It is a good habit to start each of our meetings with prayer. It is preferable that this introductory prayer be made by a monitor. Indeed, it is at this time that he affirms aloud his position of faith and occupies the field spiritually. This prayer can change the heavy or restless atmosphere of some encounters. This spiritual work is unique to the instructor and children, even if they are the beneficiaries, should not be involved. Let us not forget that they are “spiritual milk”.

It’s a prayer:

• short (let’s not start the children’s listening capital too much)
• simple (let’s avoid emphasis)
• (on the tone of conversation, but respectful)
• Real.

What is a true prayer?

It is a genuine request to God and not to the listeners, it is not a backdoor way of getting a message across (for example, so that a child understands that he must not heckle), or a “prayer-preaching” (for example, recalling the last lesson or starting the news).

Before praying, we can discuss briefly with the children what we wish to ask the Lord for this meeting, guiding them to the essential: that God speak and that one receives his teaching.

This is another great opportunity to teach by example! This brief moment of prayer becomes an apprenticeship that will instill good attitudes in children: it is to the Lord that I address; I know that He hears me and answers me.