“Jesus Teaches Us How to Pray”**
(Based on Luke 18:1–14)
Big Idea
Jesus wants us to pray all the time and trust God with our whole hearts.
1. The Widow Who Kept Asking
(Luke 18:1–8)
Story:
Jesus told a story about a woman who needed help. She went to a judge and asked again and again. The judge wasn’t kind, but he finally helped her because she didn’t give up.
What Jesus wants us to learn:
- God is NOT like the judge — God is kind and loving.
- When we pray, we don’t give up.
- God hears us every time we talk to Him.
Kid-friendly truth:
Keep praying. God listens.
2. The Two Men Who Prayed
(Luke 18:9–14)
Story:
Two men went to the temple to pray.
- One man bragged about how good he was.
- The other man bowed his head and said, “God, please help me. I need You.”
What Jesus wants us to learn:
- God doesn’t want bragging.
- God loves a humble heart.
- When we tell God the truth about our hearts, He forgives and helps us.
Kid-friendly truth:
Pray with a humble heart. God loves honesty.
What Jesus Teaches Us About Prayer
- Talk to God every day.
- Don’t give up when you pray.
- Be honest with God.
- God loves you and hears you.
Memory Verse
“Men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” — Luke 18:1
(Short, simple, and easy for 1st graders.)
Let’s Practice Praying
“Dear God, thank You for listening to me.
Help me to keep praying and to have a humble heart.
I need You every day. Amen.”
Activity Ideas (Optional)
- Act It Out:
One child plays the widow, one plays the judge. Show persistence kindly. - Heart Check:
Kids draw a picture of a “humble heart” — simple, honest, talking to God. - Prayer Hands Craft:
Trace hands, write one prayer request inside each finger.
