Livin’ on a P.R.A.Y.E.R
How to make your Religion class fun and engaging for students and teachers too!
Prayer
R A Y E R
Reconciliation
Adoration
Yes be yes
Eucharist Remember God’s Word
P
Prayer
• Rosary (memorizing the Mysteries):
• Joyful Mysteries to the tune of “Do your ears hang low?” – “The Annunciation, The Visitation, The Birth of Jesus, The Presentation, The Finding of Jesus at the Temple- The Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary!
• Intercessory (who can you ask to pray for you, be specific in what you need prayer for)
• Prayer intentions before each class or keep a running list
• Designate a student prayer leader daily/weekly
• Give examples of how you use prayer in personal life
• Candles in church
Reconciliation
• Power in recognizing sin and asking for forgiveness
• Free will to make choices
• Conscious decision to not repeat the sin
• Say Act of Contrition each day at end of day or end of class
• My God, I am sorry for my sins with all my heart. In choosing to do wrong and failing to do good, I have sinned against you whom I should love above all things. I firmly intend, with your help, to do penance, to sin no more and to avoid whatever leads me to sin. Our savior, Jesus Christ, suffered and died for us. In His name, my God, have mercy. Amen.
• One idea used at Saint James Catholic School in Savannah, GA, is making salt clay wrapped felt hearts. Bake the clay with the felt heart inside. After the first time receiving the sacrament of First Reconciliation, allow students to break away the clay and keep the felt heart. This symbolizes breaking away from sin and having a clean heart. Students can pin the felt heart to their shirt afterwards.
Adoration
• Can you take your students?
• Show virtually if cannot attend in person
• Consider recreating Adoration in your classroom or building
• Chapel at most parishes is open for visitors
• “Jesus, I trust you”
Yes be Yes
•Let Your Yes Mean Yes and Your No Mean No – Matthew 5:34-37
•Catholic.net: “So help me God.” When we swear on God to help us, it should be with the sincere intention of asking for God’s help. Just as President’s are sworn into office or people in a courtroom place their hand on a Bible- they are calling on God to help them to be true to their word. This can lead into a discussion of not taking God’s name in vain (Commandment #2)
•10 Commandments- if we memorize the 10 Commandments, we have an idea of how to live our life in God’s will.
•Teach a 10 Commandments Song/Rap
• First, I must honor God,
Second, honor His Name,
Third, on His day be holy, this will be my aim.
Fourth, I must be obedient,
Fifth, be kind and true,
Sixth, be pure in all I say and see and hear and do.
Seventh, I must be honest
Eighth, be truthful in all things I say
Ninth, be pure in mind and heart and all I think and desire each day.
Tenth, I must be satisfied, not be jealous come what may
These are God's Ten Commandments, These I must obey.
https://youtu.be/h1OLkOUtodg
Eucharist
• Every class remind of the true presence of Christ in the Eucharist- KEY TO OUR FAITH
• “Amen” means “I believe”- each time we receive the Body of Christ we are professing our belief in the true presence of Jesus.
• Practice receiving with Nilla wafers or oyster crackers in the classroom.
• Hold hands in a cradle for Jesus. Dominant hand on top to carefully place Jesus on your tongue. (Or cross hands over chest)
• A prayer of Thanksgiving after receiving: (tune of Away in a Manger)
Be near me Lord Jesus, I ask you to stay. Close by me Forever and love me I pray. Bless all of us children in your Loving care. And bring us to Heaven to live with thee there.
Remember God’s Word
• Are you able to get a class set of Bibles?
• Genesis 1:1- In the beginning God created the Heavens and the earth.
• John 13:31- Love one another.
• Nehemiah 8:10- The joy of the Lord is my strength. (Praise song by Rend Collective)
• John 3:16- For God so loved the world, He gave his one and only son.. (tune The Farmer and the Dell)
• Numbers 6:24 May the Lord bless and keep you. (tune:The More We Sing Together)
Student made matching games for learning the Luminous Mysteries
8th Grade
Idea:…
Have handwritten Bible verses hung around your school and classroom. Consider small prizes when verses are memorized.
