GUIDED MEDITATIONS FOR CHILDREN *E-BOOK* 40 Scripts and Activities Based on the Sunday Lectionary Sydney Ann Merritt PDF, $19.95 93 pages, 5½" × 8½" ISBN 0-89390-663-8 View Excerpt Quantity: (see download instructions below)

With these meditations, you can guide students to imagine themselves present at Jesus’ birth, the wedding at Cana, the Last Supper and many other Gospel events. The author writes in descriptive language, enabling children to feel their surroundings: the cold water on the Sea of Galilee, the warmth of a beach fire after a day of fishing, the strength of Jesus when he gives a hug.

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Reviews

“In Sydney’s book we find a way for children to ... put on the mind and heart of Christ and come to know Jesus is one with them. How easily children will be able to put themselves into the story and really feel the presence of Jesus and join him in his ministry.”
— The Rev. Dan Reynolds, pastor, St. Mark Parish, Eugene, Ore.

“Sydney has brought intimacy with our Christ to new heights — and depths — for children, using all the senses working together. A necessary resource for children of our parish and our community.”
— George Pritchard, pastor of Family Ministries First Baptist Church, Grants Pass, Ore.

“These precious meditations lead children into the love and warmth of Christ, making him known in a personal, nurturing relationship that the human experience so longs for.”
— Anita Beagley, elementary-level catechist, Portland Diocese, Oregon.

About the Author

Sydney Ann Merritt has been involved in catechetical ministry for more than 40 years. She has been a director of religious education, a youth minister, a retreat leader and a Gospel drama director. Outside of parish circles, she is a court-appointed special advocate for children and recently was cited as one of the best in the country. She has contributed to the religious-education curriculum Celebrating The Lectionary and is the author of Guided Meditations for Children and Guided Meditations for Teens.

Sample Meditation

Going Fishing with Jesus
Scripture: Jn 21:1-19
Feast: Third Sunday of Easter (C)
Music Suggestion: “By Name I Have Called You”/Gentle Sounds
Materials: rock, fishing pole or picture of one
Optional: blue blanket or fabric, a few pieces of charcoal

(Show the fishing pole.) Can anyone name a close friend of Jesus that might use a fishing pole? (Show the rock.) This is a clue about his name. Jesus called him “the rock.” He was the leader of the disciples. Does anyone know his name?

Jesus gave Peter his name because he is like a rock on which the church was built. Peter believed in Jesus and he told other people who told other people who told other people until someone told me and I told you. Peter was the first leader of the church. One day Jesus asked Peter a question that brought tears to Peter’s eyes.

A long time ago we heard a story about four fishermen. Peter was one of the fishermen. These fishermen followed Jesus and helped him teach people about God’s love. When Jesus died on the cross, the fishermen were very sad because they thought they would never see Jesus again. But this story has a surprise ending. Let’s unzip our imaginations and join Peter, the leader of the disciples. It is a few days after Jesus died on the cross. Peter has decided to take the boat out and go fishing
.

Meditation

Close your eyes....Wiggle your toes....Take a deep breath ....Let it out slowly....Whisper “Jesus”....Now, relax....

It is early evening....A very sad Peter rows his fishing boat out to sea....James grabs an oar, helping Peter row the bobbing boat....Curl up in the bottom of the boat....All night long the disciples take turns throwing the nets out into the cold, dark water....But each time, they pull up an empty net....Early the next morning, as the sun is rising above the mountaintops, you notice a figure standing on the beach....He looks familiar....Peter squints his eyes, asking, “Who is that standing on the shore?”....The rising sun leaves fingers of darkness, making it hard to see....“It looks likes Jesus!....It must be my imagination, or is it?” you question yourself....You decide to say nothing....The man on shore calls out, “Did you catch anything?”....“No!” the disciples answer....“Put your nets down into the water on the right side of the boat and you will catch some fish,” the man instructs Peter....Peter grumbles, “Who does this guy think he is?....Oh, well, we’ve got nothing to lose....Child, help lower the net”....Struggle with the weight of the net.... The rough ropes sting your hands....Now you understand why Peter’s hands are so rough....The net sinks into the water....Quickly the net tugs at the side of the boat....The net is full!....James and Andrew pull the bulging cargo onto the deck....Look again at the figure standing on the beach.... You recognize him. It is Jesus!....Tell Peter your amazing discovery....He strains his eyes....“No, it can’t be. We will go to shore and take a closer look!” Peter barks.

The bottom of the boat hits the sandy shore....James helps you down from the boat....The water slaps at your bare legs....Wade ashore....Feel the shells cutting into your feet ....Straight ahead, on the beach, a charcoal fire warms the early morning air....Fish hanging from sticks sizzle and pop above the coals....Jesus waits nearby....He smiles at you....It is so wonderful to see Jesus again!....Run to meet him.... Peter rubs his eyes in disbelief....Jesus, turning to Peter, calls out, “Bring some of the fish you caught and put them on the fire”....Peter, his mouth open, walks back to the boat and gathers fish in a small net....“Come and have some breakfast,” Jesus offers....No one asks “Who are you?” because now they all seem to know that it is the Lord....Jesus breaks the bread into small pieces, giving you the first bite, then Peter and the others....Jesus passes a fish hot from the fire to everyone....Eat quickly....You are hungry....Your tummy is full of fresh fried fish and warm soft bread....You sit curled at Jesus’ feet....The fire crackles ....Small puffs of smoke lift into the air....Jesus pats you on the back....He watches in silence as Peter finishes the last of his meal, then wipes his mouth on the back of his arm.... Jesus turns to Peter....“Peter, do you truly love me?” Jesus asks Peter....Peter stammers, reaching out to touch the hand of Jesus, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you”.... Jesus answers, “Feed my lambs”....Poking at the fire, Jesus asks Peter again, “Do you love me?”....Peter looks <%-2>very sad ....His eyes spill tears down his weather-beaten face....Peter’s voice is chocked with emotion, “You know I love you, Jesus” ....Jesus looks thoughtfully into the flames, then responds, “Feed my sheep”....Jesus asks Peter a third time, “Do you love me?”....You wonder why Jesus is questioning Peter in this way....

Peter sits by the fire, hiding his face in his arms....Jesus pulls you close to his side and, taking Peter’s hand, he explains, “I have taken care of you....Now I want you to take care of all the people who do not know me. Lead them to me”....Jesus turns his attention to you. Bending lower, he whispers your name, then asks, “Do you love me?”

I will leave you alone with Jesus for a few moments....Tell Jesus all that is upon your heart...