Prayer in the Atrium
Education to prayer is fundamental to the catechesis of young children. (...) But it is clear that we intend to speak about education to prayer and not to prayers. Prayer is the most personal and jealous expression of the relationship with God; no one can really teach another to pray. In this sphere, even more than in other areas, the catechist should call forth all his respect for the mystery and for the child, and for all the child's sensitivity and creativity.
From Sofia Cavaletti, "The Religious Potential of the Child"
From Sofia Cavaletti, "The Religious Potential of the Child"
The CGS catechist does not try to "teach" prayer such as memorized prayers, but strives to nurture the child's prayer from the heart. To do this, the catechist creates an atmosphere of silence and meditation so prayer can flourish. Essential prayer words are introduced such as "Alleluia", "Amen", and "Gloria".
An example of a group prayer time in the Atrium would be to start with inviting the children to quietly gather around the prayer table. The lights would be dimmed and the candles lit. A short phrase from a Psalm like "The Lord is my shepherd" my be read from a prayer card followed by silence. It may be repeated. The children are welcomed to give their response. A song is sung together. This becomes a special ritual that the children know and love. They feel comfortable with this prayer and express much joy. The young child's prayer is usually very short, maybe one word, and full of thanksgiving. Older children add petitions to their prayers, usually around the age of six.
An example of a group prayer time in the Atrium would be to start with inviting the children to quietly gather around the prayer table. The lights would be dimmed and the candles lit. A short phrase from a Psalm like "The Lord is my shepherd" my be read from a prayer card followed by silence. It may be repeated. The children are welcomed to give their response. A song is sung together. This becomes a special ritual that the children know and love. They feel comfortable with this prayer and express much joy. The young child's prayer is usually very short, maybe one word, and full of thanksgiving. Older children add petitions to their prayers, usually around the age of six.
Many prayers are offered during the child's personal work time. The children love to pray and sing at the Altar table, while working with the Good Shepherd material and the Last Supper work. They often set the prayer table and pray individually.
Celebrating with movement is another way the child prays in the Atrium. One favorite form is the use of processions with joyful singing. In this way the children learn control over their bodies while praising God!
Celebrating with movement is another way the child prays in the Atrium. One favorite form is the use of processions with joyful singing. In this way the children learn control over their bodies while praising God!
Praying with Children at Home
The best gift you can give your child is to pray with them and to take them to Mass. Everything they are learning in the Atrium is to prepare them to join the faith community through worship in liturgy and prayer. Having been in the Atrium, they will be more aware of what is happening, what Father is wearing and using at the Altar and be more excited to participate.
The children become very familiar with the prayer table in the Atrium and enjoy preparing it with beautiful artwork and prayers. I would encourage you to prepare a similar place for your family to pray. I believe your child would love to prepare their own prayer table just like they do in the Atrium!
The children become very familiar with the prayer table in the Atrium and enjoy preparing it with beautiful artwork and prayers. I would encourage you to prepare a similar place for your family to pray. I believe your child would love to prepare their own prayer table just like they do in the Atrium!
Any small table will do. The first item on the prayer table would be a table cloth which would be the color of the season. For Lent, of course, it would be purple. Easter, white. Green is for ordinary time and red is for Pentecost. Some other items that would be similar to the Atrium include a bible, small candle and statues. There could also be a basket of prayer cards with simple words of praise or psalms. (Children love to make these cards themselves!) Add any beautiful holy cards or saint cards you may have and let the children bring in any flower or greenery they can find! Older children enjoy having a “treasure box” full of their intentions they write themselves. For more information on a home prayer table, please click this link.
https://www.cgsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/HowToSetUpPrayerTable.pdf
https://www.cgsusa.org/wp-content/uploads/HowToSetUpPrayerTable.pdf
“Families are often intimidated by the idea of praying together. “What do we say?” “How do we get the kids to be still for it?” As with other ways of praying together as a family, keeping it short, personal, meaningful and intimate is the best way to help children be attentive and involved…. Its okay and even admirable to sit with your children on your lap or have them next to you with your arms around them during prayer time. Making prayer time a time of close family affection enables God to convey His love for your children through you.” (Discovering God Together - A Catholic Guide to Raising Faithful kids by Dr. Gregory K & Lisa Popcak, pp 77-78).
Always light a candle if you are reading from the Holy Bible. It sets a mood of reverence. Be aware that thanksgiving is the young child’s favorite prayer! A song of “Thank you Lord for giving us (fill in the blank)” is a favorite.
Let the children lead you! Sing their favorite Jesus songs and let each person talk to God from their hearts. (What can we say to Jesus today?) Read the prayer cards that they chose for the table and wonder together at the love of God!
Let the children lead you! Sing their favorite Jesus songs and let each person talk to God from their hearts. (What can we say to Jesus today?) Read the prayer cards that they chose for the table and wonder together at the love of God!
