One of my readers asked me to expound on what a prayer station is. Our faith community has used them off and on over the years and they have always been a very special experience for me. Think of a prayer station as an interactive, piece of art that allows you to connect with the Father on a deeper level than just sitting down with your eyes closed. There is nothing wrong with that, this is a just more sensory experience.
Here is a link to some ideas on prayer stations from the UK. Use this as a jumping off point. The way I have done it before is by having a group of friends prepare something to bring that everyone can participate in. We set them up all over a home, and quietly moved through every station. The same could work in a church building or third space. Let it be your particular groups expression of what they are learning from the Father. What a great way to learn more about your group in a deeper way.
Some of my favorites have been , making your own flat bread for communion and then meditating on the “last supper”. Using an inspiring song with some visual components. Really the sky is the limit. It is a fun event that allows people to enter into prayer in a active way. Engaging all of the senses for a special worship experience. It is inspiring me to want to set up another one. We used to do one on Halloween night every year. It was our way of being counter cultural by worshiping the Father.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Amber,
I have met one other family who “gets this”, so I’m excited to get to know you better. Thanks for sharing on the subject.
Thanks Amber! This is a brand new concept for me and I’m looking forward to putting it into practice.
There are so many more ways to pray other than “just sitting down with your eyes closed,” although there is a place for that too.
A few months ago, I was frustrated by how bored I felt during my morning prayer time. It didn’t really make sense to me, because I certainly don’t get boring results!
But as I thought about it more, I realized that I’m just not a “sit-down-and-talk-about-it” kind of person. I communicate best with people when I’m actively doing something with them. Why should my conversations with God be any different?
I’ve started writing my prayers and going for walks during my prayer time, and I find it so much more satisfying. Prayer stations seem like an extension of the path I’ve already started on… as you said, engaging all of the senses and making it a sensory experience.
Blessings today,
Denise
Truevyn – I look forward to getting to know you better too:-)
Denise – Go for it with this. They are so much fun and well worth the effort. Our first prayer station installation is what actually got me started with painting on canvas. There is also a great book on prayer by Graham Cooke called “Crafted Prayer”. It really grounded my prayer practice as well.
Peace to you both!