Kite Prayers
Kites have always played an important role in Māori culture, especially during winter when they were flown to signify the start of Matariki, Māori New Year. Māori flew kites for fun, but they had other practical uses as well. They were also seen as a way to connect heaven and earth.
Kites and Prayer:
1. Explore the Bible together:
Ephesians 6:18 Never stop praying, especially for others. Always pray by the power of the Spirit. Stay alert and keep praying for God’s people. (CEV)
Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything, but pray about everything. With thankful hearts offer up your prayers and requests to God. (CEV)
Questions to ponder:
a. I wonder which part of the verse you like the best?
b. I wonder which part of the verse is the most important?
c. I wonder which part of the verse you like the least?
d. I wonder if you’re in the verse and where?
2. Kite Prayers:
What do you think we can learn about prayer from a kite?
Kites go up, as do our prayers
Kites need wind, and our prayers need the Holy Spirit
There are different kinds of kites, and different ways of praying
Kites can only go as far as their string. Prayers are unlimited!
3. Diamond Kite Prayer
You will need: a basic diamond shaped kite like this drawn on paper.
Have you ever noticed that the inside frame of a diamond kite looks like a cross?
Start your prayer by thanking God for the gift of Jesus and for all that he did while on earth
Jesus carried his cross, a burden symbolising his life and death. What hard things are you facing at the moment that you would like to tell God about?
The kite easily divides into four sections.
In the first quadrant write your last name.
In the second quadrant write the name of your church.
In the third quadrant write the things that make you special or show your talents
In the fourth quadrant write the things you like to do
Pray together: Loving Heavenly Father, may our prayers fly up to you like kites. Please watch over our families and church. Thank you for the special people you have made each of us to be. Help us to use the gifts you have given us to show others more about you. Amen.
4. Kite prayer collage:
You will need: a large piece of paper (A2? Flipchart?), smaller pieces of paper in a kite shape.
Draw a large kite shape on a large piece of paper, and with the smaller kite shapes, write prayers of thanks and prayer requests on the smaller kite shapes and glue onto the larger shape. Try to cover the larger shape with smaller ones.
5. Make!
Click on these links to find simple instructions to make your own kites:
a. Simple paper kite
b. Make a simple diamond shaped kite