Faith Curriculum Library: Tapestry of Faith: Love Connects Us: A Program on Living in Unitarian Universalist Covenant for Grades 4-5

Alternate Activity 1: Serenity Prayer Bracelets

Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Beads in silver, purple, and gold colors, one of each color for each participant
  • Elastic thread, preferably black or silver; scissors

Preparation for Activity

  • Set out materials at work tables.

Description of Activity

Participants create bracelets to serve as reminders to accept with serenity the things one cannot change, to courageously change the things one can, and to find the wisdom to know the difference. Each bracelet will have three beads: one silver, one purple, and one gold.

For each participant, cut a length of elastic thread a few inches longer than the circumference of their wrist. Have each participant begin by stringing a silver bead onto the elastic thread to symbolize serenity. As they string the silver bead, invite participants to reflect silently or to share aloud when in their lives they have experienced the deepest serenity. Have participants tie a knot on either side of the bead.

The second bead is purple, for courage. As they string the purple bead, invite participants to reflect silently or to share aloud a memory of some time when they had the courage to change something (or simply a time when they felt courageous). Have participants tie a knot next to this purple bead.

The third bead is gold, for wisdom. As they string the gold bead, invite participants to reflect silently or to share aloud a memory of some time when they made a wise choice, or the name of someone they admire for their wisdom. Have participants tie a knot next to the gold bead. Then invite participants to help each other tie the elastic threads around one another's wrists to form a bracelet, and trim the ends.

Including All Participants

Participants lacking the manual dexterity to string beads and/or knot the elastic string can share their thoughts or reflect silently on each of the three topics while a co-leader or another participant strings and ties their beads.