The Gospel Project Unit 23:3 Jesus Taught About Prayer
Today’s Bible Lesson is from Luke 11 and Luke 18.
Jesus taught us to pray. Because of Jesus, we can pray to the Father and ask for what we need. We can trust that God is good and loving, and we can count on Him to do what is right.
Big Picture Question:
What did Jesus teach when He was on earth? Jesus taught about God and His kingdom. He taught that all Scripture is about Him.
Key Passage:
John 14:25-26- “These things I have spoken to you while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.”
Worship ideas that connect with today’s lesson:
- Ask Seek Knock by Hillsong Kids
- The Lord’s Prayer- Promiseland Worship
- The Lord’s Prayer- Hillsong Worship
Bible Story Lesson:
Discussion Questions:
Why did Jesus say the friend would help his neighbor even late at night? (His neighbor asked boldly, Luke 11:8)
What did Jesus say a father would not give his son? (a snake, a scorpion; Luke 11:11-12)
Why did the unjust judge do the right thing for the widow? (She kept asking, Luke 18:4-5)
How do these parables encourage us to pray? Guide kids to see that in each case, the person being asked was a sinner and still did the right thing. Jesus wanted people to see that because God is much greater than people, He can be trusted to hear our prayers and respond in the perfect way.
Can you think of a time you prayed for something specific? What happened? Guide kids to provide specific examples from their lives. Do not allow any kids to shame kids for asking for things that may seem silly or unimportant. Encourage kids to discuss honestly if they got the answer they wanted and how they knew.
What are some things you are praying about now? Encourage kids to share their requests with the group if they want to. Write them down. Offer time for the kids to pray for one another. Close the time by thanking God for always doing what is best. Challenge the kids to pray for one another throughout the week.
Take-away • Jesus taught people how to pray. Jesus wanted people to understand that God loves His children. He enjoys giving us the good things we need. We can pray in faith, knowing God always answers.
Activity Ideas:
Prayerwalk
Explain to your kids what a prayerwalk is, taking a walk with God and talking to Him along the way, praying for the places and people you pass. Then, gather your family and begin walking around your neighborhood, encouraging kids to pray silently or aloud as you walk. Guide them to pray for specific neighbors, or things your community needs. You could even prayerwalk around your child’s school, praying for the upcoming school year!
Say • Jesus taught people how to pray. Prayer is really just talking to God. We can tell Him anything, just like we might tell a trusted friend. He cares about how we feel, what we think, what we need, and what we want. Sometimes going on a prayerwalk can be a great way to remind yourself of other groups or places that may need our prayers too.