INSIDE: Here are 10 creative and engaging ideas to help students connect with God in prayer.
Starting your class with prayer sets the tone for learning and helps students focus their hearts and minds on God. But sometimes, simply asking, "Who wants to pray?" doesn’t spark much enthusiasm. If you're looking for fresh ways to begin your class with prayer, here are some creative ideas to engage students of all ages.
1. Pass the Prayer
Have students sit in a circle and pass a small object (like a prayer rock or stuffed animal). Whoever is holding the object prays a short sentence before passing it to the next person. This encourages participation while keeping prayers simple and meaningful.
2. Prayer Jar
Write different prayer prompts on slips of paper and place them in a jar. At the start of class, a student pulls a slip and prays for what’s written—such as a family member, a teacher, a missionary, or a specific character trait like kindness or patience.
3. ACTS Prayer Model
Teach students to pray using the ACTS method:
- Adoration – Praise God for who He is
- Confession – Ask for forgiveness of your sins. This part can be done silently
- Thanksgiving – Give thanks for the people and things in your life
- Supplication – Pray for others’ needs. Each student can take one part or choose which area they want to focus on in their prayer.
4. Prayer Walk Around the Room
Have students quietly walk around the room, stopping at different stations (a map, a whiteboard, or photos) to pray for different topics, such as their school, community, or people in need.
5. Group Echo Prayer
Start with a simple sentence prayer and have students repeat after you. For example, you might say, "God, thank You for this day," and they echo, "God, thank You for this day." This helps younger students learn how to pray confidently.
6. Popcorn Prayer
Encourage students to say a one-sentence prayer whenever they feel led, like popcorn popping. This method keeps prayers spontaneous and allows everyone to participate without pressure.
7. Prayer Chain
Give students small strips of paper and have them write one prayer request or praise. Link the strips together to form a chain, adding to it each week as you see God answer prayers.
8. Music and Prayer
Play a worship song and invite students to pray silently while listening. This can be a great way to help them focus and prepare their hearts.
9. Five-Finger Prayer
Teach students to pray using their hand as a guide:
- Thumb – Pray for those closest to you (family and friends).
- Index Finger – Pray for teachers and mentors.
- Middle Finger – Pray for leaders and those in authority.
- Ring Finger – Pray for the weak and hurting.
- Pinkie Finger – Pray for yourself. This simple method helps kids remember who to pray for each day.
10. Pray Using Scripture
Have students choose a Bible verse and turn it into a prayer. For example, Psalm 56:3 says, "When I am afraid, I put my trust in You." They can pray, "Lord, help me trust You when I feel afraid today."
Final Thoughts
No matter how you start your class with prayer, the key is to make it engaging, meaningful, and age-appropriate. By introducing creative prayer methods, you’ll help students develop a habit of talking to God that will stay with them beyond the classroom.
What are your favorite ways to start class with prayer?
