³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. (Luke 10.38-39)

Mary and Martha is a wonderful story to reflect on one’s service and relationship with Jesus Christ. Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on our personal relationship with Christ as well as service to 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.”) You can see more pictures of these prayer stations here.

Interactive Prayer Station #1: Recreate through Prayer

Materials: Colored Fabric, Pillar Candle

 Learn or memorize a breath prayer. As you exhale, pray to yourself referring to Creator (God), Redeemer (Jesus) or Sustainer (Spirit) or other. As you inhale, use a verb to express the kind of transformation you desire to experience in your life, with “me” as the last word. Let this prayer be as consistent and ordinary as your breathing.

Take a few moments to allow this to become a part of you.

Invite God to keep this alive in your faith journey.

Interactive Prayer Station #2: Immerse through Listening

Materials: Candle, Permanent Markers, White Tile

As you “sit” on the floor at Jesus’ feet like Mary, consider the value of simply soaking up his presence. Take a floor tile and write a word representing the gift you receive by simply sitting and listening or the feeling you find just by reflecting upon his company.

Take a few moments to allow this to become a part of y0u.

Invite God to keep this alive in your faith journey.

Interactive Prayer Station #3: Engage through Your Giftedness

Materials: Pipe Cleaners, Christmas Lights

Taking pipe cleaners, make an action figure or two to symbolize both your God-giftedness and the justice-sharing that God has uniquely called you to do in your community, family, relationships, the world or realm of activity. Reflect for awhile now on the significance of all this.

Invite God to keep this alive in your faith journey.

Interactive Prayer Stations for Toddlers:

Activity one: Just like Mary sat and listened, you can sit and listen to what Jesus taught. Have someone read you a book of your choice. What is Mary doing? Why is Martha upset? What does Jesus say?

Materials: A variety of Children’s Books on Mary & Martha such as Mary and Martha’s Dinner Guest – Arch Books by Swanee Ballman and Joe Boddy, Martha and Mary Friends Of Jesus by Carine Mackenzie, Mary and Martha by Marty Rhodes Figley and Cat Bowman Smith

Activity two: Use the magazine pictures to make a meal you would serve to Jesus. Paste them onto the placemat.

Materials: Paper Placemats, Magazines, Scissors, Glue

Activity three: Make a Harvest volunteer kit and give it to someone today at church. (Note: Harvest is our weekly food pantry that provides groceries for families in need in the community. You can choose any mission activity that your church is involved in to adapt this interactive.)

Materials: Clothes Pin, Latex Gloves, Nametag, Info Sheet about Harvest, Heart Sticker