A line of plasters (or Band aids for the americans). Of of them have hearts drawn on them, others have a cartoon spikey splat.

Praying with Plasters (Band Aids)

In this activity, we will be praying for people who are hurting in some way.

You will need:
Hypoallergenic plasters.

A pen that will draw on the plaster.

cartoon of theo the pink platypus, holding an oversized plaster (band aid) and holding a pen in his beak

From the Bible:

Give praise to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! He is the Father who gives tender love. All comfort comes from him.

He comforts us in all our troubles. Now we can comfort others when they are in trouble. We ourselves receive comfort from God.

From 2 Corinthians chapter 1, verses 3 and 4 (NIrV)

Cartoon of Theo the pink platypus sitting in a wooden chair, reading a bible. he's wearing round glasses.

When we've cut or grazed ourselves, we often put a plaster on where those injuries hurt.

Maybe, when we've had a bump or bruise at school that hurts, an adult has used a damp paper towel to help it feel better.

But sometimes there are inside hurts that we can't put a plaster or a damp paper towel on.

These could be actual pain where we need to go to hospital, like a broken bone.

It could be hurting in our emotions because someone has been horrible to us.

Being sad because someone we love has died can also make our emotions hurt. Some people describe this as their 'heart' hurting or breaking (even though it's not - it's just a phrase people use to describe emotional pain).

A cartoon of Theo Platypus looking very sad.

For our prayer today, we are going to use a plaster to represent any kind of hurting.

Ponder:

Is there someone you know who is hurting?

This could be a physical pain or illness or a 'heart pain'.

Pray.

On your plaster either draw a cartoon style splat or a heart - depending on who you're praying for and why.

As you do this, pray.

A Cartoon of Theo the Pink Platypus looking thoughtful. there is a think bubble above his head with praying hands in it.

You can now either put the plaster on your bible, or take it home  un-used to remind you to keep praying for that person. You could even put it on yourself (if you're not allergic to plasters), but take it off later and put it somewhere to remind you to pray.

Cartoon of Theo the Pink platypus. He has a large plaster on his tummy and his hands are pointing at it.

An extra:

Why not get your grown up to take a picture of the plaster and send it to the person you prayed for - just so they know you prayed for them. It's lovely to know when someone is praying for you!

A note for those using this in a church group setting:

Be aware of any children who may be grieving and adapt accordingly. Let their grown ups know you will be doing this activity a few days before.
It is possible a child will disclose bullying or abuse. Follow your safeguarding policy, including speaking to your safeguarding lead.