Exploring Prayer: A 4-Week Series

This series explores prayer as words, actions, presence, and art. Prayer is woven into every aspect of life. It moves beyond words, encompassing action, presence, and artistry as a way of connecting and co-creating with God. We invite young people to enter into different dilemmas through study, questions, and activities that help them discover prayer as life itself.

Details:

4 lesson plans and student handouts (PDF format)
Leader’s guide for activities and discussions
Social media and keynote graphics

$40.00

Weekly Summaries

Week 1 – More Than Words

Begin by looking at prayer as words. This session moves prayer from just something we say to something we become. Your group will shift their thinking about prayer from requests of God aligning with what they want to aligning themselves with God’s “will be done.” Prayer is not just about our communication with God; it’s a way God communicates with us and through us.

Scripture – Matthew 6:9-13

Week 2 – Beyond Amen

Focus on prayer as action. Prayer is not just spoken—it compels us to move. This will help young people consider that prayer moves something in us, in others, and in the world around us. Our “Amen” isn’t a way to wrap our prayers up in a bow but a benediction that sends us into the world.

Scripture – James 5:13-20

Week 3 – Prayer As Presence

Explore prayer as presence and discuss the unique spiritual practices that help bring people into God’s presence. Participants will experience different ways of praying that cultivate presence with God, including Lectio Divina, a creative (colorful) meditation, Praying in Color, and a Labyrinth. It recognizes that sometimes words fail, and prayer is an opportunity to simply be with and in God’s presence.

Scripture – 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18

Week 4 – Prayer As Art

Like poetry, music, and painting, prayer is an expression of the soul’s deepest longings and praises. This final session aims to guide your group, engaging in the artfulness of prayer. This is an intersection of creativity and spirituality, inviting participants to experience prayer through artistic expressions that transcend language and lead to deeper encounters with God.

Scripture – Philippians 4:4-7

Testimonials

“Holy Disruptions is everything I've wanted in a youth group curriculum! It engages our teenagers' questions and ideas without offering overly simplified answers.”

- Laurel Capesius, Director and Campus Minister at Winthrop Wesley Foundation

“Holy Disruptions gave our leaders a teaching foundation while also creating and fostering space for our students to do their own theological exploration.”

- Nathan Wheeler, Youth Ministry and Young Adult Coordinator, Cumberland Presbyterian Church

“This material has allowed students to process through what God is teaching and speaking to them.”

- Kelsey Fisher, Program Coordinator, City Service Mission

What makes Holy
Disruptions different?

Holy Disruptions series are designed to delve into the unique experiences of today’s youth, spark deep theological reflection, and foster transformative discussions. Our three-part methodology empowers students to align with God’s vision and desires for the world.

Interruption

Facilitate a disorienting experience – where students are most receptive to growth.

Reflection

Invite students to investigate their reaction to the disorienting moment.

Holy Disruption

Ask students to explore what God says about it.