And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Luke 3.22)

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.”) You can view pictures of these stations here.

Remember Your Baptism

In the middle of the Sanctuary we had a small bowl of oil and towels with the following instructions:

Interactive Prayer Station #1: Free to Belong

Materials: Paper, a Bundle of Tall Sticks, Bucket, Pens

Who am I at St. John’s? How do I open myself to worship’s impact? God takes pleasure in me – the gifts I bring to worship are . . . ___________

In worship I feel most satisfied in my involvement in worship and I say to myself . . . __________

Tuck these thoughts in the bundle representing our strength in community together as St. John’s.

reflect on the significance of this now . . . invite God to broaden your faith journey.

Interactive Prayer Station #2: Free to Become 

Materials: Paper, Pens, White Cloth, Table, Pins, Stick w/ Hooks attached

What am I at St. John’s? God’s pleasure in me gives me freedom to be myself. Where into the world does it lead me? I consider what God has invested in me. 

Where am I leaning, anticipate growth? Where am I serving, where am I invested? My call in my world/community/relationships is to . . . ____________

Attach this to a hook hovering over the city.

take time to let this settle into you now . . . invite God to enhance your faith journey.

Interactive Prayer Station #3: Free to Believe

Materials: Paper, Pens, Letter Tiles

Why am I at St. John’s? I reflect upon how my faith is balanced, as a “whole person faith” (mental/emotive/physical/intentional/active) all moving together; is it a durable faith; well wearing, well-worn faith? Use 3 words describing your faith today, as it emerges, begins, renews.

_____________ ____________ _____________

Place one of those words into the St. John’s words-of-faith matrix.

briefly allow this to be part of you now . . . invite God to enrich your faith journey.

Interactive Prayer Stations for Toddlers:

Activity one: God knows your name. Can you say your name? Can you write your name? God knows your name. God says your name. God remembers your name.

Materials: Paper, Markers

Activity two: You belong to God. Draw some things that belong to you. What is special that you don’t want to lose? Why doesn’t God want to lose you?

Materials: Paper, Markers

Activity three: A dove came down. When Jesus was baptized, a dove appeared. Color the dove. Think about what is special about the dove.

Materials: Markers, Coloring Picture of Dove, Scissors

Activity four: God is happy to see you. Look in the mirror, then draw a picture of you. God is happy with who you are.

Materials: Different Size Mirrors, Paper, Markers

Activity five: Were you baptized? Remember it. Touch the water. Did you get wet? Did someone call your name? Touch your head with the water to see what it is like.

Materials: Bowl of Water, or Baptismal Font