Two new Eucharistic prayers for children released

TWO NEW EUCHARISTIC PRAYERS have been published to engage kids in the classroom as children across the UK head back to school.

Designed to capture their imaginations as fully as possible in the preparation and celebration of Holy Communion, the prayers are available alongside practical guidance from the Liturgical Commission helping celebrants turn an ordinary school room into an exciting place of worship.

Endorsing the new prayers, the Revd Mary Hawes, National Going for Growth (Children's and Youth) Adviser, said: “These prayers have been specially written to unlock a child’s imagination whilst being arresting and brief so that they can be learned by heart.

“Children can lead particular sections and engage with worship through art and music. I fully commend their use in churches and schools.”

Specially commissioned

Recognising that the attendance of children at all-age celebrations has increased, and taking account of the Dearing Report’s emphasis on the importance of the Church’s mission work with schools, these prayers come as a result of General Synod commissioning of the House of Bishops to compile the prayers in 2008.

Converting the canteen into a place of worship...

The guidance material available online encourages celebrants to think carefully about how best to prepare a room that may also be used for school dinners or gymnastics.

Suggestions include inviting children to make bread and banners, or to play uplifting music on their own instruments, and the material also covers practical matters such as the height of the Communion table.

The free prayers and other resources for children’s worship can be found here > http://www.churchofengland.org/prayer-worship/worship/texts/additional-eucharistic-prayers.aspx