Praying Their Way Workshop
Praying Their Way Workshop
Sept. 19, 2026
9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
When kids start talking about God and prayer, are you prepared to talk back? PTS professor the Rev. Dr. L. Roger Owens has partnered with his 15-year-old daughter, Mary Clare, to write Praying Their Way: 24 Prayer Practices for Kids and the Adults Who Love Them. This guidebook introduces kids to a lifelong journey with prayer. Filled with an abundance of tools to engage kids between the ages of 10 and 14 on the topic of prayer, Praying Their Way provides support for that awkward time as kids grow from young children into teenagers and their faith grows and evolves too.
In this interactive workshop, Dr. Owens will lead us through the practices outlined in the book and provide opportunities for practice, reflection, and questions. You'll discover a new vocabulary for talking about prayer, specific prompts for conversation, and two dozen prayer practices in six categories (Scripture, silence, body, nature, together, and justice) to explore with kids in grades 5-8. Written for parents, grandparents, godparents, pastors, children's ministers, and Sunday school teachers, Praying Their Way is easily adaptable for younger kids and kids through 9th grade, as well as the spiritual-but-not-religious audience.
Please note, this is not an event for children.
Presenter
L. Roger Owens is professor of Christian spirituality and ministry at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He is the author of several books, including Praying Their Way: 24 Prayer Practices for Kids and the Adults Who Love Them, Everyday Contemplative: The Way of Prayerful Living, and What We Need Is Here: Practicing the Heart of Christian Spirituality. Owens holds a PhD and MDiv from Duke University and a BA from Anderson University. An ordained United Methodist minister, he has pastored urban and rural congregations in North Carolina. Owens is married to Rev. Ginger Thomas, and they are the parents of three children. He loves to read, sing, listen to his children make music, and take quiet walks.
Schedule
9:00-9:30 - Breakfast and registration
9:30-12 - Workshop
Questions
Please direct questions to ptsncevents@pts.edu or call 412-924-1345.
