Here are the prayer stations that we had the chance to experience for All Saints Day at church. You can adapt them for your own devotions.
We are Called
“Come to me, you who are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” –Matthew 11:28
Every Sunday morning, the bells call us to worship. Whether you are aware of it or not, we believe that the Holy Spirit called you to be here today. As you arrive at church this morning, what are you bringing with you? It might be a certain attitude, or worry, or joy. It might be exciting, or sad, or distracting.
Write one of those things on the paper table cloth, place your hand on it, and choose one of singing bowls to ring. As you listen to the sound of the bowl, offer whatever it is that you are bringing with you today to Jesus. Jesus will receive it, and help you bear it, and give you rest during this time of prayer.
We are Gathered
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to throw away stones, and a time to gather stones together. –Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 5
We believe that it is almost impossible to believe on your own. Because of this, the Holy Spirit gathers us into communities of faith. Each of us brings our own gifts and talents, our own abilities and experiences, and the sum total of these gifts shapes us into a marvelous whole. What do you have to offer to the gathering of the saints on earth?
Choose a stone. You might write a word or draw a simple picture on the stone with a paint marker, or simply your name. Hold it in your hand as it dries, and pray a breath prayer: (Exhale) Use (Inhale) Me. When it is dry, add it to the container of stones as a visual reminder of our gathering (you may take it with you after worship today).
We are Enlightened
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. –Matthew 5:16
Today is All Saints Sunday. Who are the saints in your life? They may be living or dead, a fond memory or a brand-new relationship forged in hope. Anyone who has helped you to see the light of Christ is a saint of God for you, no matter their age, ability, or background.
Choose a candle (or two or three) to represent each of the saints that are on your heart and mind today. Turn them on and place them on the communion railing. You can sit in the front bench, focus on your candles, and take a few moments to pray in thanksgiving for your saints. Ask God to enlighten you, that you might also be a saint in the lives of others.
We are made Holy
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. –1 Peter 2:9
As Lutherans, we believe that God makes us holy through the two sacraments of Holy Baptism and Holy Communion. We believe that Holy Baptism is a once and for all promise that God makes to us which saves us in this life from sin, death, and the power of the devil, and for eternal life with God and lovingkindness toward our neighbor. This gift is renewed daily, and gives us a fresh start, over and over again our whole life long.
Take a moment to remember your own baptism. You might dip your fingers in the water of the baptismal font and trace a cross on your forehead, or in the sweet-smelling oil of healing and do the same. If someone else is at this station with you, you might ask them to trace the cross on your forehead and say “Remember that you are baptized and made holy by God.”
We are Kept & Sent
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. –Numbers 6:24-26
Although we are called, gathered, enlightened, and made holy in community with one another, we cannot stay here forever. We are called back out into the world with the promise that God will go with us, wherever we are sent.
Take a few moments to conclude your time in prayer and listen to where God is calling you next. You might sit on a nearby bench with your palms cupped in your lap, asking God to continue to fill your spirit with peace. You might pray the Lord’s Prayer with body, mind, and mouth. You might just take a final moment to savor the quiet. Take the provided leaflet with you, and use it in the coming week to sustain your faith until we gather again.
Take Home Leaflet: All Saints Take Home Sheet 18
Good God Ideas 