The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

AN active prayer life can start at any age, as the children’s ministry of Holy Trinity continues to demonstrate with its annual presentation of a prayer conference geared towards young believers. 

This year’s Hands Together Children’s Prayer Experience will be held from April 21-22 at the Holy Trinity Activity Centre. It is open to kids between the ages five and 12.

The conference is being held under the theme “Heroes of Faith” and will feature special guest Joy Maas from the International House of Prayer, Kansas City. 

Lisa Bastian, director of the children’s ministry at Holy Trinity, told Tribune Religion that the aim of the conference is to reach the hearts of children and teach them how to pray. 

“We want children to know that they have a special place in the kingdom of God. They are also very strong prayer warriors and we want to show them the different ways that God can be drawn close to their hearts,” she said. 

During the conference children will be taught from a workbook by Joy Maas which demonstrates the power of prayer through the lives of various biblical heroes such as Abraham, Noah, Moses and others.

“What is going to be different this year is that we will have six stations set up that will feature the different heroes and it will be interactive. We will also have a special prayer corner so that the children will have an opportunity to say their own and write their own prayers,” said Ms Bastian.

Over the years, hundreds of children have attended the prayer conference and have been impacted by what was shared, according to Holy Trinity.

What is even more heartwarming for Ms Bastian is witnessing the receptiveness of the children and their openness in learning how to connect to God. 

Overall, Ms Bastian said she hopes what is instilled in the children is that prayer is a dialogue, an exchange of sorts that allows them to speak with God on an intimate level and be impacted by His presence in a real way. 

“I immediately think of Jesus who is our redeemer, the ultimate person without sin. He even said He drew His strength from the Father and He did nothing unless the Father told him. Many times He went away on His own to pray, and at times He prayed with His disciples. He took the time to pray, and if He saw it important to always pray, we should, too,” she said.

“Even me, I take the time to dedicate myself to prayer. I don’t make any decision before I take a moment to say a prayer and after doing so I get much clarity and a sense of peace. This is not something I am just saying, but this something that I live every day and it makes a difference.”

Ms Bastian said she is always encouraged by the children who are intrigued and get something out of the exercises that take place throughout the conference.

“One of the things we do is ask them to say a prayer, and then with their eyes closed we tell them to sit still and tell us what it is that God is showing them,” she said. “In dealing with them I have sensed a difference in how they relate to God and how they view him. They are so receptive, so we want to keep sharing with them and teaching them.”

The conference begins on Friday at 6.30pm and continues on Saturday from 9am to 2pm.

For more information contact 422-5773 or 425-0576.