Wondering Questions
I wonder what a painting of the word trust would look like. Does it feel easier to trust someone you can see or to trust God? Why?
Mimic Prayer
In creative writing, a common exercise is to mimic a poem with a distinctive style as a creative exercise. Using the poem Who Has Seen the Wind by Christina Rossetti as shared to the left, create a prayer, perhaps beginning with
the question, “Who has seen you, O God?” then continuing by lifting up to God the things in the world that you notice that demonstrate God’s presence. Like
Rossetti’s poem, it can be brief but spend time thinking of the things that surround you that can show God in the world as you craft a prayer of praise and trust in God’s presence and goodness. Perhaps you can use your poem as a bedtime prayer this week!
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart.”
As Christians, it’s important (although not easy!) to try to accept our limits; doing the best we can to manage those things that we can control and trusting enough to give the rest to God. While trusting the process can be hard, it is a way to live in the present moment, noticing all the blessings, including the mundane ones, that surround us all. Is it hard to trust? Who do you trust?
Breathe and Be Still
Psalm 46 includes the phrase, “Be still and know that I am God.” Jesus calmed the storm with the words: “Be still” in chapter 4 of Mark’s Gospel.
When feeling anxious or afraid, it can often help to remember to trust God by finding the kind of stillness that scripture reminds us of. When we are still and quiet, we’re better able to tell God what we’re feeling. One practice of our faith that can be done at any time is meditative breathing, sometimes called a breath prayer. To do this (or to help your children do this), find a quiet place
to sit. Get comfortable in your body by relaxing, grounding your feed or sitting on a cushion on the floor. Close your eyes or keep your focus on one item. As you inhale, repeat the words “Be still and know” in your head. As you exhale,
hold the words, “that I am God” in your mind. Continue this through several breath cycles for 2 - 3 minutes. Remember this practice and use it any time you or your child need to be reminded to trust God.
Craft: When I Am Afraid, I Put My Trust in You
Supplies: a jar, paper, and something to write or draw with.
As a family, make a list of things that make you feel scared (Some examples of things people are afraid of include thunderstorms, wild animals, or fighting.)
Have each family member choose one or more items on the list and write the word and/or draw a picture about that scary item on a piece of paper. Once all have completed this, place all the papers in the jar, closing the lid tightly. Now, imagine handing it to God, perhaps closing your eyes, and picture God’s
open hands gently reaching out to you, ready to take the jar and all the fears inside of it from you.
Consider leaving the jar and a pile of paper in a central place in your home and encourage family members to add fears to the jar as needed. Perhaps write out this prayer and stick it to the side of the jar: you, God, for loving me and taking care of my fears. I trust you with them. Amen.
