Prayer Jar / Prayer Box
"You pay God a compliment by asking great things of Him."
Saint Teresa of Avila"
Saint Teresa of Avila"
Invite your family members to ask God for the things which they need as well as for the things that others need. Write or draw these prayer requests on a piece of paper and place them inside a jar or box.
Every few days, gather together as a family and read the intentions.
1. Get comfortable.
2. Light a candle.
3. Together, make the Sign of the Cross.
4. Pray, "Come," (as you breath in) "Holy Spirit" (as you breath out).
5. Prayer leader, "For ____, let us pray." Response, "Lord, hear our prayer."
6. Ask for the grace to know the way(s) you can put your prayers into action ..."Spirit of love, be with us so we..."
7. Pray in thanksgiving for answered prayers...."God, thank you for..."
Discuss that God always listens to our prayers, but He does not always give us the answer that we want. God will always give us whatever is best for us because He really loves us.
1. Get comfortable.
2. Light a candle.
3. Together, make the Sign of the Cross.
4. Pray, "Come," (as you breath in) "Holy Spirit" (as you breath out).
5. Prayer leader, "For ____, let us pray." Response, "Lord, hear our prayer."
6. Ask for the grace to know the way(s) you can put your prayers into action ..."Spirit of love, be with us so we..."
7. Pray in thanksgiving for answered prayers...."God, thank you for..."
Discuss that God always listens to our prayers, but He does not always give us the answer that we want. God will always give us whatever is best for us because He really loves us.
Praying for the Needs of Others
With your family talk about how people sometimes experience difficult times in their lives. Whether or not this is a result of their own actions or the actions of others, we are to pray for them. As the people of God, we are to pray for people we know and for people we do not know.
- For someone who is sick.......pray that God might heal that person.
- For someone who is lonely.......pray that God might be close to that person.
- For someone who is poor......pray that God might give that person, food, clothing, and a place to live.
- For someone who has any type of problem.......pray that God might be with that person.
- For someone who is celebrating a special day (birthday, anniversary) ....pray that they will experience God's love in their lives.
- For someone who has a difficult choice to make.......pray that they ask God for help.
- For someone who is traveling...pray that they may be granted safe travels.
- For someone who is serving in the military.......pray that they many be free from all harm.
- For someone who has been affected by natural disasters.......pray that they place their trust in God.
- For someone who has been affected by war and violence....pray for lasting peace among all peoples.
- For someone who has died.......pray that they may rest in the peace of Christ Our Lord.
- For someone who has asked for our prayers.......pray that they receive the graces and help they need.
Prayers in Action - Be a Blessing
To live as a follower of Jesus, we are called to put our prayers into action. This means we are to reach out to others and be a blessing in their lives... Pray, "God, may we live in Your love and share that love with others."
- Send thank you cards to people who care about us.
- Make get well cards for people who are ill or in the hospital.
- Visit someone who is lonely, elderly, or in a nursing home.
- Read a story to a younger brother or sister.
- Welcome a new classmate at school by sitting next to them-include them in games and conversations.
- Take the time to listen to someone who is sad.
- Contribute food and water to a local food pantry.
- Donate clothing and toys to a shelter.
- Pick up your toys.
- Clear the table.
- Take out the trash.
- Feed and play with your pets.
- Live as a peacemaker