Prayer Room 101
I am passionate about prayer.
For someone who struggles to find her voice when praying out loud in groups of all sizes, I am an advocate for the power of prayer. When I was approached to create a prayer room for kids and adults to use at their will during an outreach week, I jumped at the chance.
For someone who struggles to find her voice when praying out loud in groups of all sizes, I am an advocate for the power of prayer. When I was approached to create a prayer room for kids and adults to use at their will during an outreach week, I jumped at the chance.
Prayer Stations are a creative and focussed way to pray. Using interactive stations really appeals to me and I thoroughly enjoy spending time with God in such a way.
I spent roughly 4-6 hours scrolling through Pinterest, absentmindedly pinning nearly every single prayer station idea that was ever in existence. I then realised that 18 stations was a little ambitious so I decided that 10 would do the job. Each station was loosely linked to the "The Armour of God" but could most definitely be used for any theme or stand alone situation.
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When designing a Prayer Room, the atmosphere
created is extremely important; a relaxed and peaceful environment fits
perfectly when trying to focus your mind. To achieve this I used electric tea
lights in pretty jars, delicate bunting and masses upon masses of fairy lights.
The first
two stations were designed to be helpful ways to pray.
'Handy'
Prayers is one to take away with you and each digit reminds you to pray for
things like your friends and family, Government, Emergency Services and the
poor or hungry.
Button Prayers involves taking a button and praying
for specific things that a button can remind you of.
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| Button Prayers Handy Prayers |
The Belt of Truth
The focus of this station is on what the Bible says about who we are.
A longing desire to 'find yourself' often emerges around the early twenty-something mark. After having gone through school being stereotyped and labeled, our individuality and uniqueness often gets lost. The labels I gave myself distracted me from my identity in Christ; I am precious to God and I have a purpose through Him.
He tells us we are valued and loved by Him.
"For we are God's masterpiece.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
Ephesians 2:10
Firstly, read Psalm 139: 17-18
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!"
Then, write your name in the sand and try to count every grain in the box. This would be pretty tricky and its just a small box, let alone a whole beach, but thats how much God loves you.
Laid out around the table are numerous bible truths that speak of our identity in Christ.
While reading and reflecting on these verses; take a leaf, write down one of God's words of identity that stands out, along with your name and add it to the tree.
(pictured in next station)
The focus of this station is on what the Bible says about who we are.
A longing desire to 'find yourself' often emerges around the early twenty-something mark. After having gone through school being stereotyped and labeled, our individuality and uniqueness often gets lost. The labels I gave myself distracted me from my identity in Christ; I am precious to God and I have a purpose through Him.
He tells us we are valued and loved by Him.
I am a child of God.
"For we are God's masterpiece.
He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago."
Ephesians 2:10
Firstly, read Psalm 139: 17-18
"How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They cannot be numbered! I can't even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!"
Then, write your name in the sand and try to count every grain in the box. This would be pretty tricky and its just a small box, let alone a whole beach, but thats how much God loves you.
Laid out around the table are numerous bible truths that speak of our identity in Christ.
While reading and reflecting on these verses; take a leaf, write down one of God's words of identity that stands out, along with your name and add it to the tree.
(pictured in next station)
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| Belt of Truth ... |
The Breastplate of Righteousness
There are many people and things that are wrong in our world and we can severely struggle to comprehend.
Hate can be so nonchalant; "I hate you." "I hate my life." "I hate her."
I am guilty of these phrases.
But God teaches us to LOVE, to really and truly love others. It is okay to be upset and disturbed by the tragic events that take place in the world surrounding us, but we have to love others and to show kindness towards everyone we meet, no matter how difficult that can seem.
Love; because the effect of this love will be peace.
"Love must be sincere, hate what is evil and cling to what is good."
Romans 12:9
Our God is good and His love endures forever!
Read Isaiah 32:17
"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will be quietness and trust forever."
Understanding that God is just in everything He does, open at a headline in the daily newspaper and pray for the people, country and circumstances being described. Dip your finger in the paint and add your fingerprint to the map.
There are many people and things that are wrong in our world and we can severely struggle to comprehend.
Hate can be so nonchalant; "I hate you." "I hate my life." "I hate her."
I am guilty of these phrases.
But God teaches us to LOVE, to really and truly love others. It is okay to be upset and disturbed by the tragic events that take place in the world surrounding us, but we have to love others and to show kindness towards everyone we meet, no matter how difficult that can seem.
Love; because the effect of this love will be peace.
"Love must be sincere, hate what is evil and cling to what is good."
Romans 12:9
Our God is good and His love endures forever!
Read Isaiah 32:17
"And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will be quietness and trust forever."
Understanding that God is just in everything He does, open at a headline in the daily newspaper and pray for the people, country and circumstances being described. Dip your finger in the paint and add your fingerprint to the map.
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| Breastplate of Righteousness ... Feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace I would be pretty accurate in saying that we all have busy lives and we can often struggle to find peace; not just restful peace but contentment in our schedule. Worrying about the future, finances, our friends and family and every little thing in between. We carry this worry around like a tonne of bricks. However, throughout the bible God continuously tells us not to worry and not to be afraid because He is with us. |
"Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow brings enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:34
Read Philippians 4:6
"Don't worry about anything instead: pray about everything."
As you read these verses about worry, take a piece of knotted string, pray asking God to help you with your busy lives and trying times.
As you pray, untie the knot as a symbol of letting go.
We can lay all our worries and troubles onto Him; He guides and comforts us.
You've asked God to help you with your worries, why not take this time to thank Him.
Write someone or something (or both) you would like to thank God for on a slip of paper and weave it into the frame.
You've asked God to help you with your worries, why not take this time to thank Him.
Write someone or something (or both) you would like to thank God for on a slip of paper and weave it into the frame.
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| Feet fitted with the Gospel of Peace |
The Shield of Faith
This station allows our focus to fall on our relationship with God and how, through faith, we can come to Him with anything. In having faith in God, I love Him and praise Him but I also make many mistakes and go through hard times.
Through all this, I trust He hears my prayers and He will answer them according to his plans.
If there is anything you are struggling with - HAVE FAITH.
Just as the shield protects and strengthens, trust
God will do the same.
"Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible with you."
Matthew 17:20
Read Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."
Take some time to reflect on your personal faith. Whether you are beginning a relationship with God, enjoying a committed one and everything in between: thank God, ask Him a question, tell Him something that is on your mind and trust He is listening.
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Write it down, roll it up and pop it in the cross.
Although sometimes our faith can fail God, God is unfailingly faithful. The bible is full of God's promises, pick one from the jar and take it as a reminder of our faithful God.
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| Shield of Faith ... The Helmet of Salvation The word 'salvation' can seem like biblical jargon. It's a word I see and hear all the time in the bible, in bible studies and any discussion surrounding the bible and because of this I can often overlook the power behind the word 'salvation'. |
Salvation can be described as the deliverance from pain or loss. The punishment for sin is death. However for those who trust God, He sent His son, Jesus, as an act of salvation. Jesus suffered in our place, He saved us from our punishment, so we can live with Him in eternity.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord."
Romans 6:23"For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus, our Lord."
Read Isaiah 12:2
"God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid."
Knowing that God freely sent His son to cleanse us of our sins; take a whiteboard and write down anything you have done wrong and wipe it away as a symbol of God wiping your slate clean. If you ask and want God's forgiveness, He will welcome you into his arms.
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| Helmet of Salvation ... The Sword of the Spirit During my walk with God it is inevitable that I will stray and think I know better or give into temptation and worldly pleasures. The word of God, the bible, acts as our helper and our guide. Trust in God and His word to direct your paths. In all our lives we will face roadblocks, trials, hurt, loss, pain and struggles. You are allowed to call upon God in these times. |
"Pray in the spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
Ephesians 6:18
Read Jeremiah 17:14
"Heal me, O Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise."
Take some time now to pray for individuals or communities who are currently going through difficult situations; spiritually, emotionally or physically. Write them down on a plaster and stick it to the cross. Pray that God will comfort and guide them in their time of need.
Now, piece together this puzzle and take comfort from what God says to those who are struggling.
"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3
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| Sword of the Spirit |
The last station in this prayer room focused on praying for mission events that were happening over the summer in the area and was a chance to write down personal prayer requests.
"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations..."
Matthew 28:19
"Cast your cares upon Jesus, for He cares for you."
1 Peter 5:7
On the table are some leaflets about events that are coming up this summer and things to pray about for these events and the people involved. Write your prayer on a slip of paper and add it to the prayer chain.
Jot down a prayer request and leave it pinned to the board, now take someone else's request home and pray for them often.
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| Take it or Leave it Mission Prayer Chains |
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With all the cliche intended...life is a journey; a crazy, corkscrew, loop-the-loop rollercoaster. There will be many things that will enhance and test our faith in God. However, if we equip ourselves with every piece of the Armour of God, our faith will not be shaken. It is difficult, and I have yet to be stood firm with the full armour on all at once. By encouraging and supporting each other and relying fully on God, we can stand against the devil's schemes.
"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full Armour of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes."
Ephesians 6:10-11
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