It’s Elementary!  August 2008

By Kelley Renz

Lord Jesus, this is the start of a new catechetical year. How is my faith, Lord? How can it be new? What do You have in store for me? How will You touch me this year? How will I touch You? Lead me, Lord. Help me to know what I should want from You and help me to know what You want from me.

Adapted from God Listens to Our Children, Kelley Renz, Our Sunday Visitor.

Pick apart this prayer on a daily basis with your elementary kids this catechetical year. Grab a journal for each one, or have them create a journal from loose leaf paper and construction paper for a cover. Familiarize them with the habit of examining their consciences. No, not for daily confession! Examining our consciences is good for us to do every day. Pick a time in the morning and encourage them to look on the previous day:

• How did I live my faith yesterday, Lord?
• Did I strengthen my faith by “stepping out” in any way?
•  Did I do something, or not do something, that hurt my faith?
•  Did You touch me in some way yesterday, Lord? How?
•  Did I touch You? How?

Direct them to write a least a few thoughts each day. End with this prayer together or individually:

My Jesus, You want me to come closer and closer to You. You want me to know You as well as You know me. Teach me, Lord, who I am and who I can become. I am excited to see who You are going to make of me. Forgive me for being mean and rude. Forgive me for hurting ________________ (if praying together, just provide quiet time for students at this point) when I _________________. Thank You for helping me to _______________________. Remind me often to come to You for strength to do what’s right and to grow in wisdom and grace. Amen.

Kelley Renz is a catechist and author of God Listens to Our Children (OSV).