Try this simple activity to teach teenager about prayer and help them connect with their church.
When it comes to connecting with God, many people feel like they need to go to a church or temple. But what if there was another way? An “in the building” youth group prayer walk is a great way for young people to connect with each other and with God. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of taking a prayer walk and provide some tips on how to make the most of your experience!
“In The Building” Youth Prayer Walk will build a stronger relationship between the youth and the Pastor/staff/volunteers. You will witness the beauty of a group of teenagers moving through the church to different areas and praying for Pastor/staff and volunteers. Try this simple prayer walk activity in your ministry.
Goals for the Youth Prayer Walk
For the youth to understand the service that is performed by the Pastor/staff and volunteers.
For the youth to experience the energy of God flowing through them while laying on hands and praying. To be part of the greater ensemble. Let the Pastor/staff and volunteers know they are prayed for and appreciated by the youth.
Focus the power of God on the “Church” through youth prayer.
How to Plan the Prayer Walk inside the Church
You will need thank You cards and a pen. Use simple blank cards that have the words Thank You on the outside. Minimalist. What you write is important.
- 30 – 45 minutes
- A scripture reading that supports the prayer walk.
- 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18
- “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in all circumstances.”
- This prayer walk activities could easily be a follow-up to any youth Bible lesson on prayer.
This can be done anytime during youth group, Sunday school, or youth ministry lock-in events.
Pray for the Pastor/Staff and volunteers and complete a Thank You cards. Stop by their office, desk, or work areas to pray. Examples include:
- Pastors Desk
- Secretary’s Desk
- Music Office
- Welcome Center
- Kitchen
- Choir Area
- Nursery
- Pulpit
- Keyboard
- Custodian Area
- Keyboard
- Youth Minister Desk
- Children Minister Desk
- Sunday school Rooms
Ask the youth what does the person do for the Church, for God?
Write down those things to use in prayer.
Have the youth gather around and lay hands on the space, pulpit, desk, organ, or whatever the person uses in ministry. If the person happens to be there, explain what you are doing and lay hands on the person. That’s really cool!
Ask a youth to volunteer to read a prayer. Ask for a different youth to pray at each location. Often a youth will know the person and want to pray for them.
Example prayer.
God, thank you for ( person’s name) and all they do for our church and you. For (have them read the list you just made of all the person does). God please give them the strength and the blessings they need. Amen
Hint!
Write the above prayer on a note card so it’s easy for the youth to pray. Most youth find it hard to remember or come up with the words when praying. Every time a youth prays it gets easier for them. Give them the persons name and the list of all the ministry they do that you wrote down so they can insert it into the above prayer.
Before moving to the next prayer location, complete a Thank You card for the person. Use simple blank cards that have the words Thank You on the outside and write the person’s name on the inside. Include, “Thank you for all you do for our church and God. We just laid hands on (your desk, pulpit, hymnals, or whatever represents their work in their space) and prayed that God will strengthen you and bless you.” Everybody sign it. The signatures are powerful!
Discussion Questions:
God commands us to encourage others. In 1 Thessalonians 5: 16-18, Paul gives us examples of how we can encourage others. How did we do that on our prayer walk?
This youth ministry idea was shared by Steve Wakefield. Steve is married to Brenda and has three talented and creative daughters. He is a graduate of Wabash College. Recently retired from a business career in operations, he enjoys writing, reading, cooking, and traveling. Steve has been active in the youth ministry program at Grace United Methodist Church for the past 24 years. For ten of those years he was the part time Minister of Youth. One of the highlights of that tenure was leading seven national and three international youth mission trips.