Lent in a Box
The Lent in a Box resource is a collaborative project between Rev. Melissa Gepford (Great Plains Conference) and Rev. Kathy Pittenger (Michigan Conference).
If you are looking for more ideas, check out the other Lent Playlists! We also recommend the following:
Books:
Faithful Families: Creating Sacred Moments at Home by Traci Smith
The Hopeful Family: Raising Resilient Children in Uncertain Times by Amelia Richardson Dress
Websites:
Children’s Books:
Little Mole Finds Hope by Glenys Nellist
When I Pray for You by Matthew Paul Turner
Make Room: A Child’s Guide to Lent and Easter by Laura Alary
How to Use This Playlist
The ideas in this playlist (collection of activities, ideas, links, books, and videos) goes along with the Lent in a Box resource. Included are 2 “simple” ideas, 2 “medium-sized” ideas, and 1 “big” idea. The simple ideas will take 10 minutes or less. The medium ideas will take 30 minutes or less. The big idea will either take more time to do or has more prep time. They may also be more appropriate for older kids. While the playlists are labeled by week, they can be done in any order or you can come back to them at any time.
The “simple” ideas are also in the downloadable resource, but may include more links and additional information here. We hope you enjoy these spiritual practices for your family.
SIMPLE IDEAS
Pretzel Prayer
“A young monk baked the first pretzel – making a Lenten bread of water, flour, and salt, forming the dough into the prayer position of the day and baking it as a soft bread. These little breads were shaped in the form of arms crossed in prayer and were called bracellae (Latin, ‘little arms’). Among the Germans the word became ‘bretzel.’ These pretzels were a common Lenten food throughout the Middle Ages in Europe, and became an all year round snack, in its original shape only in the last (19th) century.”
(from bustedhalo.com)
Download the Pretzel Prayers Directions to make your own pretzels!
Building Block Prayers
Use building blocks (like Lego or wood blocks) to build a prayer. Each brick or block represents a prayer request or praise.
Body Prayer
Take 3 deep breaths.
God, you are above (reach toward the sky),
below (touch your toes),
inside (hands to heart),
and all around (big arm circles).
I worship you (reach toward the sky),
and give my life to you (touch your toes).
And I love you (hands to heart)
with all that I am (big arm circles).
Take 3 deep breaths.
From Illustrated Ministry
MEDIUM IDEAS
Prayer Sticks
Materials needed:
- Craft Sticks
- Marker or Pen
- Jar
Write the name of a family member or friend on each craft stick. Write the names of leaders, teachers, church leaders, etc. on craft sticks. When your family gathers (mealtime, bedtime, brushing teeth), pull a few craft sticks and pray for the people written on the sticks.
Another option, write both things/people you are grateful for and prayer requests on the craft sticks.
Prayer Chain
Cut construction paper or white paper into strips. Write a praise or prayer request on a strip. Curl it so it creates a circle and tape or staple it. Add another strip (or a few) each day.
BIG IDEA
Prayer Stations
- Use several of the options in the Lent Playlists or your own ideas to create several prayer stations that your family can rotate around. Additional ideas include:
- Sandbox prayers (write or draw your prayers in sand)
- Painting station (paint a prayer)
- Chalk (use chalk inside on paper or a chalkboard or outside to write or draw a prayer)
- Blocks (use building blocks to make a prayer or each block is a different prayer request or praise)
- Finger labyrinth (or visit a labyrinth you can walk or draw/make one in your house or outside – a simple labyrinth drawn in chalk works great)
- Photos – print out pictures of family and friends and pray for them