Here's another look at a prayer aid my kids and I used when first learning Contemplative or Centering prayer. This is a short lead through the prayer and suitable for younger kids, but charming for the tweens and teenagers, as well.
With kids, seeing these moments through (over and over, again) helps the parent pray-er over time notice patterns. Can I see who my child is really becoming based on responses to this prayer on a "regular" day vs a hectic day? My idea of a completed prayer for myself or my kids might just be the problem itself. Am I willing to persist and let the kid(s) engage their invitation to prayer in the unique way God is calling?
This sketch is unfinished and rough. However, there are hints of what is to come where the lines are short, smudged, or quite different in shape than those surrounding. These rough designs are symbolic of Contemplative Prayer with kids; imagine my surprise when the in-house artist who sketched this piece proclaimed it was finished. I paused ready to contradict this claim, my thoughts racing with ideas of "you are tired and need to break, but finish it later" or "add some color."
Imagine my surprise when a slightly less than still, peaceful Contemplative Prayer was rough and unfinished. I have a disagreeing feeling inside of myself though the child triumphantly proclaimed "done" afterwards, as if something grand happened...
So, here's the question: how do I know something grand did NOT happen? I don't know. God the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost invited the child to prayer, I supported, and, guess what... I do not get to overhear the conversation, or judge. To me, this just might be part of the unique journey created for my child, myself, and God.
Deep calls to deep...in the noise of your waterfalls...
Commentaires