Having a praise and worship time is easy! However, engaging kids in a prolonged time of prayer is more challenging. It CAN be done, but sometimes you need to try something NEW! That’s why we created PRAYER BOOSTS & SLIDERS to create a learning experience for kids where they can learn about what the adults are doing at a kid’s developmental level.
This Prayer Walk is designed for smaller groups, since the kids will be taking turns. If you have a larger group, you can adjust the game easily by determining the length of the course or setting up multiple game boards led by different leaders.
We created PRAYER BOOSTS & SLIDERS to accomplish a number of ministry and educational goals:
Keep it fun and engaging since the program was in the evening when kids can be tired. We should never bore kids at church!
Teach kids that prayer doesn’t have to be serious or formulistic. While I enjoy guiding kids through prayer acronyms like P.R.A.Y. (Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield) or other guided prayer experiences, I wanted them to learn and experience that prayer can also be one-sentence prayers without even a “Dear Jesus” to start or “In Jesus Name, Amen” to conclude. They can just talk to God anywhere at anytime.
Teach kids different types of prayers beyond just asking for things, so this activity gives them opportunities to ask for their needs, pray for family and friends, and offer praise and thanksgiving to God.
Teach kids attitudes and conditions of the heart that can either improve or hinder our prayer life. As they participate in the activity (play the game), they discover a variety of words that either “boost” or create “sliders” in our prayer life.
Build kids courage to pray out loud, even if it is only one sentence of prayer so they will be more comfortable praying in a group setting.
Provide an opportunity for one-on-one coaching on prayer to kids on ways to pray, how to pray, and things we can pray for or about in a setting that didn’t feel high pressure, because “it’s just a game.”
Make learning about prayer fun!
This event is not only FUN, but it helps children understand the power of prayer!