Pause for Thought: A Prayer for Worrying
Are you worried?
by Kirstine Davis
Suitable for Key Stage 2
Aims
To consider some arm movements suggested by St Julian of Norwich to help us pray.
Preparation and materials
- You will need to have the means available to play the video below. It is 1.32 minutes long.
- Optional: you will also need to have the means available to play the song at the end. It is 4.54 minutes long.
Assembly
Time for reflection
St Julian of Norwich was the first woman we know of to write a book! She was born in 1342 and died around 1416. From about the age of 30, St Julian lived in a church in Norwich, where she spent most of her time praying to God and helping others. Her special day is celebrated on 8 or 13 May. St Julian understood that everybody worries at some point, but she believed that God was always there to listen to our worries at any time and in any place.
You may wish to use St Julian’s actions as you say this prayer.
Dear God,
Sometimes, we all get worried about things.
Today, I feel worried about . . . (After naming your worries, hold your arms out in front of you, with your worries in tightly closed hands facing downwards.)
Please help us to let go of our worries. (Open up your hands, keeping your arms out in front of you.)
Please help us to talk to others about them. (Turn over your hands so that they are facing upwards.)
Help us to remember all the good things in our lives.
Thank you for all that we have. (Bring your hands to your heart.)
Thank you that we are loved.
Please help us to show love to those around us. (Bring your hands back out to the front, palms facing upwards, and spread the love that you hold.)
Amen.
Song/music
‘Don’t worry, be happy’ by Bobby McFerrin, available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFDOSq6Wxa0 (4.54 minutes long)
Extension activities
- Why not make up a dance to the song above?!
- Try coming up with your own actions to help you pray. For example, you could point at the things in your house that you want to say ‘thank you’ for, or you could shake your hands in the air as you think of all the things that make you happy!
