life emerging. Consider how improving your prayer life can help the Holy Spirit make new life emerge in your own spiritual garden.

Take your children and teenagers and teach them to pray as Jesus did. Read Matthew 26:36-46 (below) and then let everyone share what they noticed in the story. For younger children, it may be more appropriate to read the story from a children’s bible or to tell it in your own words.

The Agony in the Garden
Matthew 26:36-46

Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took along Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to feel sorrow and distress.Then he said to them, “My soul is sorrowful even to death. Remain here and keep watch with me.”

He advanced a little and fell prostrate in prayer, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet, not as I will, but as you will.”

When he returned to his disciples he found them asleep. He said to Peter, “So you could not keep watch with me for one hour? Watch and pray that you may not undergo the test. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

Withdrawing a second time, he prayed again, “My Father, if it is not possible that this cup pass without my drinking it, your will be done!”

Then he returned once more and found them asleep, for they could not keep their eyes open.

He left them and withdrew again and prayed a third time, saying the same thing again. Then he returned to his disciples and said to them, “Are you still sleeping and taking your rest? Behold, the hour is at hand when the Son of Man is to be handed over to sinners. Get up, let us go. Look, my betrayer is at hand.”

Go to a Prayer Labyrinth

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A prayer labyrinth is a circle with a path in it which you walk while you pray. It is not a maze. There is only one route through a labyrinth. The purpose of the labyrinth is to facilitate prayer.

They can be a little controversial as some people view them as a pagan or “new age” form of prayer. Prayer labyrinths can be found in medieval cathedrals in France and Italy, so they have been around for a while. But like praying the rosary, they can be misunderstood. People who are more movement oriented may find walking a labyrinth calming while praying. They can also be really effective for some youth with Autism or ADHD.

Several Catholic retreat centers in our area have prayer labyrinths on their grounds. They allow visitors to walk them when retreats are not in session. This can be a great family activity. It would also be a lovely youth ministry activity. Search the web for labyrinths in your area and find out if they allow visitors.

How to pray in a labyrinth? Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to guide you. Then try to clear your head of all of the noise. Slowly walk the labyrinth path, and see what comes into your head. If it seems like a distraction, try to let it go. If it seems like something God is calling you to think about, then focus on it and see where the Holy Spirit takes you.

It is important to be aware that if you are always clearing the same distractions out of your head during your prayer time, you might actually be called to explore these more deeply. Our loving Father speaks to us in the silence. If the same thoughts keep bubbling up, it might be time to pay more attention to them. Perhaps there is more there than first meets the eye.

Lenten Activities: Make Pretzels and Say a Prayer

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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. (See the recipe at the bottom of this post.) In many cultures these “richer” ingredients are avoided are not used at all during Lent. So making pretzels with your family or youth group is a nice Lenten activity.

Say a prayer when you serve your pretzels:

Pretzel Prayer for Family or Youth Group

More family ideas for Lent

Heavenly Father, bless these pretzels.
Help them remind us that Lent is a time of prayer.
When we look at the shape of the pretzel,
Let us remember to cross our arms
And lift our thanksgiving and needs to you.

Lord Jesus, use these pretzels.
Help them remind us that Lent is a time of fasting.
When we consider the simple ingredients,
Let us remember the sacrifice you made for us on the cross,
And offer our own little sacrifices.

Holy Spirit, inspire us through these pretzels.
Help them remind us that Lent is a time of almsgiving.
When we pray and fast,
Let us consider those who have less
And give to them from our hearts.

Amen.

Soft Pretzel Recipe

These soft pretzels are fun and easy to make with your family.Steps 3 through 6 may be done in an automated bread machine. Follow your ABM’s instructions. Prep Time 40 minsActive Time 15 mins Keyword Saints and Holy Days No ratings yet Print Pin Share Email

Ingredients

1 pkg 2 1/4 tsp active dry yeast
1 1/2 cups warm water
1 tsp salt
4 cups flour approximately
coarse salt

Instructions

Line baking sheets with parchment.
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Dissolve yeast in warm water.
Add the salt.
Stir in 3 cups of flour.
Using additional flour, knead the dough until smooth and elastic.
Divide the dough into 18 pieces.
Roll each piece into a 10 inch rope.
Twist the rope into a pretzel shape and place on baking sheet.
Let the pretzels rest for 20 minutes.
Brush with water and sprinkle with coarse salt.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.

Prayer

Prayer Rock Craft

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Paper Airplane Prayer

Pretzel Prayer for Family or Youth Group

Soft Pretzel Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

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