Thank God for Lent. (And thank God it's coming soon.)
There are a number of areas in my life that need a little "fixing up," but tonight I want to focus on Lent for my middle school religion classroom.
From the start of the year until now, I have been asking students to sign up to lead prayer each day. The 6th grade classes usually show a video, while 7th and 8th grades usually do petitions and prayer.
All was well...for a time. But as of late, prayer has been getting a little out of hand. A number of students (in each of the various classes) have not been treating our prayer time with the reverence it deserves.
And I've been struggling with how to handle this...but I know I need to address it...and soon.
So, as I said before, thank God for Lent. (This is my chance to change it up!)
Here are my thoughts for prayer leader requirements in each grade level - each student will now be required to lead prayer independently (though, they can opt out by not leading prayer at all if they are not comfortable):
8th - Saint of the Day
Since these students are receiving Confirmation next Friday, they each have a Saint name they will be taking, as per the Sacrament requirements. What I envision is each student preparing a short tidbit and/or leading us in a prayer to the Saint on his/her assigned day. My goal in this is that students learn more about their own Saints as well the Saints of their classmates, all the while trying a new prayer experience for Lent.
7th & 6th - Alternate between write your own prayer and Sacred Space
Lent should be a different feel from the routine. As of late, students have fallen into patterns of leading prayer, sometimes for the best and other times for the worst (behavior-wise). Having a bit more structure and a more serious tone should help students better enter into this solemn season. (We may also take some days doing contemplation/mandalas or guided meditation.)
Wish me luck - this overhaul is much needed...
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