Sharing Time:

When I Begin to Pray

By Pat Graham

Ye shall keep my sabbaths, and reverence my sanctuary: I am the Lord. (Lev. 19:30.)

I will fold my arms

And sit so quietly.

My feet behave and I am still.

I listen reverently.

I will bow my head

And close my eyes this way.

My spirit needs this quiet mood

When I begin to pray.

INSTRUCTIONS: Remove this page from magazine and mount on lightweight cardboard. Cut out verse and scripture and put aside. Color paper doll parts and then cut out. Assemble paper doll by first poking small holes in joints marked with X’s and then joining body parts together with brass fasteners. Cut out eyeholes in head. Center separate eye piece behind head so eyes show through holes. Tape around edges, leaving top open (see illustration). Cut a piece of paper, with tab at top, slightly smaller than eye piece. Insert paper in opening in front of eye piece. Lift paper up and down to open and close eyes.

Hold paper doll in front of you as you recite the scripture and verse. Move paper doll to show the actions as you say them (fold arms, bend legs to sitting position, bow head, close eyes, etc.). Try using paper doll to help your family get ready to pray.

Sharing Time Ideas

1. Older children could color, cut out, and assemble paper doll as an individual activity.

2. Make larger paper doll to use in preparing children for prayer. Hold doll in front of you and move arms, legs, etc., as you recite scripture and verse. Invite a child to hold and move doll a second time as children say the words with you.