Lectio Divina for Kids4 This is surprisingly easy to do with kids! Here is what you do …..Have your child get in a comfortable position or do this at night when the kids are getting ready for bed so that they are comfy and settled down. Say something like, “God can speak to us through the Holy Words of the Bible. Close your eyes and listen to what I read. Pay attention to what makes you feel good, what you remember most, or what stands out to you. God may be speaking to you through that!” Read the verse out loud. Ask what part stood out to them and explain that you are going to read that part of the verse again more slowly. Or you can read the entire verse again if you chose a shorter verse. When you are done reading the section of the verse again ask, “What does that tell you about God?” “What does that tell you about yourself?” “Is there anything else you think God was saying through that scripture?” Pray about what you heard or felt and thank God for speaking to you. It is that simple but you must do it regularly!
ACTS prayer (ACTS stands for Adoration-Confession-Thanksgiving-Supplication Start each section with the intro line that the children will repeat, and then they continue the sentence with their own words. “Wow God, you are… “ Adoration
-> The key here is that you are telling God what he IS, not thanking him for what he has done (that comes later). Praising God serves the purpose of bringing him glory and centering our hearts on Him. “I am sorry for…” Confession
-> The key with confession is to lead by example. Always have something you can confess. Sometimes the kids can’t think of something, in which case encourage them to ask God to show them something for which they should apologize. Occasionally remind them of something, but it’s more effective to let God bring them to repentance. After we’ve all confessed, we say together “Please forgive me.”
“Thank you God for…” Thanksgiving -> This one should be easy!
“Please help…” Supplication -> Younger children’s intercessory prayers reflect their age. When something bigger or more important comes up, make a point of praying this section first so that the seed of the idea of who really needs help is in their mind.
End with a brief prayer of TRUST in God’s help and then pray the Glory Be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be. AMEN
REMEMBER prayer isn’t just about talking TO God. It’s about a dialogue and continuing conversation with our lifelong friend and Savior. From: https://www.christiethomaswriter.com/from her website on Cultivating Authentic Faith in the Home
Can we actually hear God speak?
God desires to speak to us so we can come to know and follow His voice.
God USUALLY speaks through Scripture, the Holy Bible, including in the mysteries of the Rosary but God speaks in many other ways as well: through dreams through visions (like a picture in your head while awake) through a song or Bible verse remembered at the exact right moment through a whisper in my heart
Learning to hear and recognize God’s voice when you are young and things are simpler, you will continue to know and listen to and obey God’s voice when life becomes more complicated. Please help me to hear You Jesus! Amen Praying the Our Father
Our Father who art in heaven, holy is your name. -> Spend time praising God in your own words.
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. -> Submit your will/desires to His own, inviting him to change you and work in your life. This is also a good time to pray for others, for God to work the evil and sadness in our world for his glory.
Give us this day our daily bread. -> Ask for help for your needs (not wants), not just physically but emotionally and spiritually too.
Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. -> Time for confession!
Lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. -> Prayers for protection for yourself and others.AMEN
Fun and easy faith based crafts and family activities to do during the Liturgical Church Year at Catholic Icing especially see their info for new homeschoolers:
A Spiritual Communion Below is a traditional prayer of spiritual communion that many saints have prayed over the years. It can be prayed if you find yourself at Mass unable to receive the Eucharist, having to miss Mass or even in the midst of your daily work, lifting up your thoughts to God. The ultimate goal of our lives should be communion with God and an act of spiritual communion can help a person draw closer to that goal.
My Jesus, I believe that You are present in the Most Holy Sacrament. I love You above all things, and I desire to receive You into my soul. Since I cannot at this moment receive You sacramentally, come at least spiritually into my heart. I embrace You as if You were already there and unite myself wholly to You. Never permit me to be separated from You. Amen.