As a children’s minister, I know you are balancing so many plates right now. You are planning Vacation Bible School, Easter activities, summer camp, volunteers, along with the regular weekly activities. The Lord calls us to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thess. 5:17), so use this walk around to pray, fix, clean, and check on things in your children’s area. Here are some places in your church you can check on as you walk around.

1. Walk to the highchairs. Check and make sure they are not wobbly or dirty. As you check and fix, pray for the little ones that will sit in the highchairs. Pray for the parents/grandparents who are taking care of their little ones. You might even know their names- say them now.

2. Walk to each Sunday school class. As you walk into each class, check on the cleanliness of each room and make sure the toys work; see if they need to be cleaned. As you clean, thank the Lord for the teachers and students in each class. Pray over the chairs that they sit in, that the Lord will open their hearts and ears to hear His Word.

3. Walk to each rug in your children’s area. Make sure they don’t need to be replaced, and then pray that Bible study lessons will be blessed, and God will be glorified.

4. Walk to your check-in area. As you clean and organize the drawers to get them ready for Sunday, pray for the new families that might enter through your doors. Pray that each family will feel welcomed and loved.

5. Walk to your children’s area fridge and sinks. Make sure you throw away those gross containers that have been there for a while. Then pray over the goldfish and lemonade the children will enjoy. Pray that laughter and sweet memories will be had over these snacks.

6. Walk to your playground. Check the equipment and make sure it is cleaned well. Pray that the children will have fun and stay safe.

In the middle of a busy season, it’s easy to let schedules and responsibilities crowd out the quiet moments that keep us grounded. Taking even a few minutes to step away, breathe, and talk with God can bring clarity, peace, and renewed focus. Go ahead… get up from your desk… You can do it… walk and pray.

Julie Donavan has served in children’s and preschool ministry for 16 years and is currently the children’s minister at Hollinger’s Island Baptist Church in Mobile, AL. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School. Julie has written discipleship resources and leadership training for Lifeway, The Baptist Paper, and the Alabama State Board of Missions. Called to ministry at age nine, she continues to serve faithfully alongside her husband, Connor, and their two young children.