Christian Practices
God isn’t just with us during worship services and devotions – he’s present all the time! Helping students understand this can bring them a sense of security and bless your day as well.
Beginning and ending the day
You may like to incorporate a small routine to start the day in your space. This can be very simple. You could use a pattern of greeting as students arrive:
“Good morning [name], God bless your day!”
“Hi [name]! The Lord be with you.”
( possibly with the response pattern “Hi [name of teacher]! And also with you.”
Alternatively, you could have a praise song playing as students arrive, or begin the day with a song. This might be especially helpful if you don’t have devotions first thing in the morning.
At the end of the day, as students are packing up or before you dismiss them, you could similarly have a pattern of farewell.
“God be with you, [name]! See you tomorrow!”
“Jesus loves you [name]! “
Mealtime Prayers
Mealtime prayer (also known as table grace or grace) is a great Christian practice which focus on giving thanks for the blessings we have received from God, including the meal we are about to eat.
Mealtime prayers are normally said just before eating. Teachers may lead them or students could take turns. There are many mealtime prayers which are sung or spoken together as a group.
A mealtime prayer is suggested for every Bible Story Resource.
Examples
Come Lord Jesus and be our guest and let this food to us be blessed. Amen.
Lord God, heavenly Father, bless us and these gifts you have given us, which we enjoy from your bountiful goodness, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen. (from Luther’s Small Catechism)
For what we are about to receive, may the good Lord make us truly thankful. Amen
Lord, bless this food to our use and ourselves to your service, and keep us ever-mindful of the needs of others. In Christ’s name we ask this, Amen
God is great, God is good; let us thank him for our food. Amen.
Thank you for the world so sweet,
Thank you for the food we eat,
Thank you for the birds that sing,
Thank you God for everything.
Amen.
Useful Links
Thank You Jesus for this Food… Lutheran Tract Mission – 26 Table Graces in a colourful leaflet. Good for Primary school altars.
Other Christian Practices
Caring Conversations
Pray with and for your students, and talk to them about their lives and their concerns. Nothing beats genuine care for another person.
Resources from GROW Ministries
Grow Ministries resource for youth and young adults are designed to encourage young people to journey in faith together and assist them in discussing a range of topics. There are four volumes available. They are designed to create a very open discussion platform. No pre-reading or planning is required. Created to be as flexible as needed or they can be followed as prescribed.
Topics include:
- What is church?
- What does faith do?
- Can we earn our way to God’s love?
- Why do bad things happen?
- What are your spiritual gifts?
Acts of service
Putting our faith into action and showing compassion for those in need is a fundamental part of Christian life. While service can be a part of both devotions and worship, look for opportunities to make this a part of the regular life of the school.
Hospitality
Similar to Service, offering hospitality (a warm welcome, sharing food and other good things) to each other and to the wider community is an outpouring of the love and hope we have. Look for chances to welcome and include others in the life of your learning community.
This could include special occasions such as inviting members of supporting congregations to join in worship and stay for morning tea, Grandfriend’s Day, orientation and welcome activities for new students/families, inviting in special guests.
Prayer
Prayer is an ongoing Christian practice, which can be individual, small group or communal. You can find resources for specific prayer practices such as prayer journalling and Christian meditation on the Invocations, Prayers and Blessings page.