Creative prayer stations ideas can take your youth ministry programming to the next level. Focused prayer prompts and time for reflection are sure to help grow kids’ faith.
Young followers of Jesus need to spend time engaged in prayer, Bible study, and fellowship. That’s why church youth groups are so vital to teenagers’ spiritual development.
These 12 prayer stations ideas work well to close a youth meeting, worship service, small-group meeting, or Bible study. Another option is to hold a special event devoted solely to prayer prompts. The 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.
Which prayer stations ideas you use and how you adapt them for your group is up to you. But no matter which you choose, these powerful options are sure to deepen teens’ relationship with Jesus.
12 awesome prayer stations ideas & prayer prompts
1. Creative Connections
Set up an art station so young people can color, draw or paint while they talk to God. Coloring sheets work well because teens can doodle and draw without feeling the pressure to create something 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—and consider how they might share the good news of the Gospel with them. Visual, tactile prayer prompts are highly effective with teens.
3. Pick a Promise
Beforehand, write out a bunch of promises from the Bible, each on a separate paper slip. These can be from both the Old and New Testaments. Be sure to have one slip for every youth group member, as well as extras for visitors. During the prayer station time, have teens select a promise and read it to themselves. Then they can spend a few minutes meditating on what the promise means for them right now. Set out notebooks so kids can journal about the promise, if desired.
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
Beforehand, cut out a person shape from a large sheet of newsprint. 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 for 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 writing instruments. 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 their request float around and slowly unfold before God, who hears and answers all our prayers.
