Prayer stations for youth take ministry programming to the next level. To nurture teens’ faith, try focused prayer prompts and time for reflection. Young followers of Jesus need to spend time in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. That’s why church youth groups are so vital to spiritual development.
Try these prayer stations for youth to close a meeting, worship service, small group, or Bible study. Another option? Hold a special event devoted to prayer prompts! These 12 versatile stations also work great for a prayer-themed youth retreat or camp. Simply have young people go on a prayer walk from station to station.
No matter which prayer stations for youth you choose, these will deepen teens’ relationship with Jesus. So get creative and try one (or more) of these dozen ideas:
12 Awesome Prayer Stations for Youth
1. Creative Connections
First set up an art station. Then young people can color, draw, or paint while they talk to God. Coloring sheets work well because teens can doodle and draw without feeling pressured to create from scratch. Visual and artistic learners will especially appreciate this station for connecting with God, their Creator.
2. Fishing for People
Hang a large piece of netting from the ceiling or wall. Tell youth this prayer station is aimed at people who don’t yet know Jesus. As kids think of a specific person to pray for, have them bend a chenille stem or piece of yarn into the shape of a Christian fish symbol. They can add their “fish” to the net while praying for those individuals. Plus, they can consider how they might share the Gospel with them. Visual, tactile prayer prompts are highly effective with teens.
3. Pick a Promise
Beforehand, write out promises from the Bible, one per paper slip. These can be from the Old or New Testament. Be sure to have one slip for every youth group member, plus extras for visitors. During the prayer station time, have teens select a promise and read it to themselves. Then they can meditate on what the promise means for them right now. Set out notebooks so kids can journal about the promise too.
4. Shine Like Stars
On a chalkboard or poster, write out this phrase from Philippians 2:15—“Shine among them like stars in the sky.” Set out yellow construction-paper star shapes and pens. Have group members each take a star and write one or more ways they can shine brightly for Jesus in this dark world. Provide prayer prompts, if needed. Hang or attach the stars to create a constellation collage so teenagers can see other people’s ideas.
5. Prayers for Healing
First, cut out a person shape from a large sheet of paper. Also set out sticky notes and pens. For prayer prompts, have kids read Bible passages about healing-related miracles. Then instruct them to jot down prayers for healing—either for others or themselves. They can stick each prayer note to the related body part or on any portion of the person shape.
6. Floating Prayers
Fill a shallow tub or kiddie pool with an inch or two of water. Set out different types and colors of paper, plus scissors and pens. Have kids write down a prayer request or name and then cut and fold the paper into a shape (flowers, hearts, etc.). Next have them set the shape on the water and pray as they watch the request float around. It will slowly unfold before God, who hears and answers all our prayers.
