Back to School Resources from the SC Bishops’ Public Education Initiative
Blessings of the Backpacks This blessing is suitable for a Sunday before school begins, and may be publicized for several Sundays beforehand. The ritual may be modified to include adults, who could be encouraged in advance to bring their laptops, PDAs, work boots, cell phones, or other tools of their trade. This blessing, however, focuses upon children starting the school year. Have the children come forward at the appointed time, wearing their backpacks. Mark 10:13-16, Romans 12:4-8, or another appropriate scripture passage may be read once the children have gathered. Dear God, as we get ready to start another year in school, we ask your blessing on these backpacks, and especially on these children who will wear them. As they do the very important work of being students, bless them with: eagerness to learn, that their world may grow large; respect for teachers and students, that they may form healthy relationships; love for nature, that they may become caretakers of your creation; happiness when learning is easy and stick-to-it-iveness when it is hard; faith in Jesus as their best teacher and closest friend. We ask that you would protect these, your own children. Watch over them and keep them safe as they travel to and from school. As they learn, help them also to discover the different gifts that you have given each one of them to be used in your work in the world. As they hear the many voices that will fill their days, help them to listen most carefully for your voice, the one that tells them you will love them always, no matter what. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Copyright © 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SB129424. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Blessing the Backpacks is one way to celebrate the return to school. Weeks in advance invite students to bring their backpacks with them the Sunday before school starts. During the service, ask them to come forward with their backpacks. After a few words about going back to school, bless the students and the packs. It is most effective to bless each child and pack one at the time. Put one hand on the student’s head or shoulder and the other on the pack and say a blessing such as: God, bless this bag and the child who will use it. Be with him/her as he/she learns and grows this year. Show him/her how to serve you and help him/her to teach us all about your love. In Jesus’ name. Amen. In large congregations in which it would be unwieldy to bless the students individually during the service, the blessings can be done before and/or after the service. A minister meets, speaks briefly with each child about the coming year and blesses him or her. I heard of one congregation that sponsors a Back to School Festival with face painting, inflatable jump houses, treats, and a booth at which the blessings occur. Some congregations expand this blessing by inviting worshipers of all ages to bring the briefcases, totes, even diaper bags they take with them as they leave home each day for work/activities. The negative side of this is that it horns in on the kid’s back to school celebration. The positive side is that kids with their backpacks connect themselves and their school work with worshipers of all ages and their work. It emphasizes the vocational nature of their schoolwork. ~from Worshipping with Children Blog, Carolyn Brown
The above photo is the cover of the blog Worshipping with Children by Carolyn Brown All other photographs credited to The Episcopal Diocese of Upper South Carolina, Camp AIR 2016
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WORDS: Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, 2015 MUSIC: Trad. Gaelic melody; harm. by Dean McIntyre, 2013
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Words copyright © 2015 Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. Arrangement copyright © 2013 The General Board of Discipleship of The United Methodist Church, PO Box 340003, Nashville TN 37203. Website www.gbod.org/worship . This music may be reproduced and used in worship with the inclusion of the complete copyright citation on each copy. It may not be used for profit, sold, altered, republished, or placed on a website.
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Prayers for Schools Eternal God, bless all schools, colleges, and universities [especially _______________], that they may be lively places for sound learning, new discovery, and the pursuit of wisdom; and grant that those who teach and those who learn may find you to be the source of all truth; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen. Copyright © 2016 Augsburg Fortress. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission under Augsburg Fortress Liturgies Annual License #SB129424. New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
At the Beginning of a New School Year At the beginning of a new school year, O God of wisdom, we offer thanks and praise for the gift of new beginnings and for the opportunity to learn and to wonder. We pray for teachers, students, and staff that this year might be rewarding for all. Be with us as we face the challenge of new tasks, the fear of failure, the expectations of parents, friends, and self. In our learning and our teaching, may we grow in service to others and in love for your world, through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen. (U.S.A., 20TH CENT., ALT.)
For the First Day of School
Dear God, thank you for this new school year and for the opportunity to learn new things. Help me to show you love to the people I’m with each day. Amen.
At the Beginning of the Day
Thanks, God for this new day! Help me remember that no matter what happens, you are with me. Amen.
At the End of the Day
Thanks for being with me today, God! Thank you for the things I learned and the friend I was with. Amen.
For Your Teachers
God, thank you for teachers who work hard to help kids, especially for my teacher (say your teacher’s name(s)). Be with and bless all the teachers at my school. Amen.
For Others Who Work at Your School
Thank you, God, for all the people who work to keep my school clean and safe and fun! Amen. 3, SCBPEI
Commissioning of Teachers and Faculty Litanies and Liturgies Š2004 Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
Commissioning of Church School Teachers The Church School teachers (or all who teach in the congregation and/or wider community) stand before the Celebrant and the congregation: Celebrant: Brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, we are all baptized by the one Spirit into one Body, and give gifts for a variety of ministries for the common good. Our purpose is to commission these persons in the Name of God and of this congregation to the special ministry of teaching. The Celebrant addresses the Director of Christian Education, Church School Coordinator, Senior Warden or other appropriate person: Are these persons whom you present prepared by a commitment to Christ as Lord, by regular attendance at worship, and by their knowledge of their duties, to exercise their ministry to the honor of God, and the well-being of the Church? Presenter: I believe they are. Celebrant (to the teachers): You have been called to a ministry in this congregation. Will you, as long as you are engaged in this work, perform it with diligence? Teachers: I will. Celebrant: Will you faithfully and reverently execute the duties of your ministry to the honor of God, and the benefit of the members of this congregation and its children and youth? Teachers: I will. Celebrant: Let us pray. God of all wisdom and knowledge, give your blessing and guidance to all who teach in your Church, that by word and example they may lead those whom they teach to the knowledge and love of you; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Celebrant: In the Name of God and of this congregation, I commission you as a teacher in this church.
For Those Who Teach Creator, you are the source of all Life, all Truth, and all Beauty. Bless me with FAITH, for wisdom of self is rooted in faith and educated in mind. Bless me with LOVE, a calling to be compassionate in heart to all those I encounter along the path. Bless me with TRUTH, the commitment to a justice gwon from truth and the courage to respond to an ever-changing world. Bless me with PEACE, to witness the unfolding souls of my students as I accompany them along their way. *from Prayers from the Heart by Dr. Jeanne S. Marcato, Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT Š2004 Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
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Prayer of Commitment for Teachers Giver of every good gift, your greatness is glimpsed in the wonder and variety of humanity. Enable us to share our talents freely, humbly and generously, and help us to welcome the gifts of our students graciously and gratefully. God, you who hold us all in your loving hands, gift us with true humility that, in knowing how frail and small we are, we may rejoice even more in the magnitude of your love and the wonders of our own giftedness. We ask this through Jesus and the Spirit. Amen. Š2004 Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut
Collect for Education
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship you and serve you from generation to generation; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 261)
Collect of a Teacher
O God, by your Holy Spirit you give to some the word of wisdom, to others the word of knowledge, and to others the word of faith: We praise your Name for the gifts of grace manifested in your servant N., and we pray that your Church may never be destitute of such gifts; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 248)
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A Back to School Litany Read Luke 2:41-52 One: As we begin this new school year, we give thanks that God has given us the ability to learn many things in many ways. All: We learn in school, but we also learn in church, in our family, in our community, and in the world. All: Learning is a gift from God. One: The Bible tells us that Jesus learned and studied, just as we do. All: And Jesus grew in wisdom. One: We ask God’s blessing on this new school year, that it may be a time when we appreciate and fully use God’s gift of learning. All: We ask God to bless our schools and teachers. One: We ask God to bless our classmates and friends. All: We ask God to bless our principals, counselors, and librarians. One: We ask God to bless those who prepare our lunches, those who drive us to school, and those who keep our schools clean and safe. All: We give thanks to God for books and computers and all the things that help us learn. One: We give thanks to God for the gift of learning! Prayer: Loving God, sometimes a new school year seems exciting or scary or both. Sometimes school is great, and sometimes it is hard. But we know that whether we are excited or scared, you are with us. We know that whether school is great or hard, you are with us. We thank you for always being with us. Help us to remember to show our thanks for your gift of learning by doing our best every day. Amen. ~Carolyn Brown, Worshipping with Children, Discipleship Ministries, 2011, The United Methodist Church
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A Litany with Children for Going Back to School Leader: When it’s the night before going to school, and I’m picking out my clothes and making sure I have all my school supplies… Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: When I’m waking up and eating a healthy breakfast to start the day… Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: When I’m getting on the school bus or being driven to school... Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: When I meet my teachers and new friends in my class… Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: When I’m playing with my friends at recess… Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: When I’m finding the right school bus to ride home… Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: When I’m telling my family about my day at school… Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: When I’m praying at night and thanking God for my family, my friends and my school… Children: Jesus is with me. Leader: Let’s pray together: All: Thank you, Jesus, for always being by my side. I know that if I get nervous or afraid, you will be there with me. When I see the cross on my backpack, I will remember that you are always with me. I know that I can talk with you any time – day or night – and for that I am so thankful. I pray this all in your name. Amen. ~ written by The Rev. Karin Fowler and modified by The Rev. Larry Farris
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A Service for A New School Year by The Rev. David R. Henson, @davidrhenson Arrange chairs in a circle with an offering plate in the center. Pass out two different colors of index cards. Ask participants to spend several minutes reflecting on the coming school year. On one color, have the write down their fears or frustrations; on the other, their dreams and hopes for the year. Once finished, open the space for sharing, but do not press the issue. Pass the offering plate to collect the cards. (Optional) Pass the plate a second time and ask the participants to select on card of each color. If they draw their own, have them draw again. During the calls and responses in the service, have a different leader for each couplet, rotating around the circle.
Litany of Beginnings So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself,* not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. - 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 Leader: It is the beginning of a a new school year, and God is a God of new beginnings and new creations. In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth, new life, blessed it and called it good. People: We give thanks for a new year and for new beginnings. We give thanks that you call us good. Leader: In the beginning, the heavens shone forth a star when our Savior was born. In the beginning of his ministry, the heavens opened up and called him God’s beloved. People: We give thanks that you know our pathways and what it means to be human. We give thanks that you call us your beloved children. O God of new beginnings, new life, and new journeys, you sent Abraham and Sarah into a new land; you led Moses, Aaron and Miriam out of Egypt and into liberation; you led your Son our Savior to earth, to the cross, and into resurrection. Walk with us, we pray, as we enter into a new year, a new path, new opportunities. Amen. Optional Short Reflection
Litany of Difficulties And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A gale arose on the lake, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We are perishing!’ And he said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed. - Matthew 8:23-28 Leader: We will get overwhelmed by tests, homework, and activities, and we will wonder how we will make it through. People: Grant us quiet confidence and calm, bear our stress with us, help us to ask for help when it gets to be too much.
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Leader: Our teachers, parents, and friends will piss us off and frustrate us. They will be unfair, they will hurt us, and they just won’t get what we’re going through. People: Give us peace and rest in the midst of the storms raging around us and inside us. Leader: We will be measured, tested, and judged, and we will be asked to measure our worth in how well we perform, the grades we make, and the friends we have. People: Comfort us in the knowledge that you have already judged us and found us to be good, made us worthy, and called us by name. Leader: We will be tempted to despair and see ourselves as worthless and unlovable. People: When we cannot find our way, remind us that, to you, O God, the darkness is not dark, the night is as light as day, and even if we make our beds in hell, still there you will be beside us. Leader: We will see darkness. We will see it in injustice, hate, exploitation, mean-spiritedness, and bullying of our peers. We will be tempted to join in. People: Give us courage to resist and empower us to be your beloved people: loving others and standing up for the oppressed. Leader: We will want popularity: we will want to fit in, even at the expense of others and we will wish to be people other than ourselves, the people you created us to be. People: Remind us our identity, given in baptism, to be your sons and daughters. Leader: We will want to hold grudges, gripe, and gossip when we are wounded. People: Empower us by your grace to forgive as you have forgiven.
A Gathering of Hopes and Fears Almighty God, to whom our needs are known before we ask: Help us to ask only what accords with your will; and those good things which we dare not, or in our blindness cannot ask, grant us for the sake of your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. ~Book of Common Prayer Cards with fears and frustrations are read aloud or held up in offering plate. Then, the leader says: Leader: These are our prayers, our fears and our frustrations for the year. People: We will bear them with each other. Cards with dreams and hopes are read aloud or are held up in offering plate. Then, leader says: Leader: These are our prayers, our hopes and dreams for the year. People: We will dream them with each other. Leader: In the name of God, we send each other forth with these dreams and fears of our community. People: We pledge to pray with them each day.
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A General Thanksgiving Accept, O Lord, our thanks and praise for all that you have done for us. We thank you for the splendor of the whole creation, for the beauty of this world, for the wonder of life, and for the mystery of love. (Pause for thanksgivings from the group) We thank you for the blessing of family and friends, and for the loving care which surrounds us on every side. (Pause for thanksgivings for friends and family from the group) We thank you for setting us at tasks which demand our best efforts, and for leading us to accomplishments which satisfy and delight us. (Pause for thanksgivings for our tasks) We thank you also for those disappointments and failures that lead us to acknowledge our dependence on you alone. (Pause for thanksgivings for our failures) Above all, we thank you for your Son Jesus Christ; for the truth of his Word and the example of his life; for his steadfast obedience, by which he overcame temptation; for his dying, through which he overcame death; and for his rising to life again, in which we are raised to the life of your kingdom. Grant us the gift of your Spirit, that we may know him and make him known; and through him, at all times and in all places, may give thanks to you in all things. Amen.
Closing Blessing
Live without fear: your Creator has made you holy, has always protected you, and loves you as a mother. Go in peace to follow the good road and may God’s blessing be with you always. Amen. ~from Saint Clare, Enriching Our Worship 1
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Ideas to Explore the Sunday Before School Starts ~more from Worshipping with Children Blog by Carolyn Brown
God is with you every day at school. No matter how good or bad things are going, God will be there. You can count on God’s presence. (consider use of Litany with Children on page 6) Give each child a small symbol to remind them of God’s presence with them at school. It may be a pencil printed with a message, a plastic symbol to clip or tie to their backpack or a sticker to put on or on the inside flap of their backpack. Do check to be sure such things are allowed. Some schools have banned clip-ons because the chains of them children were adding to packs created very real safety hazards. And, some school systems will not allow religious symbols displayed openly. In either case provide something that can be put inside the bag (maybe under the flap) where the student will see it. God loves you always. Other students may cut you out. A teacher may not like you. But, God loves you no matter what. God loves you whether you get As or Fs. Some children go back to school excited about new things and expecting to do well. Other children dread the return to the classroom where they have not done well. Even the academic super-achievers need to be told often that they are not valued for their success. God will love even if, horror of horrors, they get a C. Those at the bottom of the class need to be assured that God loves them as much as the super-achievers. This theme needs to be revisited big time when report cards come out throughout the year. Going to school is your vocation. At school children learn about God’s world and practice skills they will need as they live and work in God’s world. The challenge in school is to identify your gifts and talents and to become the person God created you to be. This is an important vocation. VACATION and VOCATION Display two posters each bearing a large printed word – VACATION and VOCATION. Note the one letter difference in the words. Talk briefly about the summer’s VACATION activities and the joy of not having to perform. Then note that with the return of school, we all take up our VOCATIONS. Define VOCATION, name a few in your congregation, and identify going to school as student’s vocation. Note that there is as much joy in VOCATION as in VACATION. Children are Jesus’ hands and feet at school. They are there on the bus, on the playground, in the cafeteria, and in small work groups in their class. Neither the preacher, their parents, nor anybody else at church can be there. So Jesus is depending on them to stand up for justice and to watch for people who need loving care. Give students a hand or foot ornament or a symbol marked with a cross to put on their backpack to remind them of this task. 11, SCBPEI
Blessing within a Celebration of the Word of God ~from the Catholic Book of Blessings (Blessing of Students and Teachers)
We gather here today to ask God’s blessing on these students and their teachers (as tehy begin the new academic year). Studies are hard, yet the reward is great. They lead to a knowledge of the world and of God. May God enlighten our hearts and minds as we listen now to the world of God. A reader, another person present, or the minister reads a text of sacred Scripture Brothers and sisters, listen to the words of the book of Sirach, 6:32-37 If you are willing to listen you will learn. If you wish, you can be taught; if you apply yourself, you will be shrewd. If you are willing to listen, you will learn; if you give heed, you will be wise. Frequesnt the company of the elders; whoever is wise, stay close to him. Be eager to hear every godly discourse; let no wise waying escape you. If you see a man of prudence, seek him out; let your feet wear away his doorstep! Reflect on the precepts of the Lord, let his commandments be your constant meditation; Then he will enlighten your mind, and the wisdom you desire he will grant. Look upon these teachers. Let them strive to share their knowledge with gentle patience and endeavor always to bring the truth to eager minds. Grant that students and teachers alike may follow Jesus Christ, the way, the truth and the life, for ever and ever. Amen.
Intercessions The intercessions are then said. The minister introduces them and an assiting minister or one of those present announces the intentions. From the following those best suited to the occasion may be used or adapted, or other intentions that apply to the particular circumstances may be composed. 12, SCBPEI
Minister: God is the source of all wisdom and knowledge. Let us ask him to bless those who seek to learn and their teachers. People: Fill us with your wisdom, Lord. Assisting Minister: For students (as they begin this new school year), that the Spirit of God may grant them the gifts of wisdom and understanding, let us pray to the Lord. People: Fill us with your wisdom, Lord. Assisting Minister: For teachers, that they may share their knowledge with gentleness, patience, and concern for their students, let us pray to the Lord. People: Fill us with your wisdom, Lord. Assisting Minister: For those who seek knowledge of the tings of this world, that they may always pursue God’s wisdom, let us pray to the Lord. People: Fill us with your wisdom, Lord. Assisitng Minister: For parents, the first teachers of their children, that their faith and love may be an example to us always, let u pray to the Lord. People: Fill us with your wisdom, Lord.
Prayer of Blessing A minister who is a priest of deacon says the prayer of blessing with hands outstretched over the students and teachers; a lay minist says the prayer with ahnds joined. Lord our God, in your wisdom and love you surround us with the mysteries of the universe. In times long past you sent us your prophets to teach your laws and to bear witness to your undying love. You sent us your Son to teach us by word and example that true wisdom comes from you alone. Send your Spirit upon these students and their teachers and fill them with your wisdom and blessings. Grant that during this academic year they may devote themselves to their studies and share what they have learned from others. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Questions Children Obsess About the Week Before School Will I like my teacher/s? Will my teacher/s like me? Will I like the other kids in my class? Will my friends be in my class? Will kids who were a pain last year be in my class again? • the kid who was constantly picking on you and making fun of me? • the kid who always out-spelled me, counted further, and made a higher grade? • the kid I just did not like and hated to be around? Will I be able to do the work? Will this be the year I flunk? Will it be fun?
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Back to School Prayer Stations ~from the Center for Youth Ministry Training by Steph Dodge It’s a new school year, and these Back to School Prayer Stations can help your students process their worries and excitement, and prepare them to start a new year. Open the service with the Back to School liturgy from The Book of Uncommon Prayer 2 or with one of the liturgies suggested above, then invite your students to go through these four prayer stations. See the prayer stations on the pages below.
Supplies: • • • • • •
Alka-Seltzer tablets – one for each student Sharpies a few glasses of water Scrabble game Play-Doh – enough for each participant Give each station plenty of space so that your students are not crowded. If possible, use multiple rooms or one large room. The “Take What You Need” pages (3-8) should be cut so that each “need” can be pulled off by the student.
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1. Worries What worries do you have for the upcoming school year? Are you worried about grades? Are you worried about the amount of schoolwork you will have? Are you worried about who your friends will be? Are you worried about boys or girls? Are you worried about your future? What college you will attend? Are you worried about if you will make the sports team or the band/choir/orchestra or the drama team? Whatever your worries, take a pen and write something to symbolize those worries on an AlkaSeltzer tablet. Read Matthew 6:25-34. After reading the passage, drop the tablet in the water and watch as it starts to dissolve. Spend a moment asking for God to give you peace about the things that worry you.
2. School Supplies What do you need to start the school year? Each year we buy new pens, pencils, notebooks, and backpacks. Those things can only do so much for us. What do you need to really thrive at school this year? What do you need to show God’s love to the other students, staff and teachers at your school? Matthew 7:7-8 says, “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.” Spend some time talking to God about your needs this year. Then take what you need, knowing that God is faithful to provide for those who ask.
What do you need? No matter how smart, popular, good-looking, funny, etc. you are, you can’t do it all on your own. What do you need to make this year a successful year in school? God says,“do not fear, for I am with you, do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) Spend some time in prayer talking to God about what you need. Then take what you need, knowing that God is faithful to provide for all of our needs. Feel free to take something extra for a friend in need.
3. Set Apart “..as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct; for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:15-16)
In school and in life, it is easy to just be another face in the crowd. But God calls us to be set apart. God calls us to be holy just as God is holy. How will you set yourself apart this year as a child of God at your school? Use the Play-Doh to create a representation of how you will be set apart. Ask God to walk with you on your journey this school year.
4. School Prayers What prayers do you have for your school this year? In what ways would you like to see God working on your campus? Use the Scrabble tiles to spell out words that represent your prayers. As others come they can build on your prayers with words of their own.