Bible Basics
This year as we continue our study of the Bible and learn more about the New Testament, let's take a minute to review how we find Bible passages. We look them up by the name of the book of the Bible (check in the table of contents to find where each book begins). The first number is the chapter. The number after the colon is the verse or verses. Practice looking up verses. One person open the Bible and write down a verse you like. Give your verse to the person to your right and see if they can find the verse. See how many you can get correct. Happy learning!
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Bible Story
During Faith Formation this year, we will be exploring the New Testament. In the New Testament we will hear many stories about Jesus and the teachings of Jesus. Each month we will read a new story about Jesus. As you hear more stories about Jesus, you will build a relationship with him.
This month look up Matthew 7:7-11.
Read the story from Matthew about asking God for what you need.
When you ask God for help, He will help. It may not always be the help you want. Jesus teaches us that God will always be there to hear our prayers and answer them. God will give us the things that are good for us.
What are some things you have asked your parents for?
Did they give them to you?
Did they make you wait?
Did they give you something better?
God answers prayers in the same way. Sometimes he gives us what we want, sometimes he gives us something even better and sometimes we just have to wait.
This month look up Matthew 7:7-11.
Read the story from Matthew about asking God for what you need.
When you ask God for help, He will help. It may not always be the help you want. Jesus teaches us that God will always be there to hear our prayers and answer them. God will give us the things that are good for us.
What are some things you have asked your parents for?
Did they give them to you?
Did they make you wait?
Did they give you something better?
God answers prayers in the same way. Sometimes he gives us what we want, sometimes he gives us something even better and sometimes we just have to wait.
jesus My friend
This year as we explore the New Testament, we will learn more about Jesus. "Jesus My Friend" is an activity that we will do each month. This month to get started, color and cut out the Jesus outline below.
This month take Jesus with you as you go about your day in your house. Set him on the table to remember to pray. Set him where you do your virtual learning at home. Say a prayer when school work gets hard. Remember Jesus is always with you and always listening.
Object Lesson
Gather a few materials and have a little science fun while talking with your children about how Jesus feels when we pray to Him or talk to Him.
You will need:
-2 clear glasses filled with water
-2 drops food coloring in each glass
-"Alka Selzer" type tabs (you can get them cheap at the Dollar Tree)
-paper towels or tray to catch "fizz"
Gather your household around the glasses. Drop a tablet in the glass and watch the reaction. How did that make you feel? (Happy, excited, surprised. The excitement on their faces should be pretty evident.)
Connect this excitement to prayer. When we talk to Jesus in prayer this is how He feels. Jesus is excited when we pray with Him and become friends with Him. The more you know Jesus the more excited He gets and the more excited you get. Jesus loves us so much He wants nothing more then to be part of our lives.
Now you will each get a turn to pray to Jesus and drop a tablet into the glass to see the fizz. Let everyone know they will take turns praying for someone or asking for prayers, and then they will get to drop a tablet into the cup. Let them know if they don't want to pray out loud that is OK. Silent prayers in our hearts are heard by Jesus just as much as prayers we speak out loud. Once you drop your tablet into the water, make sure you listen really carefully. If you are quiet you can hear the fizz. Sometimes we have to be quiet and listen to hear Jesus.
You will need:
-2 clear glasses filled with water
-2 drops food coloring in each glass
-"Alka Selzer" type tabs (you can get them cheap at the Dollar Tree)
-paper towels or tray to catch "fizz"
Gather your household around the glasses. Drop a tablet in the glass and watch the reaction. How did that make you feel? (Happy, excited, surprised. The excitement on their faces should be pretty evident.)
Connect this excitement to prayer. When we talk to Jesus in prayer this is how He feels. Jesus is excited when we pray with Him and become friends with Him. The more you know Jesus the more excited He gets and the more excited you get. Jesus loves us so much He wants nothing more then to be part of our lives.
Now you will each get a turn to pray to Jesus and drop a tablet into the glass to see the fizz. Let everyone know they will take turns praying for someone or asking for prayers, and then they will get to drop a tablet into the cup. Let them know if they don't want to pray out loud that is OK. Silent prayers in our hearts are heard by Jesus just as much as prayers we speak out loud. Once you drop your tablet into the water, make sure you listen really carefully. If you are quiet you can hear the fizz. Sometimes we have to be quiet and listen to hear Jesus.
Music
Turn up the volume and get moving. Sing a song of praise and share your love for Jesus. Be careful; a contagious smile comes with dancing and singing. Challenge: continue the sing-a-long dance party with more of your favorite songs.