I'm a big believer in the power of experiential learning. To this end, instead of giving a talk about prayer, I'd much rather create a series of prayer stations designed to give students the opportunity to pray in a variety of ways.
Over the next several weeks, I'll be posting some of my favorite prayer stations. Prayer stations can be used collectively during a prayer night or individually as part of a larger lesson. For example: This particular prayer station was used as part of a prayer experience during a junior high & high school winter retreat.
Prayer Station: A Bullseye
Themes: Following Jesus, focus
Scripture Link: Hebrews 12:1-2
Supplies: Small strips of paper, pens, dart board, darts
Directions:
Hebrews 12:1-2 says,
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.
In the spiritual race that we run, Jesus is our focus – the bullseye of our faith. Jesus is the center of our faith, on which everything else stands or falls.
With that in mind, what do you think it means to “look to Jesus” as you run your spiritual race?
Practically speaking, how can you keep your focus on Jesus when so much threatens to distract you?
Write your answer to these questions on a strip of paper.
Then attach your paper to a dart.
Throw the dart at the board, attempting to land a bullseye as a reminder of the importance of keeping Jesus at the center of your faith.
Then say a prayer asking God to help you focus on Jesus – regardless of the other distractions you might encounter.
When you’re done, return the dart to the table so the next person can go.
Take your strip of paper with you as a reminder of how to look to Jesus as you continue to run your race.
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Download A Bullseye Prayer Station as a PDF here.
Get even more creative prayer stations you can use with your teens here.
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