⁸ I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1.8)

The Baptism of the Lord is a wonderful opportunity to remember one’s own baptism. They may not be able to remember the actual moment, especially if they were baptized as an infant. However, they have an opportunity to remember the meaning of baptism.

Below are ideas for interactive prayer stations focusing on the meaning of baptism. 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: Calls Us by Name

Materials: Paper, Copy of the Prayer

God calls us each by name in baptism: write names you would wish to be called & listen for God’s voice.

Take a moment to pray the following prayer of thanks using the names you wrote down. For example,

Gracious God, you know everything about us, you created us, you chose us, and you call us “daughter”, “loved one”, “special”, etc.

Interactive Prayer Station #2: New Life 

Materials: Paper, Pens, Heat-resistant Bowl, Candle

What does it mean for you to die & rise with Jesus in baptism. Burn those things that in you need to die & let the light remind you of resurrection.

Interactive Prayer Station #3: Cleansed

Materials: Bowl of Water, Clear Rocks, Towel

Wash your hands as a symbol of cleansing. Take a rock as a reminder of your baptism.

Interactive Prayer Stations for Toddlers:

Activity one: You may not remember your baptism, but it probably was similar to this story. Listen to the story and imagine your own baptism.

Materials: Today I Was Baptized by Dianne Ahern and Bill Shurtliff

Activity two: Water is used to baptized people. Feel the water and choose a cross to keep. Let it remind you that you are special to God.

Materials: Bowl of Water, Little Token Crosses

Activity three: As Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the spirit descending on him like a dove. (Mark 1.10) Feel each object and symbol. What does it feel like? What does it mean to you?

Materials: I made a touch and feel board using the following symbols: feathers, birthday candle, terrycloth, cross, washcloth