John 16:12-15, New International Reader's Version

I have much more to say to you. It is more than you can handle right now. But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own. He will speak only what he hears. And he will tell you what is still going to happen. He will bring me glory. That’s because what he receives from me he will show to you. Everything that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said what the Holy Spirit receives from me he will show to you.

Message:

Today we have more story to tell with the creation of our poem. Does anyone remember what we talked about last week? (Allow children to answer. Listen for words used in the poem.)

This week, I want to read from our Bible another story about the Holy Spirit. I will read from the Gospel of John. (Read the passage directly from the Bible. You may want to have the children help you find the chapter by asking questions. such as Old or New Testament?)

What words did you hear that describe the Holy Spirit? (Allow children to respond. Expand on their responses. Key words include “guide,” “hear,” “truth,” “what will happen,” and so on.)

Those are all excellent ways to describe the Holy Spirit. I am excited to see that you were listening so closely. I wonder what are some ways that you might listen closely to the voice of the Holy Spirit? (Allow children to respond.)

The Holy Spirit does speak truth to us because God speaks through the Spirit, and God is loving, trustworthy, and truthful. The Holy Spirit always brings glory to God. When we listen to the Spirit and follow the Spirit’s direction, our lives will glorify God too! What does glorifying God mean? (Allow children to respond.) That’s right; when we honor God, we are glorifying God. When we praise God, we are glorifying God. When we worship God, we are glorifying the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

When we listen to the Holy Spirit, we are listening to God. When we do that, we glorify God and show the world how much we love God. Listen as we continue with our poem. I still am having some trouble finding the right rhyming words, so please help me. Remember this is also our prayer, and together we will say. “Amen.”

The voice of the Spirit is so true
To be a guide and give to you,
Speaking not on its own
But rather what is heard and shown
The Spirit tells you what life will do
What it receives from me will be shown to ____. (Ask the children if they can suggest a word that fits here and rhymes with “do.” The word is “you.”)
(collectively) AMEN!