As we head into the JUBILEE YEAR, it is an important time to focus on prayer with our students and families. In this issue of ECHO we continue to look at forms of prayer.

Prayer Form: Petition

When we offer our petitions in prayer we are asking God to help us. Typically, we are asking God for wisdom, guidance, protection or forgiveness. Offering prayers of petition can be seen in The Psalms. If you are teaching this form of prayer, you may want to refer to Psalms 4, 28, 51, and 85.

Here are some important things to tell children about Prayers of Petition:

• God wants us to know him!
• What we're asking for in prayer matters. God really does want to answer our prayer but God also answers on God's time and in the way that we most need, so persistence in prayer and patience in prayer are important!
• God wants us to bring our problems and worries to him; we can express our sorrow and contrition through prayers of petition and we can also pray for something that is good for another person. Teach participants to include "if it is your will, Jesus" in their prayers.
• Remind participants that prayers are different from wishes. God is no a magic genie.

PRAYER STATIONS for prayers of petition

• Forgiveness Station: (Using washable markers) Have each child write a sin or struggle they have on their hand. Ask them to pray to God and ask forgiveness for that sin and then they can wipe/wash the sin away.
• Burden Basket: Each child will take a rock and write a worry or fear they have. Then they will give God that burden in prayer and place the rock in the basket.
  
• Prayer Request Jar: Provide a container along with small prayers and paper. Participants can write anonymous prayer requests and place them in the jar.

Advent runs from December 1 to December 22 this year. Be sure to bring the season into your setting by having an Advent wreath with battery operated candles in your gathering space. Click on the link below for Advent wreath prayers and encourage families to do the same at home!

This video and the resources below it explain a great way to engage your families all season long with an at-home Jesse Tree. Learn more about how you can engage their domestic churches in the Advent story!

Hope: More than Wishing for a Good Future with presenter Don Smith

2025 has been declared by Pope Francis to be a Jubilee Year with the theme “Pilgrims of Hope.” In preparation for the Jubilee, join us for a look at the theological virtue of hope. We will explore what it truly means to be hopeful. Other topics that we will touch upon are Faith and Love as well as Jubilee and pilgrimage.

Register by clicking the images below:

is a delightful children's book that allows kids to learn about saints all around the world while interacting with a flashlight to see the miracles of the saints come to life on a blank page! It provides a diverse array of saints who represent many different cultures and introduces readers to some unknown saints. As you celebrate the saints in the month of November, consider engaging participants with this enjoyable book! It's not only fun, but it helps them to understand the role of the Holy Spirit in inspiring each of us to live holy lives. Light of the Sacraments is another option by this author!

Share this Advent calendar with families, to connect them to the work of the Missionary Childhood Association (MCA) in the United States!

Bless your Christmas Creche and kick off the Advent season with this children's play and prayer service. Because our gathered time is often limited during the Advent season, it can be a nice way to devote a session to Advent and the Nativity and engage either just children or children with their families!

Find additional resources at the link below:

Debtor in Possession

Email: leslie.barkin@dor.org
Website: oec.dor.org
Phone: (585)328-3210