The “Jelly Bean Prayer” is an amazing way to teach children about the meaning of Lent through sacrifices, doing a good deed, acts of kindness, respect, and forgiveness.
- Red for the blood of Christ (a sacrifice).
- Green for the shade of the palm (doing a good deed).
- Yellow for God’s light (kindness to others).
- Orange for prayers at twilight (good behavior at bedtime prayers).
- Purple for days of sorrow (apologizing to someone).
- Pink for each new tomorrow (forgiving others).
Starting on Ash Wednesday, observe and reward your child(ren) with a jellybean that reflects the appropriate color each time they do something that connects with that action or attitude. Celebrate Easter Sunday and allow them to receive their jellybean treasures.
Here are some additional ideas to help you with your jellybean count:
What are some sacrifices you can make?
- Give up your screen time and read the Bible and/or write a letter to God without being prompted.
- Give your favorite toy or shirt to someone who you know that loves it.
What are some good deeds and kind acts you can do?
- Clean up the dinner dishes.
- Help clean the house.
- Bake cookies for a neighbor.
- Write a letter or draw a picture for your grandparents to show you are thinking of them.
What are some ways to show respect before bedtime prayers?
- Have a positive attitude when it is time for bed.
- Say “yes” with a happy heart when told it is time for bedtime.
- Be slow to speak and quick to listen (James 1:19).
How do you say sorry when you done something wrong?
- The first step in apologizing to someone is to understand what you did was wrong. Say, “ I am sorry for hurting you, taking your toy, or not listening.”
- For the second step, say, “Please forgive me for hurting you, taking or not listening, etc.”
- As the third step, pray and thank God for forgiving you and thank the person for forgiving you too.
Children can be encouraged to pray during Lent. One simple prayer that we are adding to our morning routine this year is called, “My Morning Offering.”
God, our Father, I offer you today
all I think and do and say.
I offer it with what was done on
earth by Jesus Christ, your son.
Resource: https://join.catholicfinanciallife.org/blog/jelly-bean-prayer-a-family-activity-in-observance-of-lent