Tuesday: Struggle
Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you … in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, you lead us and guide us each day, just as you did for Jesus so long ago. Be present now, as we study our Bible story, and teach us how to face hard times with courage. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.
Matthew 4: 1-4
The Holy Spirit led Jesus into the desert, so that the devil could test him. After Jesus had gone without eating for forty days and nights, he was very hungry. Then the devil came to him and said, “If you are God’s Son, tell these stones to turn into bread.” Jesus answered, “The Scriptures say: ‘No one can live only on food. People need every word that God has spoken.’” (CEV)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: Does it surprise you that the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness to be tested by the devil? Why or why not? How did this show God’s confidence in Jesus?
Child: Jesus went without eating for 40 days and nights while he was in the desert. If you had done that, how might you be feeling at the end of that time in body, mind and spirit?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Heavenly Father, it can be easy to think that when we are tested, we are on our own. But you know everything, and only allow what is good for us. Help us to trust you, and to believe that if you lead us to it, you will lead us through it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May you trust that God’s will for you is good! Amen.