Are you good at asking for help? Most of us struggle with this. We either feel like it makes us look weak, or like we are inconveniencing people, or we think people should know that we need help and just help. Do any of these sound like you?
The whole point of community is not doing life on your own. We are supposed to ask each other for help. But we also need to understand that people are not mind readers. We have all had those moments when we have been spaced out or some big life event was on our mind and we just did not see that someone could use assistance. So, before you think, “It was obvious I needed help,” show some grace and realize we have all been less than observant at times. What is obvious to one is not always obvious to another.
On the other hand, God is a mind reader and knows exactly what we need and want, but He still wants us to ask. If God, who knows everything, models that we should ask for help as He does in the story of the Centurion, then we all should speak up and ask for help when we need it. The truth is, not only does God want to help us, but He wants us to ask for help. God wants us to talk with Him, to spend time with Him, and to let Him know our every desire. So, the next time you need help, be sure to speak up and ask for it.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: Jesus loves me and wants to help me. (The Centurion • Matthew 8:5-13)
Memory Verse: “A friend loves at all times.” Proverbs 17:17, NIrV
Key Question: Who loves you?
Bottom Line: Jesus loves me.
Bible Story & Worship
Watch the Bible Story Video with your kids so you can recap and discuss it with them in the “Bring Jesus To Their Level” section. Then join your kids in worship as we sing about how God’s love is not just a little bit, it’s a whole lotta bit. Then dance for God. Why? Because we know He loves us.
Bible Story Video – The Centurion
Worship – Whole Lotta Bit
Worship – I Like To
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. This is the last week to practice the memory verse. Think of a fun reward you can give them next week when they are able to say it all by themselves. The activity sheet and coloring page are fun resources to help reinforce story and/or big idea.
Memory Verse with Hand Motions
Bible Story Activity
Coloring Page
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Since Jesus wants to help you and me, I think we should make a list of things we need help with. Then when we pray, we can use the list to ask Jesus to help us, just like the Centurion asked Jesus for help.” (Have each family member list one thing they need help with. You will use the list when you pray.)
PRAYER: “Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus to help us. Thank You that Jesus is always with us, listening, and ready to help. Please help [child’s name] with [what they listed]. Please help [child’s name] with [what they listed]. (Continue with each family member). We believe Jesus can help us. We love You, God. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
As we wrap up, I would like to leave you with one of the kids’ favorite ‘good-bye’ songs:
Let Me See Your Alligator
Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you in the discipleship of your kid(s). My prayers are with you.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
Angela Moody is the Early Years Ministry Lead at Abundant Life.
