Whimsical, simple illustrations and prayers drawn from Episcopal prayer resources.
Common Prayer for Children and Families is a collection of prayers and liturgies written for kids and the adults or communities who pray with them. Whimsically illustrated with pen and ink, this book contains prayers for morning, midday, and evening; prayers throughout the Church year; and prayers for all sorts of occasions.
At the heart of this book is the belief that prayer shapes our lives and should be accessible and meaningful for children. The prayers in this book are called “common” for a variety of reasons; like the Book of Common Prayer, it seeks to provide a language, form, and theology that binds Episcopalians in shared prayer. In addition, prayers reflect themes with which children are commonly familiar, like home, school, and camps. Most of all, these prayers are held in common—always done within God’s holy community that includes family and friends, the living and the dead, saints and sinners, angels, archangels, and the company of heaven.
Also available in Spanish. Reading age: 8 - 12 years, Interest range: 3 - 12 years
Jenifer Gamber is a trusted author of several bestselling books for youth in the Episcopal Church, including My Faith, My Life and Call on Me: A Prayer Book for Young People. She is a sought-after speaker on topics related to Christian formation, teen spirituality, and Christian parenting. She serves as chaplain at St. Patrick’s Episcopal Day School and assistant rector at St. Patrick’s Parish in Washington, DC, where she lives.
TIMOTHY J. S. SEAMANS is an Episcopal Priest and Chaplain at the Cathedral School for Boys at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. He co-wrote
Common Prayer for Children and Families with Jenifer Gamber and speaks regularly on worship, religious education, and the spiritual formation of children and youth. He has served at the Episcopal School of Los Angeles, Episcopal High School in Alexandria, and Holy Innocents' Episcopal School in Atlanta. Timothy preaches regularly at Grace Cathedral and is completing his doctorate on experiential approaches to studying the Bible at Virginia Theological Seminary. He lives in San Francisco, California.
"This is exactly the type of resource that we need; ready to go tools for children’s ministers to use alongside families, helping to equip parents/caregivers as the primary leaders of their children’s faith formation." —Practical Resources for Churches
"The best gift to little ones is to share what we know of God's love, trustworthiness, and genius. We first hear of those things in the stories of the Bible and the prayers of the church. This little book of prayers will help keep children and families fastened to God in prayer and praise for generations." —The Rt. Rev. Robert C. Wright, The Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta
"In its simplicity, here is a rhythm of prayer that will sustain and nurture the spiritual life across the generations." —The Rev. Mary Hawes, National Children and Youth Adviser for the Church of England
"Common Prayer for Children and Families will become your go-to resource at home or church for prayers on any occasion. Easy to use, practical and spiritual, this book will bring those who use it closer to God and each other. The old standards and new prayers will become so familiar to those who read and share them. I wish I had this book when I was growing up!" —Pattie Ames, Christian Formation Missioner, The Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia
"This is a prayer book that I intend to keep on my own bookshelf as well as a book I will want to gift to young families at baby showers or baptism celebrations or gift just for no reason other than it is a book that will encourage prayer and prayer life with children and their parents." —Trevecca Okholm, adjunct professor of practical theology, Azusa Pacific University, author of Kingdom Family: Re-Envisioning God's Plan for Marriage and Family
"These prayers use language that is easily accessible for children without sacrificing depth of meaning. The most beautiful thing about this work is the way it encourages families to pray together in so many circumstances, putting God at the center of their lives." ––Sarah Bentley Allred, Director of Children and Family Ministries, St. John's Episcopal Church, Wake Forest, North Carolina and Associate for Christian Formation and Discipleship, Department of Lifelong Learning, Virginia Theological Seminary
"Jenifer Gamber and Timothy Seamans have crafted an accessible, beautiful resource for families. Rooted in the tradition of common prayer, it is expansive in its creative use of language and illustration and well-organized for the seasons of the church. While intended for children, it is applicable to all who seek the daily rhythm of prayer for life." —The Rev. Michael Sullivan, President and CEO of Kanuga
"A much-needed, beautifully written compendium that honors children and celebrates the rich prayer traditions of the Episcopal Church. A wonderful way to enrich prayer life at home, in church, or in school chapel." —Ann Mellow, Associate Director, National Association of Episcopal Schools
"In its simplicity, it offers the possibility of a rhythm of prayer which will sustain and nurture the spiritual life across the generations. I'd love to see churches gifting this widely." —Mary Hawes, National Children and Youth Adviser for the Church of England
"Gamber and Seamans fill a void with this beautiful volume of prayers, liturgies, songs, and illustrations. Common Prayer for Children and Families offers accessible and theologically sound ways for everyone in the family to worship and wonder together." —Amanda Wischkaemper, Director of Children's Ministry, St. David's Episcopal Church, Austin, Texas
