Table of Contents
Acknowledgments 9
Introduction 11
Part 1 Leader Practices
Chapter 1 Being Called to Leadership 19
Why?
Am I a Youth Leader?
Being Called
Calling Me, Calling You
Litany of Call
Your Deepest Gifts
Personal Statement of Youth Ministry
Dealing with Doubt and Fear
A Life of Service
Prayer of Commitment
So You Finally Get to Look at What!
Chapter 2 Deepening Leadership 39
What Do I Believe?
Jesus in My Life
Finding Your Story
The Bible
How Do I Practice?
An Appointment with God
Mentors and Friends
What Other Worlds Do You Sing in?
Sabbath
Retreat
Chapter 3 Practicing God with Youth 55
Making a Space Sacred
Engaging the Senses in Your Space
Setting Up a Spiritual Practices Experience
Integrating a Practices Session into a Service
Part 2 Youth Practices
Chapter 4 Engaging the Senses 73
Mindfulness
Creation Prayer
Prayer Table for the Youth Room
Prayer Niche
Candle Meditation
Christ Candle
Advent Candles
Visual Art Gallery
Slide Show
Icons
Works of Art
Watching Films
Tasting Life
Savouring Scent
Hearing
Chillin' to Sound
Laughter
Greeting the Day
Touching Strong and Solid Love
Anointing with Water or Oil
Chapter 5 Word Practices 107
The Still Small Voice
Silence
Guided Meditation
Lectio Divina
Reading Children's Stories
Reading the Bible Every Day
Modern Day Words of Wisdom
Prayer Graffiti
Prayer Poetry
Prayer Journal
Poetry Night
Write a Letter to God
Anonymous Prayer
Repeating God's Name
Conversation with God in Your Dreams
Best Thing/Worst Thing
Reflection
Gratitude
First Thing/Last Thing Prayer
Chapter 6 Visual Arts and Crafts 133
Drawing aResponse
God Boxes
Prayer Bundles
Prayer Flags
Prayer Beads
Prayer Cloths
Knitting
Prayer Shawls
Quilting
Collage
Photography
Film Making
Drawing Icons
Mandalas
Scrapbooking
Chapter 7 Body and Movement 155
Breath Practices
Breath Meditation
Movement Practice
Prayer Poses
Healing Touch
Dance Church
Joy Balloons
I Bow Down
Wilderness Practice
Prayer in the Rock
Labyrinth
Mindful Walking
Pilgrimage around Your Church
Symbol of the Cross
Making the Sign of the Cross
Chapter 8 Compassion 181
I Was Thirsty
The Ripple Effect
Light a Candle
Praying for the World
Peace Walk
Welcoming the Stranger
Random Acts
Forgiveness
Scripture Reflection on Forgiveness
Letting Go into Forgiveness at the End of Each Day
Addressing Suffering with Prayer, Service Learning
Serving the World
Circle of Compassion
Prayer of Compassion for One Country
Embracing Hope
Chapter 9 Together in Community 203
Welcome
Gathering in Community around a Table
Saying Grace
Community Meal
Mindful Eating
Where Does Your Food Come from?
Baking Bread
Communion
Agape Meal
Deep Listening
Laying on of Hands
Appreciation
Sabbath
Presente
Remembrance Service
Heart to Heart
Footwashing/Handwashing
Twenty Days of Gratitude
Thanksgiving Feast
Passing the Peace
Chapter 10 Worship Services 235
Who Do You Say That I Am?
Water Is Life
Jesus Calling
Spirit Found in Stillness
The Catacombs
Sharing Bread and Juice
Follow Me
Campfire at Night
Outdoor Peace Vigil
In Closing 253
A Few Prayers 254
Resources 256
