Scripture: Luke 11:9-13
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God expects us to pray to Him about all of our concerns.
- Students will learn God knows what is best for us.
- Students will learn when God says “no” or “wait” to our prayers, He is not “giving us a scorpion”, but He knows things we cannot understand and is doing what is best for us.
- Students will create prayer shawls for those in their congregation, family, etc. who may be struggling and need prayers from others.
Guiding Question: How can prayer encourage others?
Materials: The materials will vary depending on the prayer shawl pattern you choose. Possible patterns: http://www.craftsfromthecwtch.co.uk/2011/03/most-simple-shawl-for-michele.html
Procedure: Review the importance of faith and prayer from the scriptures above. Emphasize the importance of praying to God about all the things that you worry about – big or small and that God will be faithful in answering/working His plan for you. Prayer can help you and also others. Many times, people who are struggling with very difficult situations reach out for prayer from others because they believe in the power of prayer and it helps to encourage them in their struggles.
Introduce the service project. Tell the students they are going to make prayer shawls to give to family, friends, those in their congregation, etc. who are struggling with a difficult situation. These shawls will serve as reminders to those that there are people praying for them.
Additional Questions: How can reminders of encouragement lift up others?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students write words/phrases of encouragement and uplifting Bible verses on flat smooth rocks. These can be passed out to family, friends, and those in their congregation who need support and can see these reminders around their home.