Supplies Needed
- several bamboo or straw beach mats
- large standing cross
- station instructions
Some people brought to him a paralyzed man on a mat. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Be encouraged, my child! Your sins are forgiven..." Then Jesus turned to the paralyzed man and said, "Stand up, pick up your mat and go home!" and the man jumped up and went home! (Matthew 9:2, 6-7)
This story helps us address some reasons why the thought of changing can paralyze us. Whether is our anxiety about being alone or different, fears of the future, past regrets, or doubts about our abilities. God has given us community (the paralyzed man's friends), himself (saying "Be encouraged..."), and freedom from guilt (forgiveness) to enable seemingly impossible change (transformation in and through Christ).
Kneel or lie down on the mat- symbolically placing yourself before Jesus, like the paralyzed man in the story you just read. Then ask yourself, "What are the anxieties, fears, regrets or doubts that have paralyzed me from changing or being transformed by Christ?"
Finally, stand up- healed and restored- just like the man in the story. Offer up a prayer to God asking for forgiveness, love and peace to take the place of those things that once paralyzed you from change. When you are finished, move on to the next station.
*Adapted from a prayer station found in "Sacred Space" by Kimball & Lewin
This story helps us address some reasons why the thought of changing can paralyze us. Whether is our anxiety about being alone or different, fears of the future, past regrets, or doubts about our abilities. God has given us community (the paralyzed man's friends), himself (saying "Be encouraged..."), and freedom from guilt (forgiveness) to enable seemingly impossible change (transformation in and through Christ).
Kneel or lie down on the mat- symbolically placing yourself before Jesus, like the paralyzed man in the story you just read. Then ask yourself, "What are the anxieties, fears, regrets or doubts that have paralyzed me from changing or being transformed by Christ?"
Finally, stand up- healed and restored- just like the man in the story. Offer up a prayer to God asking for forgiveness, love and peace to take the place of those things that once paralyzed you from change. When you are finished, move on to the next station.
*Adapted from a prayer station found in "Sacred Space" by Kimball & Lewin
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