Advent Prayer Stations with Instructions

Transcription

1 Advent Prayer Stations with Instructions Source: These stations and their instructions are adapted from stealourstuff.wordpress.com I just curated some of the ideas I liked best, repackaged them here and added some instructions, and made it printable. The original site has additional ideas and as the name suggests, the authors are giving it away! This is a simple contemplative prayer station with five stations: connecting, focusing, praying, waiting. Here are the steps to making it happen: 1. Find a space large enough to have 5 stations set up. A large room with five tables works as does designated areas in a sanctuary. 2. Read the instructions and gather the materials for each station 3. Set up one station at each table or space 4. (Optional): Print the welcome letter and place it in the entrance to the space on a music stand or pulpit. Other notes: I usually publicize a set open time for prayer stations (7-9 pm, 4-8 pm, whatever) and then plan to be around (but not hovering) during that time. Music is sometimes great to have playing while people go through the stations, but choose instrumental music and keep it soft. In addition to the materials for each station, I sometimes cover the tables with cloths and include battery operated lights. It all depends on what you have time for! Master Materials List For Station 1 - Connecting Instructions Copies of Luke 2:1-20 & Matthew 2:1-11 Nativity Set Construction Paper Scissors Crayons or Markers For Station 2 - Focusing

2 Instructions Wrapped Box (with an opening on top) paper (copy paper) notecards Pens For Station 3 - Praying Instructions Strips of Red & Green Paper (to make a paper chain) Roll of Tape Markers Station 4 - Waiting Instructions sticky notes pens Station 5 - Pondering Instructions votive candles matches 4 signs that have the words hope, peace, love and joy (included here)

3 Connecting Read the Nativity Story from Luke 2:1-20 & Matthew 2:1-11. Spend some time looking at the Nativity Scene and reflecting on the passage you just read. Although this event occurred over 2,000 years ago, we all play a major role in this story. And although we were not physically present, we still can connect to this scene. Think about which character in this scene you identify with most at this point in your life: the expectant mom, the worried father, the lowly shepherds, the traveling magi, the animals wondering at the spectacle happening in their stable Use the paper, scissors, and markers provided to create a figurine of yourself. You can draw your likeness or simply cutout a figure and write your name on it. Then place it in the Nativity Scene as a way of symbolically connecting yourself to the story and entering into the mystery of the Advent season.

4 Luke 2:1-20 New International Version (NIV) 2 In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.)3 And everyone went to their own town to register. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. 13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests. 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, Let s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about. 16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

5 Matthew 2:1-11 New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) 2 In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, 2 asking, Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage. 3 When King Herod heard this, he was frightened, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and calling together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Messiah was to be born. 5 They told him, In Bethlehem of Judea; for so it has been written by the prophet: 6 And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who is to shepherd my people Israel. 7 Then Herod secretly called for the wise men and learned from them the exact time when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, Go and search diligently for the child; and when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. 9 When they had heard the king, they set out; and there, ahead of them, went the star that they had seen at its rising, until it stopped over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy. 11 On entering the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother; and they knelt down and paid him homage. Then, opening their treasure chests, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

6 Focusing Often it is easy for us to lose sight of the true meaning of the Christmas season. We are bombarded by mixed messages of what this time of year is all about. These distractions can, at times, make it difficult to focus on our faith and connection to God. Spend a few moments naming some of the distractions that keep you from focusing on God. Worries. Stress. Relationships. School. Work. TV. Then, using the note cards and pens, write down your list of distractions and place them inside the wrapped package. Think of this as a gesture of letting go of the things that hold you back. Now spend a moment considering how you can use this freedom to deepen your connection to God and focus on God this Advent season.

7 Praying Take a moment to consider the names of people, places, or causes you would like to lift up in prayer. As these names come to your mind, write them down on a strip of green or red paper. Then, use the tape to connect your strips as loops to the existing chain as a way of connecting your prayers with the prayers of others. Make as many loops as you would like.

8 Waiting Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. During this season we eagerly await the birth of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. For hundreds of years God s people anxiously awaited the promised Savior and we, as Christians today, anxiously await his return. What are you waiting for this Advent season? Take a moment to consider that question. Then, write your answer on a Post-It note and stick it on the wall. What do you think God is waiting for this Advent season? Take a moment to consider that question. Then, write your answer on a Post-It note and stick it on the wall.

9 Pondering Each Sunday in Advent focuses on one of the following theme words: Hope, Peace, Joy, Love. These words remind of the gifts Jesus Christ will bring to the world. Take a few moments to ponder which of those gifts Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love you need most in your life right now. As you ponder this, light a candle and place it by the gift you identified Hope, Peace, Joy, or Love. Finally, offer up a prayer to God, asking God to bless you with the gifts you need. Think about how you can share these gifts with others.

10 Hope

11 Peace

12 Joy

13 Love