Children are the masters of imagination! Left to their own devices, children find ways to entertain themselves using their limitless imaginations. But children today, more than ever, need to be encouraged to develop their imaginations. Ignatian prayer places great emphasis on the power of the imagination to deepen our relationship with God. One of the principal forms of Ignatian prayer is imaginative reflection on scenes from the Gospels. In this form of prayer, children are invited to become participants in a Gospel scene, using their imaginations to create a context in which they encounter Jesus.

Do we spend too much time trying to know about God, and too little time actually getting to know God?

If we want to give our children the full and rich experience of faith, we must join them along the way.

Through imaginative prayer, you can help your child connect with God.  As you do so, you may find yourself connecting more closely with your child, and your own formation as a parent will deepen into greater awareness of God's work in your lives.

A sample of 'Imaginative Prayer' carried out by Jared Patrick Boyd can be accessed on You Tube:

Sample Lesson from 'Imaginative Prayer' By Jared Patrick Boyd - YouTube

Further links on this can also be accessed on the “Imaginative Prayer” playlist:

Imaginative Prayer by Jared Patrick Boyd - YouTube

The Examen prayer can serve as a great tool for introducing children to a regular awareness of God.

Link to the Examen Prayer: Stream Examen for Children by Pray as you go | Listen online for free on SoundCloud

Transcript

At the end of your day, find a comfortable place, and remind yourself that God is there with you.

• Now look back over your day. Were you at home? Were you at school? Were you somewhere else?

• What made you happy today? Did somebody say or do something that made you feel good? Someone in your family, a friend, a teacher or someone else? Did you say or do anything that made you feel good? Was there something that you really enjoyed? Whatever made you feel happy today, thank God for those things now.

• Did anything make you sad today? Maybe something that happened, or that someone said or did? Did you do something that made you feel unhappy? Maybe there is something you want to say sorry for? Whatever made you feel sad or unhappy today, remember that you are precious to God and that nothing ever changes that.

• Now think about your day tomorrow. Is there anything you would like to ask God to help you with, or anything you are worried about, or anything that you need? Talk to God about it now and ask God to be with you through your day.

Together let’s say the Glory Be.

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Here is one mother’s experience of how as a family they practice the Examen prayer: Praying the Examen with Children - Ignatian Spirituality

“I am often speechless at what comes out of my children’s mouths as they share about their day. Listening to them helps heighten my awareness about what is going on in their lives, what is upsetting them, what they are really enjoying about life, and who they are spending time with at school. I am also amazed to listen to the prayers they share for another family member.” -  Becky Eldredge

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And find here activities for children to help them practice the elements of the Examen: Examen for Children | Loyola Press