Finding Comfort in Troubled Times

A meditation to share together with children or the young at heart, by Gail Hatch

Gather together:

Choose a comfortable place to settle.  Children may want to choose a pillow or special blanket.  You will need a device to play meditative music during noted times but this is optional. Children will be invited to draw, write or color for follow up so be sure to have resources on hand. Older children may want to write in a journal.

Read the following meditation with a calm slow cadence:

Today we will spend some quiet meditative time with Jesus. To prepare our hearts we will take three calming breaths together. Invite your children to breathe with you in and out three times.

Now focus softly on something in the room or close your eyes, 

      relax your toes,

relax your feet, 

       relax your legs, 

relax your hands, 

       your arms and finally 

relax your shoulders.

Jesus has a comforting heart. While on earth he said: “Let the children come to me. Don’t keep them away.” Matthew 19:14 

Long ago when Jesus was on earth, children could ask him questions and tell him what was on their minds.

Perhaps some children sat beside him or took walks with him. 

Others may have talked to him while out on the lake, in a fishing boat.

Imagine now that Jesus is sitting near you in your quiet space. Think about how it feels to have Jesus close by. Are there things you would like to share with him? (pause here for a few moments)

When Jesus was on earth he said: “Do not let your heart be troubled”. John 14:1 

In the Psalms David reminds us to “Cast our burden upon the Lord and he will sustain (or carry) us”. Psalm 55:22

Are there some things that are worrying you? Is there something you are afraid of?  Jesus wants to comfort you during these times. 

I will read you these promises from the Bible:

“The God of all comfort comforts us in all our troubles.” II Corinthians 1:1

“May your unfailing love be my comfort” Psalm 119:77

Rest and relax in his loving arms while you talk to Jesus about anything on your mind.  Perhaps you could imagine his warm hand in yours while you talk together or just feel comforted knowing he is nearby. 

Leave a few minutes of quiet for this time. You may want to play “Be Still and Know” by Scripture Lullabies quietly in the background.

This is sacred time. Trust the Holy Spirit to be present with each child. You may want to pray quietly during this time as well.

When the music is over allow a few brief moments of silence. Then invite children to take another cleansing breath and gently open their eyes. Invite them to sit up and stretch. Invite them to sit together in a family circle for sharing time.

Would anyone be wiling to share:

  – how it felt to spend some time with Jesus?

 –  something you shared with Jesus? (only if children willingly offer)

 – how it felt to be comforted by Jesus? 

 – a word or verse you heard that was comforting to you? 

Is there someone we know who needs be comforted with Jesus’ loving care?  Do you think we could bring Jesus’ love and comfort to them at this time?

Invite children to be creative. Some could color the bible verse linked here. Others might write out one of the verses and decorate it, draw a beautiful picture, write a letter, make a card, or write a prayer for that person. 

When you have finished this time pray together. Thank Jesus for his comfort for each one of us.