AboutJon Bond Expertise Will answer all questions regarding Unitarian Universalist (UU)church; including ancient history (Universalists go back to at least 250 A.D.) and medieval history (Unitarians look to 1553 A.D. as their beginning) up to merger of the two movements in 1961 and continuing up to present. Am familiar with Christian church organizations and relationship of UUs to traditional churches.
Experience Currently member of Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, Colorado. Past vice-president of Board of Trustees and currently on Membership Committee. Have taught UU history for over 20 years. Have attended Unitarian Universalist General Assemblies (annual meetings held in June) for past 15 years.
Organizations Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, Colorado
Expert: Jon Bond Date: 2/8/2005 Subject: prayers for children
Question could you reccommend a "good" source for me to find prayers/grace to be read and said with my young children? I am interested in introducing the tradtions of the UU chruch any direction would be appreciated.
Answer Hello Bonnie –
I'll try to answer your question. Remember, I'm one of over 250,000 people and, if you ask another UU (Unitarian Universalist), you may get a different (but, hopefully, not conflicting) answer. I'd like to divide my answer into two parts: first, a background of our association, then secondly, some points to consider when children participate in “prayer.”
First – a background (including when the two groups originated):
The concept of Unitarianism generally looks to a Catholic priest, Michael Servetus, as a spiritual originator. Servetus was born in Spain in 1511 and died in 1553, after attacking the doctrines of the Trinity. Unitarianism is a doctrinal system characterized chiefly by a belief in the unipersonality of God and the normal humanity of Jesus, as contrasted with the Trinity and the eternal deity (divinity) of Jesus. Most Unitarians I've spoken with reject the divinity of Jesus, but do recognize him (Jesus) as a great moral teacher
Universalism is the theological doctrine that all souls will ultimately be saved and that there are no torments of hell. Universalism has been asserted at various times in different contexts throughout the history of the "Christian church"--e.g., Origen in the 3rd century. The Universalists also denied the miraculous element in Scripture, and rejected such important Bible doctrines as the total depravity of man and the Trinity.
The Unitarian Universalist Association was created in May of 1961 as a merger of Unitarians and Universalists.
Secondly; some points to consider when children participate in “prayer.”
Many primary age children are likely to have experienced grace at a meal, a bedtime prayer, or a prayer in church though these prayers may not have been said on a regular basis. The idea that people can share thoughts and feelings with God, as well as with those who are close to them, may be appealing to many children. There are times when the people you are close to may not have the time to listen or, for a variety of reasons, they may not be an appropriate choice of a listener. It is comforting to know that there is a power that transcends ordinary relationships that is always available to listen and to respond.
At the same time, children, and all of us, should learn to avoid asking God to do something which is clearly impossible or which would only satisfy egotistical needs. Many children need experiences with prayers which express gratitude, concern for others, and otherwise promote spiritual growth. They, also, need to heed the advice offered by the elders that the response to a prayer usually calls for listening, waiting, and being prepared for surprises; prayer does not guarantee instant gratification. The importance of learning about prayer is supported by our Unitarian Universalist principle which encourages us to spiritual growth and by the source of direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life.
For children, having something to focus on during prayer is helpful. This could be a spoken thought to contemplate, a picture to look at, or a combination of items set lovingly on a personal altar. Children delight in assigning meaning and significance to ordinary things in their lives.
Finding time for prayer is often the biggest obstacle. Don't let your good intentions stall out because you don't have a half-hour every-day to do this! Meaningful prayer can be very short-a moment or two sitting quietly around the dinner table is a form of prayer. It is not the amount of time, but the regularity of practice, which makes prayer meaningful.
Bonnie, as a personal note, I will tell you that our family always made it a practice to say “Thank you” at each evening meal. Our custom was to simply hold hands, and go around the table saying “thank you” for something.
I can't recommend any “prayers/grace to be read and said with [your] young children” but I do believe that they will find comfort in whatever you begin to practice with them on a regular basis.
