The Diocese of Oxford has launched a brand-new contemplation and reflection resource for families with young children to enjoy exploring and journeying together in faith.
Space Makers for Families is designed to equip caregivers, parents, grandparents and godparents with tools to nurture their own everyday faith and spiritual journey, alongside the children and family members with whom they live.
Akin to other resources for schools and youth groups in the Space Maker series, Space Makers for Families, is founded on ancient pathways and practices of mediation and prayer that have resourced Christians for generations.
Recognising that family life is very full, the resource provides seven practices, one for each day of the week, that can be done anytime and to fit into the busyness of everyday life. The practices range from a few mins to 15 minutes and are suitable for children from preschool to age 11. Each practice provides the opportunity for families to explore different elements of an everyday faith.
Reflecting on her hopes for the resource, Yvonne Morris, Space Makers author, Discipleship Enabler and Children and Family’s Ministry Advisor in the Diocese of Oxford, said:
“I’m excited to be able to offer this resource tailored for families and children to help them to encounter more of God, and to live more deeply and less anxiously as they journey together in the Christian faith.
“It is an invitation to parents, grandparents, caregivers to do something with and for themselves, their children, and their household. The hope is that in time these practices will become a habit for each family member, as part of who they are, as they seek to serve God in their everyday lives.”
The Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said:
“I’m delighted that we have expanded the Space Makers series to deliver this new resource for families to grow in faith in Christ together in a way that fosters those important everyday faith habits of self-reflection and contemplation.
“It is my hope that this resource will create spaces for families to experience God’s love and presence in their lives together, as parents and caregivers guide their children to flourish on the pathways of life and faith.”
The seven practices
Space Makers for Families focuses on the seven key practices, one for each day of the week, of Stilling, Noticing, Dwelling, Mending, Filling, Blessing and Marking. These practices include the use of a simplified form of Ignatian spiritual practices and explore:
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intentionally being still, to make space to come close to God and ask God to come close to us,
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drawing attention to where God is at work in us, in others and in life,
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rooting life, relationships and experiences in Scripture, allowing God’s word to dwell in us as we dwell in it,
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consciously encountering forgiveness,
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welcoming the Holy Spirit into our beings to refresh, lift and ease us throughout life,
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becoming more aware of the blessings we receive and choosing to be a blessing to others,
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encouraging frequent attention to the landmarks of our lives.
Space Makers for Families is designed in an easily accessible way for children – even the youngest – to take part, share their reflections, lead and guide the practices. Each pack contains a booklet with detailed practice exercises and suggested scripts, a tabletop booklet with images and practice prompts, and a Moment Maker template for children to create.
Additional resources are available to download from the Diocese of Oxford.
Space Makers for Families is part of the series of resources and complements Space Makers and the Contemplative Toolkit for schools and churches. They embed prayer and reflection into school, church and home life for the whole year.
Use of Space Makers and the Contemplative Toolkit in schools and churches in the diocese have demonstrated that including a short ten-minute period of contemplation and self-reflection into daily life has a decidedly beneficial effect on the wellbeing, flourishing and mental health of children and adults.
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