Wiping tears from their eyes: Spray paint prayers

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death, sadness, crying, or pain. All the old ways are gone.  Revelation 21:4

Sometimes the life can be sad and worrying. It is important to acknowledge that children feel these emotions and I strongly feel that it is part of our ministry to help them to express to God what makes them feel sad.  I love Revelation 21 because it really paints a picture of a place where God is and where all that makes this world sad is washed away forever. This prayer activity is based on that hope.

You will need: paper (watercolour paper is especially good), small spray bottles, water, paint, stiff cardboard (I used an Amazon box), scissors

Before you start the activity put a small amount of paint in the spray bottles and water it down so that it will easily spray onto the paper.

Ask children to think about People who are going through difficult times or situations that are hard, or of something that makes them sad.  Give them cardboard and scissors and get them to cut out shapes that reflect what they are thinking about- it might be an initial letter, a heart, or some other relevant shape.

Get children to place their shape on a piece of paper and to hold it down firmly. Spray water over the shape and pray that God will see the tears of sadness for that person or place and bring his hope and new life. Carefully remove the shape and see the space that has been protected underneath as a symbol of the hope and protection God brings.