Prayer Band
We believe that prayer is really important. As we pray, we build a relationship with God – as we talk and take time to listen. The prayer band that you made at Drop-In is a reminder to pray everyday. It helps us to remember 6 different types of prayer and your challenge each day is to complete the circle – all 6 prayers each day.
The Prayer Band has five different coloured beads, and a small silver cross. Each marks an approach to prayer drawn from Christian tradition and the Bible.
Confession – is a prayer where we acknowledge and turn away (repent) from our sins. Through these prayers of confession, we come clean with God about our mistakes and our need for God’s grace and forgiveness.
“God, I’m sorry for… Help me to do better and to choose what is right.”
Praise – is when we acknowledge who God is and what He has done. We are thankful for God’s blessings in our lives and we recognise God’s character and what it means for us as Christians.
Thank God for who he is… loving, infinite, never changes, all powerful, all knowing, always everywhere, wise, faithful, good, just merciful, gracious, holy, glorious…
Our world – Prayer isn’t just for our own needs or the people closest to us. As Christians we pray for the planet and for people all over the world, especially those caught up in suffering, war, persecution and injustice.
Pray for the world around you, pray for big issues – conflict, poverty, climate change, natural disasters etc.
Friends and family – We pray for those we share our lives with – at home, at school or college, in our church and community. We pray for those we love and care about, and we pray about any relationships that are difficult or painful.
Tell God what your family needs. Ask God to provide. Pray for your school, your community, people in your sports teams. Pray for friends, even when friendships are tough.
Me – We pray for ourselves and our own needs. Not just the practical needs we have, but the decisions we have to make, the ways we want to change and grow, and the kind of person we want to become. Sometimes we simply tell God how we feel, knowing he will understand.
If you realise that you need Jesus in your life and want to give your life to Him, you can use this prayer below as a template. Romans 10:9-10 helps us understand praying for salvation (saving us from sin and its consequences—which include death and separation from God).
God, I know that I have not always lived for you, and I have sinned in ways I probably don’t even know yet are sins. I know that you have plans for me, and I want to live in those plans. Please forgive me for the ways I have sinned and turned my back on you.
I am choosing now to accept you, Jesus, into my heart. Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross. For how you died and rose on the third day so I can have eternal life.
Fill me with the Holy Spirit so that I can live as you want me to. Help me to overcome temptations and no longer let sin control me. As best I can, I put myself, my life and my future, in your hands. Work in my life and guide me so that I continue to live for you for the rest of this life.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Listening to God – Prayer is two-way communication so it means we also stop to listen to God. He speaks in different ways to us – through the Bible, through others or simply in our own hearts and minds. Prayer isn’t complete without space for God to speak.
Building your prayer band
You will need:
Bracelet string;
Up to 36 black beads;
5 coloured beads (same colours as above);
1 cross bead:
QR Code or instructions to remind you how to use it.
- Tie a knot in one end of the string.
- Put the cross onto the string, followed by (up to) 6 black beads, 1 pink bead, (up to) 6 black beads, 1 yellow bead, (up to) 6 black beads, 1 green bead, (up to) 6 black beads, 1 purple bead, (up to) 6 black beads, 1 blue bead, (up to) 6 black beads.
- Tie the band together, cutting off any remaining excess string.