Rukoushetket

Rukoushetket, a Finnish term meaning "moments of prayer," refers to brief, intentional periods of prayer, reflection, or silence integrated into daily life and communal worship. They are typically short, often one to five minutes, and may be conducted individually or led in a group setting.

They occur in various contexts: at home, in schools, in workplaces—as a pause for thanks, intercession, or contemplation—and within church services, especially in Lutheran and other Christian communities in Finland. In schools and day care, rukoushetket may be included as part of moral or spiritual education, often at the start or end of the day or class.

Practices vary: silent meditation, spoken petitions, reading short biblical passages, prayerful songs, or listening to a short devotional text. They may be guided by a leader or conducted privately. Some communities use a fixed order or a recurring rhythm (for example, a monthly theme).

The concept emphasizes contemplative quiet and mindfulness of spiritual concerns, gratitude, and intercession. The term is primarily used in Finnish-speaking Christian communities and may be encountered in church documents, school routines, and broader community life.