Enriching Group Prayer
Because we live in a media-based culture, it is important to make media a part of prayer and worship experiences. This helps us recognize that all of life is prayer. Slides, posters, and videos may help young people connect their spiritual lives with their everyday world. Teens can often relate to the experience or saying depicted on a poster; a video may tell a story that touches their lives.
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Variety is very important when praying with young people. Possibilities include: Scripture reading, meditation and reflection, centering prayer, song, litanies, incense, gesture, prayer journals, mantras, formal prayers, liturgical dance, and dramatic interpretations. Because each group has its own personality, experiment to find out which styles of prayer work best for yours.
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Ritual can become an important part of your group’s prayer experience, especially if you involve the participants in creating it. The experience of ritual can help build a sense of group identity and a feeling of belonging. Participants might choose to include a simple ritual as part of the opening for each session, or work together to create a group prayer or song.
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Environment sets the tone for a prayerful atmosphere, because surroundings do influence the prayer experience. A specific place designated as a prayer center helps call a group to prayer. Basics could include a candle, Bible, flowers or a plant, and other objects such as a statue, crucifix, or icon.
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Silence can be unfamiliar and even frightening to some, but the quiet affords the opportunity to be in God’s presence. Teens may not be accustomed to quiet, reflective meditation, but they can become comfortable participating in this prayer form for short time periods. Meditation is sometimes aided if there is something to focus on such as an icon, statue, or photograph. This helps to eliminate distractions. If silent reflection doesn’t seem to work with your group, thank them for their energy and alertness and try something else. This takes you right back to the need for variety!
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Links
"Planning a Liturgy"
www.blestarewe.com/parish/index.cfm/user/catleader/area/fns/feast/ordinary
Books
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 Graced Moments–
Prayer Services for the Lives of Teens
These prayer services address contemporary issues to encourage holiness in young people. Services include, "From the Blessing of Drivers Licenses" and "Keys to Prayer at the Death of a Classmate." Each has introductory notes and a list of materials needed. Most also include creative ritual activities.
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
Volume 1
ORDER NUMBER: 1-58459-075-0
Come to the Feast
by Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni
Father Fragomeni explains the Eucharist as gift. Book is appropriate for both catechists and parents.
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
ORDER NUMBER: 0-82641-038-3
Book of Blessings: General Introduction and Introductions to Each of the Orders of Blessings.
Liturgy Documentary Series 9
Available through US Conference of Catholic Bishops, 1990, www.usccb.org.
Prayer Services for Young Adolescents
Available through Twenty-Third Publications, 1994
Pathways to Praying With Teens
Available through St. Mary's Press, 1993
The Church According to the New Testament:
Worship and Witness of Early Christianity Teach Us Today
Available through Sheed & Ward, 2001
The Roman Catholic Church: Its Origin and Nature
Available through Paulist Press, 1997
Rethinking Sacraments: Holy Moments in Daily Living
Available through Twenty-Third Publications, 1999
Faith at a Glance: The Ten Commandments
Available through Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1999
Touching the Holy: Ordinariness, Self-Esteem, and Faith
Available through Paulist Press, 1992
Music
"Jesus, Give Us Your Peace," "Glory to God" (Mass of Creation), "With Hope and Healing"
BLEST ARE WE Music CD 7-8
Call RCL Benziger at 1-877-ASK-4-RCL (1-877-275-4725).
ORDER NUMBER: 0-382-36394-9
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