“God, we ask that you be with each person in this class during the upcoming week.” The children jump up and immediately begin high-fiving one another while saying each person’s name. Each child shares a high-five with every other child in the class before sitting down again. When the last child sits down, the entire class shouts, “Amen.”
Has the teacher lost control of this class? No, the children have just prayed for one another.
Who says praying for one another has to be boring? As children get older, they begin to become more hesitant about giving hugs or touching one another, especially those of the opposite sex. (At some point, of course, most of them overcome this inhibition…) Shaking hands, a traditional method of passing the peace in many churches, seems formal to children. High-fives, on the other hand, are a fun thing. This makes giving a high-five a useful tool in encouraging children to pray for one another.
Encourage the children to really focus on each person as they say his or her name and share a high-five. You could even suggest that they think the words, “God be with you,” with each clap of hands. Use this method occasionally, or make it a regular part of your closing reflection and worship time. Who knows, the next time one of the children high-fives a friend to congratulate him or her or as a greeting, a prayer may also be lifted up.
~Sally Hoelscher