Connect With God: Pay Attention

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

• Take Time
• 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.

Pay Attention

Prayers of thanksgiving:

• September: When you go outside, look up at the sky and give thanks saying: “God thank-you for the sky. When I see clouds help me remember you are with me wherever I go.”

• October: When you see pumpkins, stop and give thanks saying: “God, thank-you for all good things that grow. Help me take care of your creation- all good things that grow.”

• November: When you see a table (either empty or with people) stop and give thanks saying: “God, thank-you for my friends and family. Help me remember to spend time with the people I love.”

Symbols to look for:

• Clouds remind us that God is with us wherever we go

• Pumpkins remind us of all the good growing things in God’s creation

• Tables remind us that God calls us to eat together, to spend time together, and to take care of one another.

Virtue to Practice: Gratitude

• What are you grateful for? Practice gratitude by telling God or someone else what you are grateful for every day.

• Where did someone show you gratitude? Pay attention to when you see someone else practicing gratitude. Write your stories in your journal. Take time to pray and thank God for these stories.

God Encounters/God Sightings:

• Journal: Take a picture of people/things that you are thankful for. Take time every day/week/month to write a letter to God giving God thanks for all the blessings in your life.

• Share:

  • Tell your family and friends how you experienced God. Share your story on Facebook, twitter, or instagram: "I experienced God when I was ________ ." Be sure to tag #famfaithform and @teustacegbod

  • Join the Facebook Group: Family Faith Formation

Go further in your families practice of prayer: Read Kara Lassen Oliver’s Passing it On

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.