This series framed around Lent and Holy Week will provide children and their families an opportunity to build upon the spiritual practice of prayer. Throughout the series, the children will create prayer beads as they learn through the words of the Lord’s Prayer. Each week, a bead will be added that connects prayer to the weekly message. This is especially important as we continue to face difficult days ahead with COVID-19. Families can create prayer times in their homes using the prayer beads. Thanks to Rev. Dr. Leanne Hadley for providing the instructions of how to make prayer beads for the children.

DOWNLOAD Prayer Bead PDF with Instructions and Illustrations

Luke 13:34 NIRV

³⁴“Jerusalem! Jerusalem! You kill the prophets and throw stones in order to kill those who are sent to you. Many times, I have wanted to gather your people together. I have wanted to be like a hen who gathers her chicks under her wings. And you would not let me.

Materials needed:

Beads
Thin ribbon
Charm in shape of cross

Message:

Tell me how you honored God’s name this past week. (Allow children to provide answers.) Last week, we were reminded that we begin to pray by honoring God and remembering that we are having a conversation with God. We are not equal to God, and we must put God first place in our lives. God knows what we need before we ask, so we need to have conversations to deepen our relationship with God. We must remember to come to God with respect and honor when we come before God in prayer.

Before you pray for anything, Jesus teaches us to talk to God about God, God’s holiness, and God’s kingdom on earth. Focusing on God, you are now ready to ask for your needs and the needs of others.

Today the prayer bead that we added reminds us of the words in the prayer, “Thy Kingdom come.” Jesus wants us to remember that we need to show others what Heaven looks like here on earth. This happens by the way we are every minute of every day. We should show others what the world would look like if God’s “kingdom come” is seen by everyone we meet. God’s “kingdom come” means that every day all day we need to act like Jesus. I will do everything I can to show everyone I meet how God’s kingdom may look.

In today’s scripture passage, Jesus demonstrates compassion to Jerusalem. He was compassionate even to people who wanted to hurt him. Jesus was still willing to be kind How does that help us understand what the coming kingdom will be like? (Allow children to answer.)

I wonder what you can do to show the world God’s kingdom has come to earth. (Allow children to answer.)

When I put God first in my life, then God’s kingdom will come!

Prayer:

(Each week during the prayer, affix the bead to the ribbon when you begin the prayer.) God of honor and love, help us remember to always put you first. Remind us to live life with actions that honor you. When we do that, we will show the world what you want your creation to look like. God, help us live our lives so that your kingdom may come down to earth. Amen.