Praying in Color with Kids
by Sybil MacBeth
I love this book and all the possibilities it holds for helping children pray in a new way. During the prayerful and contemplative season of Lent, I led a group of mixed-age children in a Praying in Color activity each Wednesday evening. It was amazing what happened.
First - They were quiet and focused. Classical music played in the background while they created their prayer icon.
Second - Each child let their own personality out as they prayed with the colored pencils and very little direction from adults. No one needed to worry about the "right way" to pray.
Third - Their limited conversation was focused on helping each other find a color that represented the prayer they wanted to put on the paper. Children shared in hushed tones with each other what colors represented emotions like worry and joy for them.
At the end of our activity, we laid hands on all the prayer icons that were created and lifted them up as a blessing to God. It was truly a sacred moment.
I love this book and all the possibilities it holds for helping children pray in a new way. During the prayerful and contemplative season of Lent, I led a group of mixed-age children in a Praying in Color activity each Wednesday evening. It was amazing what happened.
First - They were quiet and focused. Classical music played in the background while they created their prayer icon.
Second - Each child let their own personality out as they prayed with the colored pencils and very little direction from adults. No one needed to worry about the "right way" to pray.
Third - Their limited conversation was focused on helping each other find a color that represented the prayer they wanted to put on the paper. Children shared in hushed tones with each other what colors represented emotions like worry and joy for them.
At the end of our activity, we laid hands on all the prayer icons that were created and lifted them up as a blessing to God. It was truly a sacred moment.
To Contact Pam Voves:
Director of Family Ministry
Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, Il
pvoves@comcast.net
@Pam Voves
Faith Lutheran Church in Glen Ellyn, Il
pvoves@comcast.net
@Pam Voves