9 a.m.
Please arrive by 8:30 a.m. Downloadable PDF Lesson Plans for 9:00 a.m. Service:
10:45 a.m.
Please arrive by 10:15 a.m. Downloadable PDF Lesson Plans for 10:45 a.m. Service:
Leader Devo
Take a moment to read Matthew 6:5–13.
It’s clear that the disciples knew about prayer. As Jewish men, they prayed often. Prayer was woven into their daily lives. But Jesus taught them to pray differently. He prayed with intimacy and confidence.
Jesus’ prayers went way beyond rote repetition of familiar phrases. It was as though Jesus was talking with God, not at Him, and the disciples sensed the love that fueled Jesus’ prayers.
That is what they wanted in their prayers. Not duty, but devotion. Not performance, but passion.
We still need Jesus to teach us to pray. If you’re unsure that’s true, ask yourself this: If someone was eavesdropping while you pray, how would they describe your relationship with whoever’s on the other end of your words? Do you sound as though you’re speaking with someone you know? Someone you love? Are you reciting or communicating?
I ask not to shame you (or myself—we’re in this together!) but because in this lesson you have a choice: You can present the Lord’s Prayer as a formula for prayer or as an invitation to intimacy with God.
Doing the first gives kids useful, straight-from-Jesus information—and that’s great. But also doing the second gives them permission to open their hearts to God.
And that’s when prayer really begins.
—Mikal Keefer
Children’s Ministry Volunteer
Contributor to Wonder Ink
*Wonder Ink Video for this series*
*Word of Wonder*
“But God has surely listened. He has heard my prayer. Give praise to God.”
— Psalm 66:19–20a
The volunteer schedule, including adults and youth volunteers, is available below.
