Do you have an attitude of gratitude or do you take for granted the things you have? Often, it can be easier to only focus on what we don’t have and not even consider the blessings we do have. Friends are one of those blessings that can easily fall into the “take for granted” category. It feels like they’ll always be there and we don’t even consider that our time with them could be limited. So, thank God right now for your friends. Ask Him to show you how you can bless those that have blessed you. Afterall, friends are the family you choose.
Here is a snapshot of what we will show the kids this week:
Bible Story Focus: I can thank God for my friends. (David and Jonathan • 1 Samuel 18:1-4)
Memory Verse: “I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart.” Psalm 111:1, ESV
Key Question: Who can you thank for everything?
Bottom Line: I can thank God for everything.
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 and dance for God.
Bible Story Video – David and Jonathan (link)
Worship – Attitude of Gratitude (link)
Worship – Don't be a Turkey (link)
Activities
Next, use the Memory Verse video to practice our monthly verse. We will practice this verse all month. Be sure to use the hand motions as it helps the kids to remember. Also, think of a fun reward you can give them at the end of the month 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 (link)
Bible Story Activity (link)
Coloring Page (link)
Bring Jesus To Their Level
Finish up your church at home by recapping the story and practicing the memory again. Then say: “Today’s Bible story was about two very good friends named David and Jonathan. Jonathan wanted to show David that he was thankful they were friends. He did it by sharing.
“We can show our friends that we are thankful for them, too. We can share our stuff, say kind words, and help our friends when they need it. And every time we share, say kind words, and help others, we are thanking God for our friends, too. You can thank God for your friends, because you can thank God for everything. The Bible verse we’re learning will help us remember to thank God with our whole heart. It says . . . ‘I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart,’ Psalm 111:1. (Practice this verse several times with your kids.)
“Jonathan was thankful for his friend, David, and David was thankful for his friend, Jonathan. Today, we’ll make a list of friends we are thankful for. I want you to think of one friend you are thankful for. (Have each family member list someone.)
“Look at all of your friends’ names! Let’s pray and thank God for each of them. Would anyone like to pray before I pray?” (Give each family member who wants to pray the opportunity to do so.)
Prayer: “Dear God, Thank You for our friends. Thank You for [child’s name] and their friend, [friend’s name]. Thank You for . . . (continue to name each family member and their friends). And thank You so, SO much that Jesus wants to be our friend forever. Please help us be a good friend by sharing, saying kind words, and helping others. 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.
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him”
Psalm 127: 3, NLT
Angela Moody is the Early Years Ministry Lead at Abundant Life.
