We are born into this world with a natural longing to connect to God and other human beings. When children have a listening companion who hears, acknowledges, and encourages their early experiences with God, it creates a spiritual footprint that shapes their lives. How can we increase our capacity to engage children in spiritual conversations?
In this book Lacy Finn Borgo draws on her own experience of practicing spiritual direction with children. She offers an overview of childhood spiritual formation and introduces key skills for engaging conversation—posture, power, and patterns—from a Christ-centered perspective.
‘When we are fully present and open to another, we will be changed, ‘ Borgo writes. ‘Indeed, as you listen to God with a child, the child will lead you into a fuller experience of God's love and acceptance.’
In this book you'll find:
– Sample interactive dialogues with children
– Ideas for engaging children with play, art, and movement
– Prayers to use together Whether you are a parent or grandparent, pastor or spiritual director, you will find this to be a friendly guide into deeper ways of listening.
Table of Content
Introduction: Learning from Christopher
1. Learning from Jesus
2. Children’s Spiritual Formation
3. Posture, Power, and Patterns
4. The Gift of Eyes and Ears
5. The Language of Play and Projection
6. Attending the Spirit
7. Whole Person Prayer
8. Two Friends on an Expedition
Conclusion: Mystery
Acknowledgments
Appendix 1: Childlike Version of Psalm 23
Appendix 2: Three Guided Prayer Pages for Walking a Labyrinth
Appendix 3: A Childlike Adaptation of the Lord’s Prayer with Bodies
Appendix 4: Holy Listening Information and Permission Form
Notes
Recommended Reading
About the author
Lacy Finn Borgo holds a doctor of ministry degree in leadership and spiritual formation and a certificate in spiritual direction from Portland Seminary, where she also teaches classes on spiritual direction and spiritual formation. In addition to her practice with adults, she provides spiritual direction for children at Haven House, a transitional housing facility for homeless families. Lacy also serves on the Renovaré US ministry team. She lives in Montrose, Colorado, with her family and assorted animals.
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