Pray Me a Story series

SERIES 2

C O M PA S S I O N

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a Story

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A PR AY ER E XP E RI E NCE FOR CHI L DRE N AND ADULT S

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LoyolaPress.

9/24/12 12:00 PM

Welcome!

Loyola Press is passionate about supporting the prayer lives of people of all ages. We welcome you to this innovative yet simple form of imaginative prayer. Our prayer for you is that soon you will hear these words from the children in your life: “Can you pray me a story?”

The following tips are provided to guide your words and actions.

Please read and familiarize yourself with them before beginning your prayer experience.

1.

Set the Stage

2.

Read and Discuss the Story

3.

Get Ready for Prayer

4.

Lead the Meditation

5.

Close

To get the most from the reflection, help the children begin by sharing their own experiences. Allow for one or two minutes of sharing.

Prepare by reading the story to yourself. When you’re ready to share the story aloud, give a brief summary and ask the children to think about how they feel as the story unfolds.

A summary and discussion questions have been provided as a guide for you.

This step helps the children relax and move easily into reflective prayer. Consider dimming the lights or playing calming music.

Pray through the meditation several times before using it with others. Lengthen the pauses for older children; shorten them for younger ones. Always allow sufficient time for the children to reflect and meet God in the silence of their hearts.

Conclude the prayer experience with a simple prayer (for example, Glory Be to the Father) or a short song (for example, Alleluia) that the children know by heart. Use a few gentle words to make the transition from prayer time to your next activity.

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~ pg 1 ~

LoyolaPress.

9/24/12 12:00 PM

Horton Hears a Who! Background for Grown-ups

The answer to the age-old question “Am I my brother’s keeper?” takes on greater urgency in our world today. Showing care and respect for others, especially the most vulnerable, is an attitude to be nurtured and practiced throughout our lives.

1.

Set the Stage Use the questions below as a guide to initiate a conversation about taking responsibility for others.

• Have you ever helped someone younger than yourself learn a new game?

How did that make you feel?

• How do you take care of a pet?

2.

Read and Discuss the Story Before sharing the story aloud, provide a brief summary and ask the children to think about how the story makes them feel. Use this example as your guide.

This is a story about an elephant named Horton. One day he discovers a group of very tiny people who live on a speck of dust in the jungle. Even though other jungle animals tease him and try to trap him, Horton does his best to protect the tiny people from harm. As you listen to the story, think about how you might protect those who need your help.

After reading, discuss the story. Use these questions as your guide.

• Why did Horton feel he had to help the Whos?

• What are some ways you can help others in need?

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~ pg 2 ~

LoyolaPress.

9/24/12 12:00 PM

Also Availa ble

Pray Me a Story—Series 2 Kit Title (Kit contains book and reflection guide)

Kit ISBN

Price

Arnie and the New Kid

3806-2

$8.00

Douglas, the Boy Who Knew God

3807-9

$16.00

Enemy Pie

3808-6

$14.00

Horton Hears a Who!

3809-3

$12.00

The Kissing Hand

3810-9

$15.00

say something

3811-6

$15.00

Pray Me a Story Kit Series 2— Contains all 6 books and all 6 reflection guides

3835-2

$75.00

Kit ISBN

Price

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day

3253-4

$16.00

Chicken Sunday

3254-1

$15.00

The Gift of Nothing

3255-8

$14.00

Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth

3256-5

$16.00

On the Day You Were Born

3257-2

$15.00

A Quiet Place

3258-9

$16.00

The Rainbow Fish

3259-6

$17.00

The Three Questions

3260-2

$16.00

You Are Special

3261-9

$15.00

Pray Me a Story Kit Series 1— Contains all 9 books and all 9 reflection guides

3262-6

$130.00

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LoyolaPress.

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For more information or to order, please call 800-621-1008 or visit www.loyolapress.com.

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Kit Title (Kit contains book and reflection guide)

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Pray Me a Story—Series 1

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9/24/12 12:00 PM

Prepare to Pray in a Whole New Way

ME A S

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Price: $2.00 U.S. ISBN-13: 978-0-8294-3801-7 ISBN-10: 0-8294-3801-7

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It all starts with a story—a children’s story. Each of the six guided reflections in the Loyola Press Pray Me a Story Series 2: Compassion uses a different popular children’s book as a springboard for entering into imaginative prayer. After listening to the story, the child is gently guided into the scene to meet Jesus and prayerfully speak with him as one friend would speak with another. Pray Me a Story is designed for use by catechists, religion teachers, parents, grandparents— anyone who prays with children of any age and wants to lead them into a closer relationship with God.

OLA P R E

~ pg 6 ~

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LoyolaPress.

9/24/12 12:00 PM