Interactive Prayer Stations for Lent, Week 2: I am the Light of the World

Week 2: "I am the Light of the World"

"Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.'” John 8:12

"The Lord went in front of them in a pillar of cloud by day, to lead them along the way, and in a pillar of fire by night, to give them light, so that they might travel by day and by night.  Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." Exodus 13:21-22

Interactive Prayer Station #1: Prayers of Confession

"The people who walk in darkness

have seen a great light."

Sometimes there are things that we are ashamed of, mistakes that we have made, and things that we regret.  These things feel like darkness.  Spend some time talking with God about some of your mistakes and regrets, and ask for God’s help and forgiveness.

On their journey through the wilderness, God did not leave the Israelites burdened by darkness or regret.  Instead God gave them pillars of cloud and fire to guide their way into a new life.  Create your own pillar of fire or cloud as you think about God’s love, forgiveness, and guidance that transforms our sin and lights our way.

Materials: 

• Tissue paper (red, yellow, orange, white) 
• Cotton balls (for clouds) 
• Glue 
• Plastic for floor 
• Plates or Cardboard to build on 
• Markers 
• Construction paper (red, yellow, orange, white) 
• Cardboard Tubes 
• Any other crafty things that would be helpful for pillars of cloud and fire

Interactive Prayer Station #2: Prayers of Petition and of Intercession

“I am the Light of the World”

Take a light.  Think about all of the times you turn on lights or use lights... in your car, house, even outside at night.  Thank God for all of the light in your life, for the ability to have electricity and light to brighten the darkness. Turn on the light as you think about people throughout the world who need light in their life. 

Place the light on the table and notice all of the other lights. 

Listen as God tells you ways you can share the light of God's love with others.

"I will make you a light to the nations."

Isaiah 49:6

 Materials: 

• Tea lights 
• Globe 
• Square table
• Markers 
• Construction paper (red, yellow, orange, white) 
• Cardboard Tubes
• Any other crafty things that would be helpful for pillars of cloud and fire

Interactive Prayer Station #3: Prayers of Offering and Dedication

Just as God sent us Jesus to show us the way and give us hope, we too are called to share light with others when things feel dark.  Take a sun, moon, or star.  On one side, write or draw ways God has been with you in hard times.  On the other side, draw or write one way you would like to help someone this week.  Once you are done, place them in the basket.

Materials: 

• Sun, moon, and star cards
• Basket
• Crayons/markers

Interactive Prayer Station #4: A Place to Listen to God

When asked about how she prayed, Mother Teresa replied, "I sit with God and listen. " When asked what God does, she replied, "he listens too. "

Here is a good place to join God in listening… to the story… to the needs of the world… to the desires of your heart.

• You may wish to experiment with light.  Turn on the flashlight.  Try to cover the light.  Can you hide the light?  It is really hard to hide light, especially in darkness.  Now try to shine the light around you.  As you do this, give thanks for the gift of Jesus and the gift of light.
• You may wish to tell the story again with the figures or materials.
•  You may wish to read the story again from one of the story Bibles.
•   You may wish to hold one of the crosses and quietly listen for God as you breathe in and out slowly.

Materials:

• story Bibles marked at the story page 
• Godly play figures, desert box 
• story quilt 
• crosses to hold 
• purple cloths and pillows 
• flash lights

Interactive Prayer Station #5: A Way to Listen to God: Coloring Prayer

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world.”

Draw a circle around the words, "I am... the light of the world."

Color the circle in and think about the ways that Jesus has been light to you.  Where have you seen the light of Jesus in others?

Add circles or shapes or maybe rays of light to your page.  Write words of people or things that bring light to your life and thank God for these things.

Write words of people or things that need God's light and pray for these things.  As you draw and color, watch for the ways God is directing you to bring the light of God's love to these people and these situations.

    Materials:

• cards at each table
• Markers/Crayons
• Paper with center circle that says, "Light of the World"