What happens when an adult invites a young child to practice centering and reflection? They participate in an act of holy listening. The Children’s Spirituality Research & Innovation Hub at Union Presbyterian Seminary has been experimenting with Holy Listening in church-based weekday preschools for the last four years. We’ve seen how 3-5 year olds grow spiritually when they have regular opportunities to meet 1:1 with a caring adult who facilitates a ritual of breathing, tracing a finger labyrinth, choosing conversation stones, and receiving a blessing. Come hear more about our findings and learn how to implement a Holy Listening practice in your ministry context. We’ll share stories about children’s experiences, demonstrate the ritual, explain the developmental and educational theories behind it, highlight potential pitfalls you might encounter, and provide take-home resources and advice to help you get started.
