Lenten Prayer Chain

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and continues until Easter. This Lenten Prayer Chain is a meaningful way to help children remember to pray each day during the Lenten season. As they add one paper link at a time, they can reflect, pray, and watch their chain grow.

There are 40 days in Lent because Sundays are not counted. We have provided prayer ideas along with blank strips so families and classrooms can add their own special intentions. This simple project is a wonderful way to combine faith and creativity with easy crafts for kids.

Supplies

Purple construction paper
Printer
Scissors
Stapler or glue sticks

Instructions

Print out a set of prayer strips for each child. You may print directly onto purple paper or onto white paper and glue the strips onto construction paper.

Cut the paper into strips if not already prepared.

Encourage children to read the printed prayer on each strip. On the blank strips, invite them to write their own special prayer requests. They may want to pray for family members, friends, teachers, community helpers, or people in need.

Form the first strip into a circle and secure it with a staple or glue. Each day during Lent, add a new strip by looping it through the previous link and fastening it closed.

As the chain grows longer, children can visually see their daily commitment to prayer.

This activity also works beautifully as a group project for Sunday School. Ask the children to suggest prayer ideas and create one large classroom chain to display.

Fun Facts

Violet, or purple, is the color of Lent. It represents reflection and preparation. Purple is also traditionally associated with royalty, reminding Christians of the kingship of Jesus.

Lent lasts for 40 days, reflecting the 40 days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness.

Source: The Fact Site – 20 Interesting Facts About Lent

Patterns, Templates and Printables

Click on a pattern to open it in a new window to print.