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Forgiveness Bowl

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Ritual One

 

1. Gather family members around the forgiveness bowl.

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2. Ask “Have we hurt anyone today with our words or actions?”

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3. Share your feelings & actions (Confession) 

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Allow family members to share any moments during the day where they may have hurt another person with their words or actions. 

 

Tip: It is important for parents/caregivers to set an example by courageously acknowledging their own mistakes first. This can inspire children to do the same.

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4. Respond by:

 

  • Writing the name of the person you’ve hurt on dissolvable paper and asking that person for forgiveness (use provided blank sheets). 

  • Writing the name of the person you’ve hurt on dissolvable paper and praying for that person (use provided blank sheets).

  • Choosing an image or symbol that represents the impact of your actions on another person, using images or symbols displayed on the cross bowl.

 

5. Put your dissolvable paper in the water.

 

After you've thought about how you might have hurt someone, place your dissolvable paper in the water. This shows that Jesus' mercy is extended towards us when we confess our sins. 

 

6. Close your time with a scripture about forgiveness. 

 

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

-1 John 1:9

 

"Make room for one another's faults and forgive each other, just as Christ forgave you."

-Colossians 3:13

Ritual Two

 

1. Gather family members around the forgiveness bowl.

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2. Ask “Has anyone hurt us today with their words or actions?”

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3. Share your feelings (Confession)

 

Share any moments during the day when someone might have hurt you with their words or actions.

 

Tip: It is important for parents/caregivers to set an example by talking about how they’ve been hurt. This can inspire children to do the same.

 

4. Choose forgiveness by: 

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  • ​Writing the name of the person who hurt you on dissolvable paper and forgiving them (use the provided blank sheets).

or

  • Writing the name of the person who hurt you on dissolvable paper and saying a prayer for them (use the provided blank sheets).

or

  • Finding an image or symbol on the around the cross bowl that represents how you were hurt. 

 

5. Put your dissolvable paper in the water.

 

After thinking about how someone hurt you, put your dissolvable paper in the water. This shows that Jesus' mercy extends to those who hurt us.

 

6. Close your time with a scripture about forgiveness. 

 

May room for one another’s faults and forgive each other just as Christ forgave you.

-Colossians 3:13

 

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

-Matthew 5:7

 

The Lord delights in showing mercy.

-Micah 7:18

 

Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

-Ephesians 4:32

 

But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.

-Matthew 5:44

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