Then the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord.  21  Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.”  22  When he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20.20-22)

Pentecost provides a lot of wonderful images to center interactive prayer stations around: birthday, fire, breath, and wind – just to name a few. Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on how the spirit moves us through doubt, obstacles, and blessings. The interactive prayer stations are meant to be intergenerational. There are also stations designed for ages 2-4. (For more specific instructions on layout, purpose, design, and more ideas, you can view previous posts tagged under “Interactive Prayer Stations.”) You can see more pictures of these prayer stations here.

Interactive Prayer Station #1: Challenged by Obstacles

Materials: Markers, Paper, Glass Blocks

Write down a challenge you face in your daily life that prevents you from experiencing renewal in your faith.

Place the paper in the crevice of the wall, symbolizing your struggle with the obstacles that you face in your life.

Invite God to strengthen you in your Pentecost journey.

Adaptation for kids: Life can be hard. There can be many obstacles, which feel like walls. Draw a picture of an obstacle in your life or something difficult for you. Fold the paper and insert in glass wall.

Interactive Prayer Station #2: Planted for Fruitfulness

Materials: Plant, Cards, Ribbons, Pens

What has God given you that you would like to pass on to others?

Write a short prayer, & using a paper clip, attach it to the plant, to symbolize bearing fruit that will be passed to others for their nourishment.

Adaptation for kids: Invite God to produce in you in your Pentecost journey. God blesses us. How has God blessed you? God wants us to pass our blessings to others and bless others. Write a blessing on a card and tie it to a branch as a reminder to bless others.

Interactive Prayer Station #3: Emboldened in Surroundings

Materials: Rope, Paper Dove, Post-Its, Markers

On the paper use words or symbols describing a moment when you handled a situation & did not hold true to faith.On the other side use words or symbols describing how you should have handled it.

Stick this paper to the dove, with the side of how you should have handled it showing, reminding yourself that the Spirit works through you as you are open.

Adaptation for kids: Invite God to transform you in your Pentecost journey. Sometimes our faith wavers. We have doubts and questions. Draw or write your questions on a Post-It and place it on the dove as a symbol that the Holy Spirit gives us strength to have faith in the midst of our doubt.

Interactive Prayer Stations for Toddlers:

Activity one: Blow on your arm or have someone blow on your arm. What does the breath feel like? Make a paper fan like this: [show an example.] Fan yourself and feel how the air moves along your body and face.

Materials: Colorful Paper

Activity two: Take a pinwheel and blow on the pinwheel. Watch it turn and move.

Materials: Pinwheels

Activity three: Close your eyes and feel the fan blow on your face, reminding you that God is always with you.

Materials: an Electric Fan, Ribbons