Family Prayer Time by Lucy Moore  

The latest Messy Mini book is engaging and interactive, and unpacks truths about prayer in a family setting 

Family Prayer Time - on the journey together  
By Lucy Moore 
BRF
ISBN: 9780857467157 
Reviewed by: Ed Jones 

With over 30 pages crammed full of puzzles, games, question and facts that will encourage and inspire families together in prayer, as with the other Messy Minibooks, the latest edition to the series, without doubt this is a little book that packs a large punch!  

The difference that Messy Church has made over the last decade is something hard to pin down or quantify. That said the whole idea of ‘being church for families involving fun’ is so simple, yet immensely powerful and has been a catalyst for many where the Christian faith is concerned.  

In Family Prayer Time, there are over 30 pages crammed full of puzzles, games, question and facts that will encourage and inspire families together in prayer. Engaging and interactive in its style, the booklet is written in a format that means although designed to be used within and as a family, it could easily be worked through by a child on their own. 

Framed through the invitation to go on a treasure, the booklet is split into eight sections. As each one is worked through, truths about prayer are unpacked and expounded upon in a variety of fun ways. Questions such as why and where should I pray, how and what do I pray, are creatively explored. 

At first glance due to the size of the booklet my thought was every member of a family would need one, which at £2.50 per copy, could mean it less accessible to some rather than others just down to the cost. Having worked through it though, I like the idea of gathering round and pouring over it together, taking turns to read and working through the activities together. A compilation in the future of the various Messy Minibooks would be a great resource. 

This all said, as someone in my 30s I’m aware I’ll have a particular view on the booklets appearance, their use and potential impact. Therefore on sharing it with some children, they commented thus:  

“It looks very fun for all of the family and I really like all the colours and pictures”. (6 year old) 

“I think it would be good for all ages. The way it is put together, makes it interesting and fun. The treasure hunt idea is a really good beginning to the book, it draws you. (10 year old)
 

Ed Jones is minister of Battle Baptist Church