Page 63 - Lessons and Activities on Prayer

Catechist background
ere are two di erent ways of using art for prayer. e rst way is by observing the artwork of an- other. as one looks at a stained-glass window or any piece of art, the experience has the power to change us from within as we connect what we see to our experience of God. it is quite possible that in quiet gazing upon the artwork one might become aware of a new gift God is giving at that moment.
here are some easy steps to prepare for this type of prayer experience with children.
1. become very quiet; breathe deeply and slowly; become aware of the quiet within.
2. spend a couple of minutes silently thanking God for the gifts of this day.
3. look very carefully at the picture. is there a g- ure, shape, color, or texture that stands out to you? what is it saying?
4. what feelings, thoughts, or ideas do you have? what do they tell you about God?
5. share with God what you nd important as you look at the picture.
6. ank God for this opportunity to spend time with God.
e very rst time you introduce this to your stu- dents, you need to model it for them. ink aloud each step, and share what you are experiencing. it won’t take them long to join in with you. after you do one together, then you can move to a silent group experience.
Art AS PrAyer LeSSon PLan 1
Objectives
□ To experience an artist’s work as prayer materials
□ An Art Image (portraits, scenes, sculpture, etc.)
lesson
▪ Gather the children around you. ▪ display an art image.
▪ instruct the children to become very quiet
and become aware of their breathing; wait
until your class is quiet and focused. ▪ ask your class to silently thank God
for gifts they see around them.
▪ Tell your students to look at the picture on page
68. ask them how it reminds them of God. ▪ you might share that God is like a mother polar bear always taking care of us or God
is gentle like a mother polar bear or God
likes to play like the little bear cubs.
▪ ask students to talk to God about the image.
“ anks, God, for always taking care of me and for teaching me how to be gentle and kind. anks, God, for giving me someone to take care of me. help me to take care
of my friends when they need me.” ▪ ask children to talk to God about how
they like to spend time with God. ▪ explain the take home activity and
end the lesson with prayer.
meditative prayer
17
art aS Prayer
63
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