Friends, it is so important to pray with our children as well as praying for them. Children learn by example, and this is one of the most powerful ways you can teach them about prayer. Not only does praying with your children help them to develop a healthy prayer life and thus a relationship with our God, but it also gives them a glimpse into your heart and how you pray. But I know that sometimes it’s not easy, as different children respond to different prayer formats in different ways, so I’m hoping this will be a helpful resource to someone out there! Today, we will be looking at a prayer exercise I like to call Prayer Ball.
This prayer takes place over four rounds in the family (or group). You will need a ball and a little space. Make sure your space is calm and comfortable – it helps to have an uncluttered space, and you may want to turn lighting down or play some gentle background music – even better if you have a dedicated space (and time!) for prayer. If you don’t want to use a ball, you can use another object that can be passed around, like a scarf or a small cushion (this can help with kids who might be struggling with motor skills or who have sensory needs). Roll or toss the ball to one another and when you receive the ball, it is your turn to say one thing related to that round. You don’t have to go in any particular order, and it doesn’t matter if someone says something you were already thinking (more than one person can be grateful for the same thing!), but you can’t skip a turn. If you get the ball again in the round before everyone has had their turn, you could try to think of something else or simply pass it back to the person who sent it to you. It can be handy to have a list of examples up your sleeve so you can prompt littles or those who might not know what to say.
These are the rounds with some examples:
1. Praise (Something you know about God)
Examples include:
- God is good!
- God is loving/merciful/kind/all-powerful/eternal/forgiving…
- Jesus died for our sins
- The Holy Spirit is in me and gives me power
- Jesus is always with us
2. Thanks (Something you’re grateful for)
Examples include:
- Thank you for my family
- Thank you for our tasty dinner
- I am thankful for the beautiful sunset today
3. Repentance (Something you’re sorry for)
Examples include:
- I am sorry for fighting with xyz
- I am sorry I didn’t think of God and say grace before lunch
- I am sorry I didn’t ask for God’s help with xyz
- I am sorry I said a bad word
4. Ask (A request)
Examples include:
- God, bless our priests/church family/family/friends…
- Father, please be with my friend/family member who is sick/has a particular need
- Holy Spirit, give me patience/courage/wisdom/etc
You can remember the order with the mnemonic: Pickled Turnips Right Away!
This one can get chaotic, especially in bigger groups, but passing the ball brings an element of fun and it can help younger ones stay engaged as they wait for the ball! It’s also a simple way to make a prayer to God combining praise, thanksgiving, contrition, and requesting, while not having to be put on the spot too much at any one time. And of course, it’s an easy way to pray for one another as a family (which is so important in the domestic church!) – it helps to remember people’s needs when they’re right there with you!
Try this prayer tonight with your kids and let us know how it went in the comments. Please feel free to share any helpful tips for other families, and remember to subscribe to get more ideas about raising those growing saints!
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 