Instead of a traditional preteen retreat, we created a weekend for preteens to stop from the business of life and simply focus on prayer. We intended to help preteens to discover that prayer can be more than a one-dimensional style; it has unlimited forms. We desired to help preteens connect to the idea that prayer can embody their way of life. We structured the weekend around the Lord’s Prayer and developed 16 distinct prayer stations. Styles of prayer included were visual, auditory, kinesthetic, and silent. To help create this atmosphere of prayer, we provided activities and items such as pottery, icons, global issues, prayer beads, postures, music, and silence. The response was overwhelming as each preteen found specific ways to engage in prayer that were meaningful for his or her own personality.
Submitted by
Jeremy Bond
Children and Families Pastor
Central Church of the Nazarene in Lenexa, KS;
Kris Mitchell
Children’s Pastor
Kansas City First Church of the Nazarene in Kansas City, MO;
Jessica Springer
Children’s Pastor
Bonner Springs Church of the Nazarene in Bonner Springs, KS; and
Margaret Tyler
Associate Pastor of Children
Shawnee Church of the Nazarene in Shawnee, KS.
Posted on
Thursday, June 25, 2009
by NTS Connection