Thursday: Compassion
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.
Almighty Father, Jesus promised his followers that he would return to earth again someday. Encourage us in our faith as we live in the here and now, patiently waiting for your Son’s return. In the name of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Listen: Listen carefully as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.
When Jesus died and rose to life
his friends still feared there'd be more strife.
They wanted to know the where and how:
Will you fix all things right now?
But Jesus told them they must wait;
The Spirit was coming, and would not be late.
Christ then surprised his closest friends
When with the clouds he did ascend!
As up to heaven, Jesus rose,
two angels came in snow-white clothes.
They told them all, “Christ will someday
Come back to earth in this same way!”
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: Jesus promised that he would return again. Does anyone know when this will happen?
Child: What does it mean for us to wait for his return? How should we act in the meantime?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Loving God, as we wait for the last day when Jesus will return, help us to be hard at work. Grant us patience in our waiting, and the boldness to tell others about his love. In Jesus’ precious name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May the Lord our God give you grace and peace as we await Jesus’ return. Amen.