“preach good news to the poor… proclaim freedom for the prisoners… recovery of sight for the blind… release the oppressed… proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4.18)
Many churches have a mission statement, but it is good to provide opportunity for parishioners to reflect on the mission statement and how they participate in the church’s mission. My church’s mission focuses on commitment, community, and compassion.
Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on commitment to the church, our interaction with the community, and using our gifts for compassion in the world. 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.”)
Interactive Prayer Station #1: Being Aware of Vision in Commitment
Materials: Markers, Copies of the picture of [your church], Wooden Cross, Nails, Hammer
(picture of St. John’s Presbyterian Church)
“preach good news to the poor… proclaim freedom for the prisoners… recovery of sight for the blind… release the oppressed… proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”
Color the print with colors that symbolize the words Jesus would use to describe your commitment to the vision within the passage above.
Nail your print to declare “this is my commitment.”
As you end your time, thank God for interacting with you?
Interactive Prayer Station #2: Declaring My Vision in Compassion
Materials: Copies of Luke 4.18-19
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he’s anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He’s sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners & recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor. Luke 4.18-19
Slowly read the above passage. What is it saying to me – what one image springs to mind as you read this passage?
Read it again. Who is God, specifically through you, speaking to in this passage?
Read it a 3rd time. Note an action of compassion that you feel God is leading you to pursue, as a result of this passage.
When you feel comfortable ending your time, thank God for interacting with you?
Interactive Prayer Station #3: Sharing Our Vision in Community
Materials: Paper to list gifts and effects, Pens, Bag marked “All Parts of Community”
“preach good news to the poor… proclaim freedom for the prisoners… recovery of sight for the blind… release the oppressed… proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor”
What part of Jesus’ vision am I gifted to play within our community, based upon my gifts, at home, church, simplicity, activities, spending, living patterns, etc.?
List your gifts & the effect.
|
gift |
effect(s) |
Add it to the bag marked “all parts of community.” As you end your time, thank God for interacting with you?
Interactive Prayer Stations for Toddlers: Who Is My Neighbor?
Activity one: Jesus tells us to help our neighbors? Listen to the story about how a good Samaritan helped a person in need.
Materials: A variety of Children’s Books on the parable of the Good Samaritan such as, Parable of the Good Samaritan by Helen Rayburn Caswell and The Parables of Jesus by Tomie dePaola
Activity two: The Good Samaritan helped a hurt man by bandaging him up and taking him somewhere to heal. When we get hurt, we use a First Aid Kit to help others. A First Aid Kit has items in it to help others. Make a Good Samaritan First Aid Kit to help remind you that Jesus wants us to help our neighbors. (idea came from a post on www.rotations.org)
Materials: Paper Lunch Bags, Band-Aids, Birthday Candles, Crayons, Candy/Chocolate Hearts, Erasers, Lifesavers, Signs (look below)
BAND-AID to help heal all wounds: Matthew 26.28 – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.”
CANDLE for sharing your light with others: Matthew 5.16 – “Let your light shine before others so that they may see your good works and glory to your [God] in heaven.”
CRAYON for coloring the world brighter: Ecclesiastes 3.11 – “[God] has made everything beautiful in its time.”
HEART for filling with God’s love: John 4.21 – “Those who love God must love their brothers and sisters also.”
ERASER for mistakes that we all can make: Isaiah 1.17 – “Stop doing wrong, learn to do right.”
LIFESAVER to offer help to those in need: Proverbs 14.21 – “Blessed are those who are kind to the needy.”
Activity three: Doing chores at home is a great way to help our parents. Grab a chore chart. Write your name on it. Color it. And put a sticker in a box when you finish your chore.
Materials: “Workers for Jesus” Sheet, Markers
Still Waters 