Children’s Prayer Walk

Elementary aged children of First Christian Church walked throughout the downtown area praying for local organizations, businesses and churches as part of a lock-in focusing on learning about prayer and all the many ways individuals can turn to God in prayer.

Stops included St. Mary's School where they not only prayed for St. Mary’s school, but all the schools in our community, their faculty, staff and students. They prayed for all the churches in Paris and Bourbon County as they passed Annunciation Catholic Church, First Baptist Church and St. Peter’s Episcopal Church. They prayed for the YMCA and their staff for all the good work they do in our community and the people who utilize all the services The Y has to offer.  They prayed for the Senior Citizens Center, their staff and volunteers and all those whom they serve. They prayed that their move to the new facility would go well and that they’d be able to reach out and offer help and fellowship to even more people. They prayed at the Court House and at the Justice Building for all the employees who do the work of keeping our community running smoothly and safe. They prayed for all those who appear in court and for the families affected by things that cause individuals to appear in court. They also prayed for our judicial system to help individuals and families find just ways to address such difficulties and to find ways to help people who need help. They prayed for our Sherriff’s Office and officers, for the Fire Department and Ambulance Service and all those who need their services. They prayed for the city offices and the Police department and all those who seek aide at Operation Food Basket and The Well. They prayed at the library thanking God for this wonderful new facility and for all the many ways a public library benefits a community and the people they serve. Last, they prayed for our church and for the lives we continue to touch through the many ministries in which we are involved.

The children spent time in the sanctuary learning about the Prayer Candle Table and how this ministry supports the prayer life of our congregation. They explored scriptural messages about prayers and how God responds to prayers. They read about the times Jesus went to God in prayer and how He taught His disciples how to pray. They practiced several different methods of prayer: Clenched Prayers when we’re angry, Centering Prayers, Lectio Divina Prayers allowing for silences to listen for God, Breath Prayers, Prayers to Movements of Yoga and utilizing Labyrinths in prayer practices.

Each child made a personal prayer journal and took home a battery-operated votive candle. Children were encouraged to set up their own place of prayer at home and to enter into daily habits of time with God. Creating lives filled with devotion, scripture and prayer nurtures our children’s relationship with God and provides for them the language necessary to use in the relationship they already have with our Creator. Please openly share with our children your prayer disciplines and how they have enriched your lives. They would love to hear from you. Your sharing only reinforces what we seek to teach our children and youth and provides, yet, another way for you to be the village.

Blessings,
Tracy