Heart Prayer During Lent

by Lucille Perrotta Castro

When we pray, we “connect” with God; we become aware of God's presence within us. One spiritual writer comments that we can think of our own heart as God's “family room within us”. What a beautiful image of a place where we can just relax with God!

The following prayer starters, based on weekly Sunday Scripture readings during Lent, are intended to help you guide a child - or yourself- in some heart prayer. The wording can be adapted for children as young as three years of age.

A good time for heart prayer is often the “quiet time” before your child goes to sleep. You might want to read the Scripture first, so that you can tell the Jesus story in your own words. Then, look at the Scripture comment and the prayer starters, close your eyes, invite God into your heart, and be at home - you, your child and God- for a few minutes!

Above: detail from a painting by Harriet Backer