ONE small step - Week 2
Astronaut Neil Armstrong once said landing on the moon was “one small step for man.” The biggest adventures start in such a simple way — especially when it comes to space! Asteroids, distant planets, and brand new galaxies await us once we leave earth’s atmosphere. Being the first to explore such uncharted territory can be intimidating. In this four-week series, our families will take a look at the Book of Acts to learn from the first Christians. Through their stories of faith and bravery, our kids will learn how to take the first step of believing in Jesus, the next step of praying for others, and an even bigger step of trusting the Holy Spirit makes us brave. But they won’t want to skip the last step of telling others about Jesus.
BIG IDEA: Take another step — pray for others.
BIBLE: Acts 3; John 17:6–19
MEMORY VERSE
Elementary: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." Psalms 19:1 (NIV)
Toddler Twist: "God's creation shows his power." Hebrews 13:8
WATCH:
Preschool- teaching video
Elementary- teaching video
SONG: Every Move I Make, and Step by Step
DISCIPLE:
Play a video like this one (if you're short on time, show until 2:20) of Felix Baumgartner's space dive. For more information on how to legally use copyrighted material for educational purposes, read this!
Felix is a skydiver and base jumper. That usually means jumping out of an airplane or a really tall building but this time, he jumped from space!
As he traveled back to Earth, he started to go so fast that he spun out of control. His friends and family were watching closely as he pulled through that rough patch and regained control.
When loved ones go through tough times, it seems like all we can do is just watch and hope for the best. I'm sure that's what Peter and John thought at first when they had no money to help the man at the temple gate. But just like they realized right away, there is something we can do. We can pray. You can pray silently, out loud, by yourself, or with a group. Talking to God on behalf of others is a way we can show we care and trust God to show up! Any time you can, take another step — pray for others.
Pray: God, thank you for listening to us every time we pray. Help us to see people where we live, learn, and play who may need help that only you can give. Give us the opportunity to pray for people and watch you do amazing things! Amen.
DISCUSS:
SCRIPTURE QUESTIONS
Why were Peter and John going to the temple? To pray.
What did Peter and John do for the man at the temple gate? They called on the name of Jesus so that he could walk.
Read Acts 3:16. How was the man able to walk? By faith in the name of Jesus.
Read John 17:15. What did Jesus pray for? That God would protect his disciples.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Why do you think we should pray for others?
Designate a time every day that you can set aside to pray for someone else. When would that be?
Name some things you might want to pray about on behalf of others (family, friends, teachers).