Thinking in advance about three major questions will help you better understand how best to proceed in planning prayer services for young people.

Why Do It?

Is this an annual part of a liturgical season? Is there history as to why this service is happening? Is there a tradition that is being followed, or has a new need arisen in your community? Is there a cause being prayed for? Will specific people be memorialized?

Keep the perspective of the reason for this prayer service or event. Let it mold all the steps of planning.

When and Where?

Will the prayer service take place as a part of your regular youth ministry activities, or during a retreat or other event? Or, will it be held at a different time or day of the week? Will it be held in the youth room, the church, a chapel?

There are positive aspects and drawbacks for each possibility. The key point is to take the time to acknowledge the affects the schedule and space will have on availability of all parties of your prayer service.

How to Do It?

Will teenagers lead the service or will a priest or deacon be available? Will music be live or will iPods/CDs be utilized? Will lighting changes be involved? What other elements or resources are necessary? The time and effort to plan this service will change significantly based on how these questions are answered.

Taking the time to consider the questions in these three areas will help you know who you will need to get in involved in the planning and who the prayer service will serve.

Who Needs to Be Involved?

Sometimes youth ministers are forced to work alone, but in the case of a prayer service there are many ways to involve others. Teens can write and read the petitions, teens can lead the music or pick the songs played during quiet prayer time, teens can choose readings. Individuals who can lead a prayer service are endless.

What will come of your prayer service is up to God. Remember to invite the Holy Spirit to be a part of your preparations!