This contemplative prayer station allows participants to worship God in an unconventional manner; using physical postures to worship God. Originally this station was meant to be used in tandem with other wordless worship stations, forming an entire hour long service, but it can also be used individually. You can find instructions for the hour long service here.
Directions for Leadership:
Set up an area with mats and make it so people begin at one mat and end by the journal.
What you need: Mats – or rugs or towels, Small table and chair, Journal and Pen
Place by each mat a set of directions (found below). At the end place on the table a community journal with a pen. Make sure you make it clear that each spot is different and there is a specific place to end. Print the scriptures for each as well to place with the directions by each mat.
Prayer Station Instructions: To place at the beginning…
Around the area are several mats. Choose one and follow the directions next to it. Please go to at least three different mats, if not all of them, as each one is different. When you are done, please go over to the journal at the last table and follow the directions there.
Directions at Each Mat:
Mat #1 Kneeling 2 Chronicles 6:13ff., Acts 9:40ff; Philippians 2:9-11
Spend as much time here as you like before moving to another mat. Carefully move into the described position. What comes to mind when you do this? What memories or feelings does it trigger? If God were standing in front of you, what would you being saying to him with your posture? In what way do you think God is worshiped through this posture?
Mat # 2 Prostrated on the Ground Joshua 5:14; Mt. 26:39.
Spend as much time here as you like before moving to another mat. Carefully move into the described position. What comes to mind when you do this? What memories or feelings does it trigger? If God were standing in front of you, what would you being saying to him with your posture? In what way do you think God is worshiped through this posture?
Mat # 3 Standing with Arms Raised Above Your Head 1 Kings 8:22ff; Mark 11:25
Spend as much time here as you like before moving to another mat. Carefully move into the described position. What comes to mind when you do this? What memories or feelings does it trigger? If God were standing in front of you, what would you being saying to him with your posture? In what way do you think God is worshiped through this posture?
Mat # 4 Standing with Arms Stretched out in Front of You, Palms Up
Spend as much time here as you like before moving to another mat. Carefully move into the described position. What comes to mind when you do this? What memories or feelings does it trigger? If God were standing in front of you, what would you being saying to him with your posture? In what way do you think God is worshiped through this posture?
Mat # 5 Standing, Arms at Sides and Bowing Every Few Seconds
Spend as much time here as you like before moving to another mat. Carefully move into the described position. What comes to mind when you do this? What memories or feelings does it trigger? If God were standing in front of you, what would you being saying to him with your posture? In what way do you think God is worshiped through this posture?
Mat # 6 Sitting Cross Legged, Arms in Your Lap or on Your Knees
Spend as much time here as you like before moving to another mat. Carefully move into the described position. What comes to mind when you do this? What memories or feelings does it trigger? If God were standing in front of you, what would you being saying to him with your posture? In what way do you think God is worshiped through this posture?
Mat # 7 Laying on Your Back, Knees up and Arms Behind Head (as if in a hamock)
Spend as much time here as you like before moving to another mat. Carefully move into the described position. What comes to mind when you do this? What memories or feelings does it trigger? If God were standing in front of you, what would you being saying to him with your posture? In what way do you think God is worshiped through this posture?
Mat #8 Sign of the Cross
Make the sign of the cross either on your forehead or from your forehead to your tummy to your two shoulders (Eastern Christians touch the right shoulder first, then the left. Western Christians start with the left and move to the right shoulder.
There is no right or wrong way to cross yourself). The Cross Prayer + “in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” reminds us that we are claimed by God through our baptism. Another variation is to repeat Galatians 2:19-20, “I am crucified with Christ, therefore I no longer live. Jesus Christ now lives in me.”
How is this worshipful?
Directions for Next to Journal:
It is important that we worship God both individually and in community. As a way to share this experience with each other, we ask that you please take a moment and write down some of your thoughts as you moved through this prayer station in the journal at the end. Feel free to read what others may have written too!
