To print, download this activity as a Word document.
You'll need:
-
a Bible with Wisdom 9:9-11 marked so a reader can find it easily
-
a reader who has practiced reading aloud Wisdom 9:9-11
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to make copies of a prayer card for each person (see below)
-
a song about the Holy Spirit that everyone knows or can easily learn (either
printed on a sheet or in the hymnal that your church uses—a copy for each
person)
-
a version of Psalm 104 that all can sing, or at least the refrain, “Lord,
send forth your spirit, and renew the face of the earth.”
-
a cantor (singer) who has rehearsed to sing the verses of Psalm 104 or a reader
who has practiced to read them
-
any instruments that anyone can play
-
a large candle
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small candles, one for each person
-
optional: a poster of Holy Wisdom. Download the
image of Wisdom here
and print it on a
large sheet of paper, or have a copyshop enlarge it.
-
optional: a small oscillating fan, a set of wind chimes that tinkle on the soft
side, and depending on where you are meeting, you may need a broom handle, two
chairs, and an extension cord
- refreshments
To make the prayer card:
- Download and print the Word document " Prayer Cards ". Copy the two pages back-to-back on cardstock or other heavy paper.
- Cut into individual cards. Make enough for the entire group.
Step by Step
- Start the school year out right by praying together for the Holy Spirit to inspire your studying, working, and gathering together.
- Set chairs in a circle. In the middle of the circle set a table with a large lit candle, small candles for everyone, the Bible, and the prayer cards.
- Optional, but fun: Somewhere in the room, in a place where they will be heard, but not seen, set up the wind chimes and the fan. If possible, hang the chimes from the ceiling in a corner, and point the fan up at them. If not, set two chairs a few feet apart from each other. Lay the broom handle across the two seats. Hang the chimes from the broom handle. Position and point the fan at the chimes. Have this ready before the group enters the room so that all can hear (but, ideally, not see) the chimes.
- Optional, but cool: Hang up the poster of the image of Holy Wisdom that you made.
- Make sure that the reader(s), singer(s), and instrumentalists all have their texts and know what to do when.
- When the group has gathered, practice the songs. Divide the group into two groups, I and II. (This could be left side and right side of the circle, men and women, etc., but make sure that the groups are of about equal size.)
- Remind the group that the Spirit of God moves among us, even though we cannot see the Holy Spirit. If you set up the chimes: remind everyone that in the Bible, the blowing wind is a sign of the Spirit's presence. Invite everyone to take a moment of silence and listen to the wind chimes.
- Have those playing instruments begin singing Psalm 104, "Lord, send forth your spirit." Sing or say three of the verses between the refrains.
- The instrumentalists can keep playing softly after the last refrain. The reader stands and reads the Wisdom reading from the Bible.
- After the reading, sing the psalm refrain again, and three more verses.
- Invite people to think for a moment: What is one thing that you would ask Holy Wisdom to help you accomplish this school year? Go around the circle and share your hopes. Allow people to pass if it is too personal to share.
- Pass out the prayer cards and small candles.
- Ask all to stand and pray the prayer to the Holy Spirit on the back of the card. Groups I and II say their parts as marked. You as leader can say the "Let us pray" part.
- As you start the prayer, when you get to the line "And kindle in us the fire of your love," light your small candle from the larger candle and share the flame with the persons next to you. They share with those next to them.
- Standing with lit candles, sing the song to the Holy Spirit that you prepared.
- Tell all to take the prayer cards home and put them somewhere that will remind each of us to pray throughout the year.
- Invite all to blow out their candles and share a sign of peace.
- Share some refreshments.
