At Home Reflections

To understand the story of Jesus? night of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane

The children will be able to understand and reflect upon Jesus' night of prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

• Bibles
• Poster board
• Construction paper
• Crayons, markers, pens, pencils

• Begin the activity by saying to the children:
  Holy Week is a time of prayerful reflection as we recall the death and resurrection of Jesus.
• Invite volunteers to share what they know about Jesus in Gethsemane.
• Remind the children that in this story we see that God wants us to stay close to him in prayer.
• Tell the children that family prayer helps us to remember Jesus' struggle in the garden and the events of Holy Week.
• Invite the children to share ways in which they might spend time reflecting upon Jesus' death and resurrection at home with their families.
• Ask the children to plan a special prayer that recognizes the events of Holy Week as our most sacred time of the year.
• Suggest that they refer to the Gospel of Mark for help. Also, provide the children with paper and coloring materials to decorate a prayer card.
• When you feel the children are ready, invite them to share how they will remember the most sacred time of the year with their families.
• Take a moment to share with the children how you reflect upon the events of Holy Week with your family.
• Close by saying:
  Holy Week is our most sacred time of the year. I hope it is a time for you to grow closer to Jesus as you prepare to celebrate Easter with him.

Art/Space Smart, Self Smart, Word Smart

Offer suggestions if the children have difficulty writing their prayers.

If a child is uncomfortable with the idea of sharing a prayer with their family, allow him or her to create a special moment of prayer to do on his or her own