Tag: Saturday

Saturday: Generosity

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.

Mighty Lord, make us firm in faith, and brave in sharing it. Help us to learn what it means to be courageous as we read more about Paul today. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Acts 24:14-16
[Paul said,] “I admit that their leaders think that the Lord’s Way, which I follow, is based on wrong beliefs. But I still worship the same God that my ancestors worshiped. And I believe everything written in the Law of Moses and in the Prophets. I am just as sure as these people are that God will raise from death everyone who is good or evil. And because I am sure, I try my best to have a clear conscience in whatever I do for God or for people.”  (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Paul spoke about believing in Jesus as “the Lord’s Way”? Why is trusting and believing in Him the “way” that God wants us to live each day?

Child: When we trust in Jesus, why does that make us want to help others trust in Jesus, too? How does God use us to give his promise to others?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Dear Lord, people learn about you from what they see in us, your followers. Help us to be generous and good, so that our lives would give you glory. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you give the promise of God to others. Amen.

Friday: Trust

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.

O God, you want us to trust you, and you are completely trust-worthy. As we study today, help us to believe this in our heart. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.

Listen: Pay close attention to this reminder from Luther’s Small Catechism.

What is the significance of baptizing with water? It signifies that the old Adam in us, together with all sins and evil desires, should be drowned by daily sorrow for sin and repentance and be put to death, and that the new person should come forth every day and rise to live before God in righteousness and purity forever. (Luther’s Small Catechism)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Luther’s Small Catechism tells us that after baptism, a “new person should come forth every day to live before God… in purity.” What do you think that means?

Child: Do you remember when I was baptized? What can you tell me about that day?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of baptism, and for making us your daughters and sons. We love you, and are so happy that you love us, too! In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you remember that you are God’s beloved child. Amen.

Saturday: Generosity

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.

Mighty Lord, as we read today’s story, teach us to see all of life through the eyes of faith. Help us to trust in your goodness always. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Acts 21:32-33
[The Roman army commander] quickly took some soldiers and officers and ran to where the crowd had gathered. As soon as the mob saw the commander and soldiers, they stopped beating Paul. The army commander went over and arrested him and had him bound with two chains. Then he tried to find out who Paul was and what he had done.  (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Do you think the Roman commander realized that by arresting Paul and putting him in chains, he was saving him? Why or why not?

Child: When we are being honest and good, we have nothing to fear and nothing to hide. Knowing that, do you think it was a relief for Paul when the Roman commander tried to find out what he had done? Why or why not?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Dear Lord, you are always working for good. Thank you for those who work honorably to keep order in our world. Protect them, and protect all your people. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you see God’s hand at work in the world. Amen.

Saturday: Generosity

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.

Mighty Lord, you can do amazing things! Thank you for watching over us, and for helping us each day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Acts 20:10-2
Paul went down and bent over Eutychus. He took him in his arms and said, “Don’t worry! He’s alive.”  After Paul had gone back upstairs, he broke bread, and ate with us. He then spoke until dawn and left. Then the followers took the young man home alive and were very happy. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Paul was able to go back to speaking after he knew Eutychus was okay. How do you think he could stay so calm? What calms you after you’ve had a scare?

Child: Everyone assumed Eutychus was dead after he fell from that window, but God healed him! When has God done something unexpected and wonderful in your life?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Dear Lord, we thank you for your unexpected blessings. Thank you for healing the sick and the injured. Be with all those who suffer today. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you trust God and be calm. Amen.

Saturday: Generosity

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.

Mighty Lord, you shower us with kindness! Thank you for your love, and for surrounding us with people who keep us safe. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Acts 19:30-31
Paul wanted to go out and speak to the people, but the Lord’s followers would not let him. A few of the local officials were friendly to Paul, and they sent someone to warn him not to go. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: That day, why did the Lord’s followers stop Paul from going out to speak to the people? What were they concerned about? How do you think Paul felt about what his friends did?

Child: Do you think God ever stops us from doing things we want to do? Why would God do that? Why might we do that for each other?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Dear Lord, you watch over us every day. Sometimes we don’t know why certain things happen, but you do. Help us to trust that you know what is best, even when we don’t get what we want. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you learn to be patient. Amen.

Saturday: Generosity

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.

Mighty Lord, when we are weak, you are strong. When we are wavering, you are steady. Thank you for giving us all that we need each day. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Acts 18:9-11
One night, Paul had a vision, and in it the Lord said, “Don’t be afraid to keep on preaching. Don’t stop! I am with you, and you won’t be harmed. Many people in this city belong to me.” Paul stayed on in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching God’s message to the people. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Why might Paul have been comforted to know that God was with him?  Would that message have made a difference to you? Why or why not?

Child: Even though some people in the city didn’t listen to Paul, God said that “many in the city belong to me.” Why is it helpful to know that others share our faith?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Merciful Lord, even when many people turn away, you still notice those who belong to you. Help us to reach out to those who do not believe in you. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you notice those around you who share your faith. Amen.

Saturday: Generosity

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.

Mighty Lord, you can do anything! Teach us what you would have us know, and lead us so that we can make a difference in the lives of others. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Listen: Listen carefully as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.

Acts 17:32-34
As soon as the people heard Paul say that a man had been raised from death, some of them started laughing. Others said, “We will hear you talk about this some other time.” When Paul left the council meeting, some of the men put their faith in the Lord and went with Paul. One of them was a council member named Dionysius. A woman named Damaris and several others also put their faith in the Lord. (CEV)

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Why do you think some people laughed when Paul said that Jesus had been raised from the dead?

Child: Do you think it was hard for Paul to keep sharing the Good News after being laughed at? What kept him going?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Merciful Lord, even when you are rejected, you continue to reach out to us. Thank you for your love and patience. Help us to be patient with others, in return. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you notice the many ways God reaches out to you. Amen.