one of my challenges is to figure out how to explain prayer to young people (under 18) who were never really taught how to pray and who have images of God as the mean authority figure who's there to judge them. i want them to feel like they can turn to God for help, encouragement, and comfort. not condemnation which is really what they have gotten from authority figures in their own life. would appreciate your ideas.

A great introduction to prayer for young people is Mark Link's book Praying the Way Jesus Prayed. Loyola Press recently published a new edition of this classic book on prayer. Mark Link's Web site http://www.staygreat.com is also a great resource for young people trying the develop a habit of daily prayer. It offers Scripture, a meditation, and a story each day.
If you aren't familiar with Loyola Press's daily 3-Minute Retreat or the Creighton Online Ministries Web site, you might want to visit both sites. They offer daily prayer experiences and other resources.

Mel
When I talk to teens about prayer I always talk to them about building a relationship. I remind them that if there is someone they love or hope to love they have to talk to that person and get to know more about that person. if it is someone they really like they share their dreams and ideas even their challenges with that person. A teacher of ours used to say if a groom turned to the bride as they were walking out of the church and said don't say another word for the rest of our lives together I only want to remember you just as you are in this perfect moment, the marriage wouldn't last long. So too our relationship with God cant thrive if we dont' move beyond that first encounter with him.
It must be very difficult to help young people who have had mostly difficult difficult or unhealthy relationships to open up so that they can trust that God does love them and does want to get to know them. The witness of your life and work will go along way towards encouraging them to believe that healthy relationships can exhist and can be found in the God who has loved them from all eternity.
Peace
Maura

thanks, mdiener and Maura Louise. appreciate the suggestions. part of my issue is that i can't imagine where these kids come from. yes, i know the statistics, the "profile" but my upbringing was sooo different. many of the kids at most "tolerate" me and the other staff. i'm new enough to this that i've yet to gain their trust and respect. i pray to God that i can be humble and to reflect his love to them, not my own issues or my failings. my witness right now is mostly through listening, letting them know i'm open to hearing them, to hearing their story.

Mel
Don't underestimate the witness of hope that you are giving these kids. Yes your upbringing may have been very different but I believe that sometimes we give kids in crisis a hopefull witness that there can be different experiences of life than the ones they have had thus far. that they can make different choices than their parents did. Keep praying yourself and asking the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions. If you are authentic to what you believe it will speak volumes. there is that wonderful quote from St. Francis of Assisi. Preach the gospel always, use words when necessary.
Peace
Maura