Take a brown paper sack and gather everyday items to use in your prayer and praise time. Gather items and label them with words that represent different things in our lives for which we are thankful. For example:
- Cross—God's gift of salvation
- Bible—God's voice/He speaks to us
- Shoe—God's care for our physical needs
- Orange—God's nourishment
- Old bulletin/church newsletter—God's church
- Fresh or silk flower—God's creation
- Candle—God's light/warmth
- Battery—God's power
- Band-Aid—God's healing
- Dollar bill—God's prosperity
- Picture of someone laughing—God's joy
- Key—God's security
- Rock—God's strength
- Tea bag—God's peace
- Pen/pencil—God's inspiration
- Scissors—God's pruning
- Paper heart—God's love
Have each person draw one of the items from the bag. Take turns praying simple sentence prayers of praise for God's blessings in our lives. For example hold the scissors and pray, "Father, we praise you tonight for your pruning in our lives. For cutting away the old and sick areas of our lives so that we can be strong and fruitful." Leader, you should always go first and model what you expect. Also, allow for people to pass if they are uncomfortable.
