Connect with God: Take Time

As you Connect with God through prayer make plans with your family to:

• Pay Attention
• Do Holy Work
• Bless Each Other

By connecting to God on a regular basis you will be strengthening your faith together as you remember and celebrate that God is always with you—no matter what.

Take Time

Story (read together):

• Scripture—Read Luke 11:1-10 together

• Recommended Book— Beautiful Moon: A child's prayer by Tonya Bolden and Eric Velasquez

• Wondering Questions: I Wonder...

  • ...what does Jesus say about prayer?
  • ...does this prayer sound like something we say in our church?
  • ...what does this scripture/story tell us about God?
  • ...what does this scripture/story say about us?
  • ...what do you pray for?
  • ...how God helps you live a holy life—loving God and loving neighbor?

Holy Moment: Thanksgiving Celebration

You are invited to use this liturgy or to create your own to use on Thanksgiving Day with your family (you might choose to say these words together every time you gather to break bread/eat together). You can print these words on index cards to keep at your family table or you can get more creative- making placemats, prayer cards or other reminders.

Family Member #1: we gather together to eat, listen, and share.

All: Thank-you God for all we have, help us share with others.

Family Member #2: We gather together to say thank-you to God for all these gifts.

All: Thank-you God for all we have, help us share with others.

Family Member #3: We gather together, remembering there are many who are hungry.

All: Thank-you God for all we have, help us share with others.

Family Member #4: We gather together, remembering there are many eating alone

All: Thank you God for all we have, help us share with others. Bless this food, bless this time, bless our family so we might be a blessing to others.

Intergenerational Ministry Suggestion:

• Ask: When does your congregation/family practice praying together?

• Host a "Bead and a Prayer" workshop. Invite your congregation (all ages) into a space where you read and work through Kristen Vincent’s A Bead and a Prayer. Make prayer beads together and then practice praying together. Invite all people to identify a time every day/week when they will pray with their beads. Create a forum (facebook, twitter, e-mail, bulletin board) where congregation members (of all ages) can share what they are praying for. Lift up these prayers in worship.

Back to FAITH FAMILY FORMATION: PRAYER topic page

* Tanya Eustace is an ordained deacon in the Rio Texas Conference and serves as the Director of Children and Intergenerational Ministries at Discipleship Ministries. She recently completed her doctorate of philosophy in Christian education and congregational studies at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary. She has 17 years of experience as Christian Educator and Minister to Children and Families in the local church. She is also certified in music ministry.