A very effective way to lead guided reflections for younger children is to use popular children’s storybooks. You can read a story to the children and then follow it with a guided reflection so that the children can use the imagery from the story as a context for their conversation with God. Many catechists are using the Pray Me A Story series by Loyola Press that provides a booklet along with the children’s storybooks that provides direction for you to gently guide the children into imaginative prayer.
Recently, a reader on my blog asked about which storybooks in the series correspond to various themes. I consulted my colleague Nikki Caso Doherty and, with the help of Sr. Jean Hopman who wrote many of the booklets, they put together the following list which should serve as an excellent resource for those who use Pray Me a Story. Thanks Nikki and Sr. Jean!
| Pray Me a Story Title | Catechetical Connection |
| The Rainbow Fish | moral choices; examination of conscience; Fruits of the Holy Spirit |
| Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day | moral choices |
| Chicken Sunday | Reconciliation; Family, Community, and Participation; Eucharist; Theological Virtues |
| The Gift of Nothing | The Golden Rule; New Commandment; Psalm 46:10 |
| A Quiet Place | Care for God’s Creation; Rights and Responsibilities |
| Grandad’s Prayers of the Earth | Anointing of the Sick; Reconciliation |
| The Three Questions | Solidarity; The Beatitudes |
| You Are Special | Life and Dignity; Spiritual Works of Mercy |
| On the Day You Were Born | Care for God’s Creation; Baptism; Life and Dignity |
January 30, 2012
Helpful Resources, Prayer/Guided Reflections, Understanding Kids