Scripture: Luke 17: 11-19
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn God cares about our problems.
- Students will learn nothing is impossible for God if it is within His will.
- Students will learn God wants us to thank Him for everything he gives us and does for us.
- Students will learn how to express gratitude through writing.
Guiding Question: How can students learn to express gratitude?
Materials: Blank journals, drawing utensils, pencils, pens
Procedure: Review the story of the Ten Lepers Healed. Remind the students that God cares about all of our problems no matter how big or small they may feel. Explain that often we can feel that a problem is too big for us and that even God cannot handle. It is important to remember that God can handle all problems and give us the strength and wisdom to work through difficult situations. He brings good out of tough situations and nothing is impossible for God to fix if it is His will to do so. When God shows up and does what feels impossible for us, it is important to give Him thanks, knowing that we could not have overcome without Him. This is part of obedience to God and expressing our love for Him.
Introduce the activity. Have the students make gratitude journals. For each page, they should write a bible verse and draw an illustration to make the journal appealing to use. Encourage them to write down three things at the end of every day for which they are grateful.
Additional Questions: How can students show thankfulness to God?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students created a gratitude prayer schedule. Each night at dinner or before bed, students and their families can talk about and pray for things in life they are grateful for.