People of all cultures, languages and religions throughout history have drawn deep symbolic meaning from the humble stone. The Bible refers to fascinating stories that involve stones – from Moses striking the rock for water, to Paul referring to Jesus as the spiritual rock of the church. Today stones are often understood as a symbol of stability, strength and endurance.
Resources needed
- A pile of stones (various shapes, sizes, colours and textures – available from Bunnings or thrift shops), displayed on a mat, tray or basket
- Dark markers
- You may wish to use some background music and/or a PowerPoint of images that include rocks/stones
- You may wish to focus your prayer on a specific people group who have a limited opportunity to hear the Gospel
Activity
- Introduce this activity as a time for prayerful contemplation. Invite people to come and choose a stone that best reflects how they are currently feeling. Ask people to also take a marker.
- While people are holding their stone, invite them to think about the stone they chose – e.g. what is its texture and colour? How does it feel in your hand? Where do you think it’s been? Open this time with a simple prayer recognising that God, our rock and redeemer, is present with us.
- Read Psalm 19 aloud. Let people know that the first reading is for personal prayer. After the first reading ask the following questions, allowing time for silent reflection between each question:
- Where do you see or experience God’s glory in your life?
- Read verse 13 again. Ask people to seek God’s grace and forgiveness.
- In what ways is God your ‘rock’?
- Read Psalm 19 again, this time ask people to focus on a people group who have a limited opportunity to hear the Gospel.
- From the scripture reading invite people to reflect on a word that particularly resonates with them, and then use this word to pray for communities around the world. They may wish to write that word on their stone as a reminder to continue praying for others.
- Close this time praying for people around the world – particularly think of those who do not yet know the creator God as their rock and redeemer.
