5 Back-to-School Prayer Stations to Encourage Kids in Your Ministry
As the new school year approaches, the anticipation builds. Soon kids will be meeting their new teachers, making new friends, and using their shiny new school supplies they’ve eagerly chosen. The transition back to school can stir a mix of emotions, from excitement to apprehension. This prayer station activity is designed to help kids focus their thoughts on prayer and remind them that God is always close by.
Station supplies to gather:
Station 1
- bandages (1 per child)
- heart cut-outs (1 per child) (template provided in download)
- pens or permanent markers
- plastic tablecloth
Station 2
- apple slices (1 per child)
- plastic tablecloth
Station 3
- paper (1 piece per child)
- pencils, crayons, or markers
- paper airplane instructions (provided in download)
- plastic tablecloth
Station 4
- chenille wires (1 per child)
- a variety of plastic beads with holes large enough to fit on the wire
- plastic tablecloth
Station 5
- paper party hats (1 per child) (you can find these at the dollar store)
- plastic tablecloth
On the morning of, set up five different tables within the room or even in the hallway if you can safely do so, and place the prayer station supplies in the center of the tables along with the instructions. Cover the tables with a tablecloth and tell the kids “no peeking” as they arrive.
We recommend playing some reflective music and giving kids plenty of time to walk through each station and pray. The kids can go through the prayer stations in any order.
If you have a large classroom with small group leaders, place a small group leader at each station so they can help read the instructions if needed. Ask them to also be praying for the kids as they come through the station.
Wrap everything up by asking all the kids to come together for a “group hug” circle as you close out in prayer for the entire group.
Want more ideas on how to help kids deepen in prayer? Check out Friends With God: Discover How to Pray.
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