Creating a Prayer Experience
Prayer is a personal connection to God. Think of all the ways we can talk to God through prayer: standing, kneeling, walking, pacing, sitting, eyes closed, eyes opened, hands folded or hands stretched to the sky. There is no wrong way as long as you are whole-hearted seeking to worship, speak and listen to the Lord.
A unique way to create a prayer experience is setting up stations for people to visit. Each station can be designed with a simple direction and the tools needed. Here’s a few simple tips:
1) Set the environment: Create a quiet place for participants to meet God. If you use music, keep it low. Instrumental may be the best to not take away from listening to God.
2) Set the theme and flow: You’ll want each station to handle one simple thought. You’ll need to decide if order matters or if there will be freedom to move about.
3) Include the steps of prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving and Supplication.
Adoration: Let this be a time of worshipping who God is.
Confession: Confess anything separating a closeness to God.
Thanksgiving: Thank God for the things He has done for you.
Supplication (or petition): Ask God for specific things.
4) Make it visually symbolic: Think about using a rock to represent a sin or burden, or use a map to pray for a city. The more visual you can create the experience, the more memorable it will become.
5) Make it interactive: Have participants look up Bible verses or write out things. Making each station interactive will infuse each action with deeper meaning and commitment.
6) Experience it yourself: Once the stations are set, pray over them and ask God to move in the hearts and lives of those participating. Working through the stations yourself will ensure there are no missing items and will give you an idea of how much time the total activity may take.
7) Allow God to work: If you offer a prayer experience, know that each personal experience will be different. You may witness crying, dancing, smiles or a solemn nature. Likewise, one person may take ten minutes and another an hour. It’s important to not rush the experience and to allow God to work as He sees fit.
To get started, please download "The Prayer Experience" as an sample.
