¹⁷ Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? ¹⁸ Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17.17-18)

The parable of the Ten Lepers is an opportunity to examine how we respond to the blessings Christ gives us. Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on our gratitude and Christ-like attitude. 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: Experiencing Jesus

Materials: Candles, Glass Vase, Sand, Big Bucket

When did the light of Jesus first come into your life in a manner that calls upon you o be a witness to Christ? Give this some thought and then light a candle to symbolize this awakening. Place the candle safely in the sandbox.

Interactive Prayer Station #2: Meeting with Jesus

Materials: Gift Bag, Pencils, Paper

As you meet Jesus in your life’s journey, here are three questions or actions to consider. Take a few moments; then write your responses below each item. Place your thoughts in the blue gift bag or take them with you.

1. One question you would ask Jesus.

2. One gift you would give Jesus.

3. One person you would want to introduce to Jesus.

Interactive Prayer Station #3: Living for Jesus

Materials: Plate, Grapes

Like the one leper who returned to thank Jesus for his healing, how is your gratitude to jesus lived out in your  daily life?

After a few moments, take a grape and eat it, savoring the sweetness and the bounty of Christ’s love. Say a short prayer of thanksgiving.

Interactive Prayer Stations for Toddlers:

Activity one: God wants us to be thankful for our blessings. One way to say “Thank you” is by praying. Use this prayer to thank God. Pat your knees in rhythm while chanting the prayer. Color the sheet and hang it up to remind you to thank God for your food. What things are you thankful for that God has given you? How can you show God that you are thankful for those things?

Materials: Coloring Sheet about food, “Pat a Prayer” Worksheet

Activity two: Sending a “Thank You” card to someone is a great way to show how much you appreciate them. Use the materials to make a scratch ‘n’ sniff card and give it to someone. 1) Fold paper in half. 2) Trace heart on sandpaper and cut out heart. 3) Glue the heart to the front of the card. 4) Write “thank you” on the inside of card. 5) Rub cinnamon stick over the sandpaper heart to release a cinnamon smell.

Materials: Heart Template, Sandpaper, Cinnamon Sticks, Glue, Scissors, Markers, Paper

Activity three: Make an “I Thank God for All These Things” Book. Color, draw, and write the things that you are thankful for.

Materials: “I Thank God for All These Things” Booklet from www.daniellesplace.com (you may need membership to access the booklet), Markers, Crayons