This activity can be used for many different prayer subjects - especially when praying for others.
But here, we will be using it to pray for different countries 'overseas' where it is illegal and dangerous to be a christian.
The activity is designed for groups of children in a children's church setting, but can be adapted for families.
This subject is not suitable for younger groups.
You Will Need:
- Rubber ducks - one per child (Or more)
- A waterproof marker pen
- A square watertight container (We used cheap cat litter trays)....
- Or if you want to be really adventurous - a paddling pool instead!
Prepare:
- Before the children arrive, write the name of the different countries, where being a christian is hard, on the bottom of the ducks. EG: North Korea, Iran, China etc.
- Fill your container (or paddling pool) with water.
- Before you do the activity, talk with the children about Christians who live in countries where they could be put in prison or harmed for loving Jesus.
- Maybe read a story of someone who has escaped one of these countries.
- It's very important to be sensitive about how we talk it through - be age appropriate.
Ponder:
How should we pray for people who are in danger of prison or being harmed because they believe in Jesus?
Instructions:
- Put the ducks in the water.
- Depending on the size of the container/pool, the children can either flick the duck with a finger, push the duck or blow the duck. (All must do the same method for fairness).
- The duck that reaches the other side first gives the country to pray for.
- Children can pray for the country, remembering what they thought about in the 'pondering' time.
- You can do this as many times as you want!
Another idea: If you can find a 'hook a duck' game, this idea would work with this prayer activity too!
Always remember to let parents and carers know what you are discussing with the children, as some children may want to talk further and process what they have heard.
For more ideas, go to 'Open Doors'.
©2023. Kay Morgan-Gurr. Pondering Platypus Resources. Please credit when using this activity in a church/organisational setting.
