Planning Communal Prayer is a process which builds many skills. The Level 3 children have experienced communal prayer for many years. In Level 1 they gathered to ponder a single word ("Alleluia!") or single verse of Scripture. They sang and offered thanks to God. In Level 2 the children began a more formal structure of prayer as they helped to lead different elements of our communal gatherings and even moved into assisting in writing petitions or choosing the songs that fit the Gospel being proclaimed. In Level 3 the children begin to take on a leadership role in planning communal prayer. After selecting a Gospel they work together to decide what message Jesus is communicating in that passage. Then, articulating this as the theme of their prayer, they use a concordance to find a psalm and a passage from the Old Testament which speak to this theme. Prayers of petition and songs as well as opening and closing prayers come next. Finally, the children assign roles and practice leading each portion of their planned prayer before inviting the community to join them in the communal celebration. This past week, working in small groups, the Level 3 children reviewed this process as each group chose a Gospel and theme then moved into the additional components of their prayer.
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Carolyn Kohlhaas
CGS Catechist and Formation Leader (Levels I, II, and III) Categories
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April 2024
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