Children s Prayer. Text: Toni Matas Drawings: Picanyol

Transcription

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2 Children s Prayer Text: Toni Matas Drawings: Picanyol

3 The biblical text: Good News Bible. American Bible Society, Text: Toni Matas Drawings: Picanyol Barcelona Multimedia, 2012 All rights reserved. The partial or total reproduction of this document is prohibited by any means. Frequently Asked Questions Order and choice of prayers How to pray Daily Prayers Children of the New Testament The Lord Listens to Us Jesus Seven I Am Sayings in the Gospel of John Treasure Hunt Jesus Questions Jesus Friends: Peter Good night! The fruits of the Spirit Children of the Bible Let s Listen to his Voice Animals in the Bible Armour of God Jesus Seven Signs in the Gospel of John Make our faith greater! Children in the Psalms Daily Prayers with the Lord s Prayer Teach Us to Pray Our Father in Heaven Hallowed be your name Your Kingdom Come Your will be done Our daily bread Forgive us our debts Lead us not into temptation Deliver us from evil The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory

4 Advent and Christmas Prayers Annunciation of Jesus The Magnificat Prologue to the Gospel of John Lenten and Easter Prayers Convert! Temptations of Jesus Transfiguration of Jesus Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) Jesus Questions for Lent Jesus Passion and Death Resurrection of Jesus Quotation index Old Testament New Testament Frequently Asked Questions Why did you write this book? Inspired by the Bible quote: Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved (1 Peter 2:2), Picanyol, the illustrator, and I created this Children s Prayer book to provide children and their families, teachers, and ministers with a daily sip of that spiritual milk that is the Word of God. Is this book for me? If in this hurry-up world you feel the need to share some time with your children praying or talking about God, Children s Prayer is for you. If you believe that All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living (2 Timothy 3:16), Children s Prayer is for you. If you are involved in a Children s Ministry and need a resource full of Bible quotes to comment on and to pray with kids, Children s Prayer is also for you.. How does it work? Children s Prayer is a book that offers children a brief Bible quote every day with a question about it. It can be an ideal basis on which to begin a prayer or a dialogue with kids within the family, at school, or at Sunday School. The book provides a wonderful way to share, at any place or in any circumstance, the Word of God with children. It makes easy to talk to kids about Jesus and God. 5

5 Does it need Bible knowledge? Not at all! To help you, at the beginning of each series we ve included a presentation text that could be useful for you to introduce the topic to your children. And at the end of each series you ll find a conclusion paragraph that highlights the most important ideas of the series. Is it simple to use for praying? Children s Prayer is a prayer method for a hurry-up world, so it s simple and extremely easy to begin praying with. The Bible often speaks more clearly to a child than to an adult; don t be afraid to talk with your children about it. It will also be a blessing for you! Just take the first step and begin praying with your children today; you must experience to appreciate. On the following pages you ll find some suggestions on how to pray with your children based on our own experience with our children at home or at Sunday School. How much time does it take? Five minutes every day is enough. It s up to you to regulate the time to match your needs. How did you structure the contents? The book has 365 prayers, one for each day of the year. Each prayer has one or two Bible verses specifically chosen for Children, and a question to begin a dialogue or a prayer with your kids. The prayers are grouped into 35 series including 10 series for the Lord s Prayer, 3 series for Advent and Christmas and 7 series for Lent and Easter. Each series has a topic used to select the Bible quotes and it is introduced with a picture and a commentary. Some series are focused on a topic and gather quotes from the entire Bible; for example, the series entitled The Lord Listens to Us. Other times, they include a sequence of verses from the same story; for example, in the series Temptations of Jesus. Each series has from seven to fifteen prayers, so each week or two weeks a new series begins. If it is Advent, Christmas, Lent or Easter, which prayers do you recommend? On the following page you ll find a guide to find the most suitable series for different times of the year If I m in a Children s Ministry, can I build up my own order? Of course, we strongly encourage you to do it! On the first pages of the book, you ll find a summary of all the series, so feel free to choose the series and the order that fits best with your needs. And at the end of the book, you ll find the Quotation index, where you ll find all the prayers ordered by Bible book, so you can build up your own series. Which Bible translation have you used? The Bible quotes have been taken from the Good News Bible Translation by the American Bible Society. I hope you enjoy these short prayers like a sweet to be savoured all day long, and discover with them lots of hidden spiritual treasures. Toni Matas tonimatas@bcnmultimedia.com 6 7

6 Order and choice of prayers Following the order in the book Throughout the year The book has 365 prayers, one for every day of the year. You can start with prayer No. 1 on any day of the year and follow the order suggested in the book. Page 13 Advent and Christmas On the first Sunday of Advent you can jump ahead to the series in the group Advent and Christmas Prayers. First Sunday of Advent for the next years: 2013/12/01, 2014/11/30, 2015/11/29, 2016/11/27. Page 179 Lent and Easter On Ash Wednesday you can jump ahead to the series in the group Lenten and Easter Prayers. Ash Wednesday for the next years: 2013/02/13, 2014/03/05, 2015/02/18, 2016/02/10. Page 197 Families who want to pray with the daily prayer together with their children are recommended to follow the order in the book. Choosing a series The Table of Contents gives all the series of prayers in the book. You can choose the most suitable series for your own needs. For example, you could start with the series on the Lord s Prayer. Page 3 Teachers looking for Bible resources to enrich their work are recommended to choose a specific series. Choosing a book from the Bible The Quotations Index lists all the prayers in the book by the Bible book they come from. You can easily find prayers linked to specific Bible stories. You can also use them to enrich your knowledge of a specific Bible book. Page

7 11 Daily Prayers

8 Children of the New Testament 13

9 1 Be like newborn babies, always thirsty for the pure spiritual milk, so that by drinking it you may grow up and be saved. Peter 2:2 What do you think the pure spiritual milk could be? Welcome! The prayers dedicated to children in the New Testament speak much of welcoming: of welcoming others, of welcoming Jesus and of welcoming the Kingdom of God. They also tell us how we can grow and how we can get small! And how we can find Jesus so he will take us into his arms. The first prayer has some verses from Peter s First Letter and the others are from the Gospels of Mark and Matthew. I hope you like them and can use them to share in dialogue and in prayer. 2 3 Some people brought children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples scolded the people. When Jesus noticed this, he was angry. Mark 10:13-14 Who helps you reach Jesus? Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, because the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Mark 10:14 What does it mean to say the Kingdom of God belongs to people like children? 14 15

10 4 I assure you that whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a child will never enter it. Mark 10:15 7 The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. Matthew 18:4 How do you welcome the Kingdom of God? Jesus wants people to change and become like children. But what does it mean to become like children? 5 Jesus took the children in his arms, placed his hands on each of them, and blessed them. Mark 10:16 Can you feel Jesus take you in his arms? 8 And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me. Matthew 18:5 What do you have to do to welcome Jesus? 6 At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven? So Jesus called a child to come and stand in front of them. Matthew 18:1-2 Where does Jesus place children in relation to his disciples? These prayers tell us a lot about welcomes. Welcoming others, welcoming Jesus and welcoming the Kingdom of God. They also teach us how to grow and and still remain like children! I hope you enjoy them! 16 17

11 The Lord Listens to Us 19

12 9 The Lord hears me when I call to him Psalms 4:3 When does the Lord hear us? Hello Friends! This is the Children s Prayer, so after dedicating the first series to Children, we re now dedicating this second series to Prayer. A prayer is a conversation with God: God listens to us and we listen to him. The prayers in this series talk about how the Lord listens to us. The whole Bible is the story of the Lord who hears us, but perhaps the love of God who listens to us is expressed best of all in the Psalms, so all the prayers in this series are taken from the Psalms. God listened to Abraham, Moses and the prophets. But Jesus, who is God among us, listens to us all. These prayers talk about how God always listens to us; our words reach right to his heart. The Lord is near us, he turns his gaze towards us and he fills us with love He is near to those who call to him, who call to him with sincerity. Psalms 145:18 Can you feel the Lord near you when you pray? In my trouble I called to the Lord; I called to my God for help. In his temple he heard my voice; he listened to my cry for help. Psalms 18:6 When you re in trouble, does your cry for help search for the Lord? 12 I waited patiently for the Lord s help; then he listened to me and heard my cry. Psalms 40:1 How much patient is your waiting? 20 21

13 13 He does not neglect the poor or ignore their suffering; he does not turn away from them, but answers when they call for help. Psalms 22:24 Who looks out for people who suffer in our world? Who listens to them? 17 I love the Lord, because he hears me; he listens to my prayers. He listens to me every time I call to him. Psalms 116:1-2 Do you listen to him every time he calls to you? 14 You answered me when I called to you; with your strength you strengthened me. Psalms 138:3 What do you do with the Lord s strength? 15 Even before I speak, you already know what I will say. Psalms 139,4 Does the Lord listen to you before you speak to him? 16 I praise you, Lord, because you heard me, because you have given me victory. Psalms 118:21 Do you thank God because he hears you? Do you thank Jesus because he gives you victory? The whole Bible is the story of the Lord who hears us. In these passages from the Psalms, you can see how God always listens to us: our words reach right to his heart. In prayer, the Lord is near us, he turns his gaze towards us and he fills us with love

14 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings in the Gospel of John 25

15 18 I am the bread of life. Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35 Which of Jesus miracles does this text make you think of? Hello Prayer Children! This series contains the seven ways in which Jesus described himself in the Gospel of John. I hope they help you get to know him better and love him even more. You ll see there are in fact eight not seven prayers the last one is a surprise! I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness. John 8:12 Can you remember which light announced the birth of Jesus? I am the gate for the sheep. Those who come in by me will be saved; they will come in and go out and find pasture. John 10:9 Where does Jesus gate lead us? 21 I am the good shepherd, who is willing to die for the sheep. John 10:11 Did Jesus give his life for you? 26 27

16 22 I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die. John 11:25 25 I am telling you the truth, before Abraham was born, I Am. John 8:58 How could Jesus be before Abraham? With what miracle did Jesus confirm that he is the resurrection and the life? 23 I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. John 14:6 Which three people in the Bible set off on their way to find truth and life? 24 I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. John 15:1 If Jesus is the vine and God the Father is the gardener, what are you? This series contains the seven ways in which Jesus described himself in the Gospel of John. I hope they help you get to know him better and love him even more. But there are eight not seven prayers the last one is a surprise!

17 Treasure Hunt 31

18 26 If you return to the Almighty, the Almighty himself will be your treasure. He will be your precious silver! Then you will take delight in the Almighty and look up to God. Job 22:23,25-26 (NLT) Welcome to the Treasure Hunt! The whole Bible is a treasure trove, a wealth of treasure throughout the books of the Old and New Testaments. Hunting for this treasure takes a whole lifetime. We ll discover new hidden treasure at every moment in our lives. In this series, the last one before Advent, you ll find prayers from the Old and New Testaments. The prayers in the Old Testament tell us how the Lord s wisdom and knowledge fill our life with treasures. In the prayers in the New Testament, Jesus says we won t find real treasure in this world, but rather in the Kingdom of Heaven. Happy treasure hunting! What do you have to do to take delight in the Almighty? In that day he will be your sure foundation, providing a rich store of salvation, wisdom and knowledge. The fear of the Lord will be your treasure. Isaiah 33:6 Is your treasure wisdom and knowledge? I will give you treasures from dark, secret places; then you will know that I am the Lord and that the God of Israel has called you by name. Isaiah 45:3 What treasures has the Lord given you? 32 33

19 29 Tune your ears to Wisdom, and concentrate on understanding. Cry out for insight, and ask for understanding. Search for them as you would for silver; seek them like hidden treasures. Proverbs 2:2-4 How can you seek out Wisdom? 32 Jesus answered, If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. Matthew 19:21 (NIV) What do you have to give to other people to have treasure in heaven? I walk in righteousness, in paths of justice. Those who love me inherit wealth. I will fill their treasuries. Proverbs 8:20-21 What do you have to do for the Lord s Wisdom to fill your treasury? Christ is the key that opens all the hidden treasures of God s wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2: Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. Matthew 6:20 (NIV) Where do you store your treasures? For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 (NIV) Where do you have your heart? Who opens all of God s treasures for us? 35 A good person brings good things out of a treasure of good things; a bad person brings bad things out of a treasure of bad things. Matthew 12:35 What is your treasury? What does is produce? 34 35

20 36 We who have this spiritual treasure are like common clay pots, in order to show that the supreme power belongs to God, not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7 Why does the Bible say that we carry our treasure in fragile clay jars? Jesus Questions 37 The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in a field. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that field. Matthew 13:44 Have you found a treasure? Do you feel full of excitement? The whole Bible is a treasure. A wealth of hidden treasure. The prayers in the Old Testament tell us how wisdom fills our lives with treasure. In the prayers in the New Testament, Jesus says we won t find real treasure in this world, but rather in the Kingdom of Heaven

21 38 Jesus answered to his parents, Why did you have to look for me? Didn t you know that I had to be in my Father s house? Luke 2:49 What did Jesus mean by his answer? Do you like questions? Jesus did. In fact, you can find over 300 questions in the Gospels! That s why the Children s Bible Daily Prayer doesn t offer any answers; we simply ask questions. This is the first series on Jesus questions, but there ll be plenty more! Jesus questions change us because they make us search for answers by thinking deeply and praying. For adults, I can recommend John Dear s book The Questions of Jesus, which was a great help in preparing these questions Look, your mother and your brothers and sisters are outside, and they want you. Jesus answered, Who is my mother? Who are my brothers? Mark 3:32-33 How many mothers and brothers and sisters does Jesus want to have? One day when Jesus was praying alone, the disciples came to him. Who do the crowds say I am?, he asked them. Luke 9:18 Who do people today say Jesus is? 38 39

22 41 What about you?, Jesus asked to the disciples. Who do you say I am? Luke 9:20 Who do you say Jesus is? 44 Jesus looked at them and asked, What, then, does this scripture mean? The stone which the builders rejected as worthless turned out to be the most important of all. Luke 20:17 42 Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need. Jesus answered, For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. Why, then, do you say, Show us the Father? John 14:8-9 Who is the stone? Who are the builders? Do you know him well? 43 Jesus answered to the followers of John the Baptist, Do you expect the guests at a wedding party to be sad as long as the bridegroom is with them? Matthew 9:15 When might we be sad? Do you like questions? Jesus did. In fact, you can find over 300 questions in the Gospels! That s why the Children s Bible Daily Prayer doesn t offer any answers; we simply ask questions. This is the first series on Jesus questions, but there ll be plenty more! 40 41

23 Jesus Friends: Peter 43

24 45 Jesus looked at Simon and said, Your name is Simon son of John, but you will be called Cephas. (This is the same as Peter and means a rock.) John 1:42 Hi Friends of Jesus! This is the first series on Jesus friends. We ve chosen to start with Peter because he was one of his best friends. The Bible tells us so many things about their relationship that one series simply isn t enough to fit them all in. We ll bring out another series during Lent on the things Peter did and said at the time of the Passion and Jesus resurrection. And later on we might even have one on the letters he wrote. Peter was full of enthusiasm and love for Jesus so much so that sometimes Jesus even had to tell him off, as you ll see! 46 What name would you like Jesus to have given you? Jesus went to Peter s home, and there he saw Peter s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand; the fever left her, and she got up and began to wait on him. Matthew 8:14-15 When do you need Jesus to touch your hand? 47 Jesus said to Simon and his brother Andrew, Come with me, and I will teach you to catch people. At once they left their nets and went with him. Matthew 4:19-20 What does it mean to catch people? 44 45

25 48 49 These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew, the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Patriot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus. Matthew 10:2-4 What did Jesus say someone had to do to be the first of all? Peter spoke up. Lord, if it is really you, order me to come out on the water to you. Come! answered Jesus. Matthew 14: Peter started to sink down in the water. Save me, Lord! he cried. At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, What little faith you have! Why did you doubt? Matthew 14:30-31 Is your faith strong enough for you to walk on life s stormy waters? Jesus asked the twelve disciples, And you, would you also like to leave? Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom would we go? John 6:67-68 How would you reply to Jesus question? How would you reply to Peter s question? 50 Do you ask Jesus impossible things in order to test him? So Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid. Matthew 14: What about you? Jesus asked them, Who do you say I am? Simon Peter answered, You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Matthew 16:15-16 Who do you say He is? What makes you afraid when you walk towards Jesus? 46 47

26 54 And so I tell you, Peter: you are a rock, and on this rock foundation I will build my church, and not even death will ever be able to overcome it. Matthew 16:18 Who is the cornerstone that supports this church? 57 Jesus took with him Peter and the brothers James and John and led them up a high mountain where they were alone. As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were dazzling white. Matthew 17: Jesus began to say plainly, I will be put to death, but three days later I will be raised to life. Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him. God forbid it, Lord! he said. That must never happen to you! Matthew 16:21-22 What would have happened if Jesus hadn t died and come back to life? 58 Which of the prayers in the Jesus seven I Am sayings series does this make you think of? Then the three disciples saw Moses and Elijah talking with Jesus. So Peter spoke up and said to Jesus, Lord, how good it is that we are here! If you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Matthew 17: Jesus turned around and said to Peter, Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way, because these thoughts of yours don t come from God, but from human nature. Matthew 16:23 Was this another temptation of Jesus? What would have happened if they had stayed on the mountaintop in the tents Peter wanted to make? This is the first series on Jesus friends. We ve chosen to start with Peter because he was one of his best friends. The Bible tells us so many things about their relationship that one series simply isn t enough to fit them all in. Peter was full of enthusiasm and love for Jesus so much so that sometimes Jesus even had to tell him off, as you ll see! 48 49

27 Good night! 51

28 Sleep well! Before going to sleep, we thank the Lord for His immense love. He watches lovingly over us at night and doesn t move from our side. He protects us under His wings and His light shines on us so we can fear no darkness. But the Lord also speaks to us and guides us during the night. Maybe, like Samuel, Joseph or many others in the Bible, we should wait for the peacefulness of the night to hear what the Lord wants to tell us. Amid the storms of life, I hope that the Lord gives you rest as calm and confident as Jesus had in the boat rocked by the waves of Lake Galilee May the Lord show his constant love during the day, so that I may have a song at night, a prayer to the God of my life. Psalms 42:8 How do you respond each night to the love the Lord has for you? As I lie in bed, I remember you; all night long I think of you, because you have always been my help. In the shadow of your wings I sing for joy. Psalms 63:6-7 Are you happy enough to know that you are under the wings of the merciful God? You, Lord, keep my lamp burning; my God turns my darkness into light. Psalms 18:28 (NIV) Who shines a light for you each night? 52 53

29 62 The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one. Psalms 27:1 If the Lord is your light, who can frighten you? 66 Whoever goes to the Lord for safety, whoever remains under the protection of the Almighty...you need not fear any dangers at night or sudden attacks during the day. Psalms 91: When I lie down, I go to sleep in peace; you alone, O Lord, keep me perfectly safe. Psalms 4:8 If the Lord protects you, what could frighten you? 64 Where can we find the peace to sleep soundly? I lie down and sleep, and all night long the Lord protects me. Psalms 3:5 Who watches over you during the night? 67 My child, hold on to your wisdom and insight. Never let them get away from you. You will not be afraid when you go to bed, and you will sleep soundly through the night. Proverbs 3:21.24 What must you do to sleep soundly? 65 I praise the Lord, because he guides me, and in the night my conscience warns me. Psalms 16:7 How does the Lord guide you during the day? And during the night? 68 Eli said to Samuel: Go back to bed; and if he calls you again, say, Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. 1 Samuel 3:9 Are you on the lookout for Him during the night if He calls for you? 54 55

30 69 Suddenly a fierce storm hit the lake, and the boat was in danger of sinking. But Jesus was asleep. Matthew 8:24 Will you be able to sleep as peacefully as Jesus amid the storms of life? The fruits of the Spirit Before going to sleep, we thank the Lord for His immense love. He watches lovingly over us at night and doesn t move from our side. He protects us under His wing and His light shines on us so we can fear no darkness

31 70 The Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control. Galatians 5:22-33 How many of the fruits of the Spirit can you remember? Hello families! A few weeks ago at home we made some cardboard cards with the names of the fruits of the Spirit written on them. We like to focus on a different card every day. We often select the one that says joy or that says love. But sometimes, the three little monkeys fight and we ask them to pick one of the cards. They usually choose peace or kindness. We parents lose our cool and need the fruits of the Spirit: we select patience, gentleness or self-control. It seems to us that you would also like to learn a bit about the fruits of the Spirit, which is why we prepared this series Love I may be able to speak the languages of human beings and even of angels, but if I have no love, my speech is no more than a noisy gong or a clanging bell. 1 Corinthians 13:1 What relationship exists between love and our way of speaking? Joy You love him, although you have not seen him, and you believe in him, although you do not now see him. So you rejoice with a great and glorious joy which words cannot express. 1 Peter 1:8 What is the source of this true joy? 58 59

32 73 Peace 76 Goodness Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. John 14:27 What is the peace that Jesus gives us and that the world can t give us? We ask our God to fulfill by his power all your desire for goodness and complete your work of faith. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 Where does the power to work for goodness come from? 74 Patience Love is patient and kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4 Where does your patience come from? 77 Faithfulness My dear friend, you are so faithful in the work you do for other Christians, even when they are strangers. 3 John 1:5 How can you demonstrate your faithfulness? 75 Kindness Be kind and tender-hearted to one another, and forgive one another, as God has forgiven you through Christ. Ephesians 4:32 What could you say about kindness? 78 Humility Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. Matthew 11:29 What other fruit of the Spirit would you choose to go along with humility? 60 61

33 79 Self control But as Paul went on discussing about goodness, self-control, and the coming Day of Judgment, Felix was afraid and said: You may leave now. I will call you again when I get the chance. Acts 24:25 82 I am the vine, and you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will bear much fruit; for you can do nothing without me. John 15:5 What must we do to bear much fruit? 80 Do you also become frightened when you hear about self-control? I am the real vine, and my Father is the gardener. He breaks off every branch in me that does not bear fruit, and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit, so that it will be clean and bear more fruit. John 15: My Father s glory is shown by your bearing much fruit; and in this way you become my disciples. I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love. John 15:8-9 Which of the fruits of the Spirit does this text make you think about? What are the fruits that Jesus speaks to us about? 81 Remain united to me, and I will remain united to you. A branch cannot bear fruit by itself; it can do so only if it remains in the vine. In the same way you cannot bear fruit unless you remain in me. John 15:4 A few weeks ago at home we made some cardboard cards with the names of the fruits of the Spirit written on them. Sometimes, the three little monkeys fight and pick the cards of peace or kindness. We parents lose our cool and select patience, gentleness or self-control. It seems to us that you would also like to learn a bit about the fruits of the Spirit. What would our fruits be if we did not remain united to Jesus? 62 63

34 Teach Us to Pray 65

35 Children of Prayer, This is the first series on the Lord s Prayer. This is such a key prayer that we ll be spending another eight series on it: one on the invocation and seven on the petitions. The disciples realised there was a strong link between Jesus prayer and his power and they asked him to show them how to pray. The Lord s Prayer is the prayer Jesus gave them to reach God the Father with the help of the Holy Spirit. Matthew the Evangelist added a brief catechesis on Prayer before the Lord s Prayer and we ll use these texts to start the prayers on the Lord s Prayer. Why not introduce your friends and family to the Children s Bible Daily Prayer with the series on the Lord s Prayer? Use the share option on the app to send them the prayers One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, Lord, teach us to pray. Luke 11:1 Does seeing that Jesus prayed make you want to learn how to pray as well? When you pray, do not be like the hypocrites! They love to stand up and pray in the houses of worship and on the street corners, so that everyone will see them. Matthew 6:5 When you pray, do you just act it out or do you talk to the Lord from the bottom of your heart? But when you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Matthew 6:6 How does the Lord want us to go to Him to pray? 66 67

36 87 When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. Matthew 6:7 90 This is how you should pray. Matthew 6:9 Why did Jesus show us how to pray by saying this is how you should pray rather than repeat this? When you pray the Lord s Prayer, do you just repeat it mechanically or do you pray with all your mind, heart and soul? 88 Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:8 How do you pray: with long prayers or just the right words? 89 The Spirit also comes to help us, weak as we are. For we do not know how we ought to pray; the Spirit himself pleads with God for us in groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26 Who helps you understand and pray with Jesus words? This is the first series on the Lord s Prayer: there ll be eight more! The Lord s Prayer is the prayer Jesus gave us to reach God the Father with the help of the Holy Spirit. Why not share these prayers on the Lord s Prayer with your loved ones? 68 69

37 Our Father in Heaven 71

38 91 See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God s children and so, in fact, we are. 1 John 3:1 Children of God This second series on the Lord s Prayer looks at the invocation at the start. Every time we pray, Jesus wanted us to open ourselves to the Father safe in the knowledge that we are his beloved children. Our personal relationship with the Father lets us pray confidently and trustfully, intimately and humbly, happily and tenderly, simply and truthfully, as children of God. These prayers help us think about our condition as children of God, our Father in Heaven, our attitude when praying and how it should affect our life How should we feel when Jesus tells us to start praying by calling God Father? Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God s children. John 1:12 If Jesus is God s only son, what do we have to do to be God s children? To show that you are his children, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, Father, my Father. Galatians 4:6 Who helps us use Jesus words to say Father to God? 72 73

39 94 No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Matthew 11:27 What do we have to do for Jesus to reveal God the Father? 97 You must not call anyone here on earth Father because you have only the one Father in heaven. Nor should you be called Leader because your one and only leader is the Messiah. Matthew 23: Philip said to him, Lord, show us the Father; that is all we need. John 14:8 Is the Father in Heaven that Jesus shows us like fathers on earth? For a long time I have been with you all; yet you do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. 98 If we all have only one Father, our Father in Heaven, can you pray the Lord s Prayer if you only look inwards towards yourself? I fall on my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its true name. Ephesians 3:14-15 How should we place ourselves before the Father when we pray the Lord s Prayer? John 14:9 By looking at Jesus, what would you say God the Father is like? 99 Think before you speak, and don t make any rash promises to God. He is in heaven and you are on earth, so don t say any more than you have to. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Which of the prayers in the series Teach Us to Pray does this passage remind you of? 74 75

40 100 Now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:44-45 How should we behave towards others if we are to call God Our Father? Hallowed be your name 101 You must be perfect just as your Father in heaven is perfect. Matthew 5:48 How should we look for perfection in God for Him to recognise us as children? This second series on the Lord s Prayer looks at the invocation at the start. Our personal relationship with the Father lets us pray confidently and trustfully, intimately and humbly, happily and tenderly, simply and truthfully, as children of God

41 Families and schools who pray, Although the line Hallowed be your name might seem to be a continuation of the line Our Father in heaven, it is in fact the first of the seven petitions in the Lord s Prayer. Can you remember the significance of the number seven in the Bible? The first thing Jesus wants us to ask in the prayer is to know how to treat the Lord s name with respect because it is sacred. Remembering that the Lord s name is holy helps us get ready to pray properly. When we use God s name as a means of getting what we want, we tarnish his name. That s why in the Lord s Prayer we pray for God s name to be sacred, or hallowed, so His light never goes out in the world. In the prayers in this series you ll find a short story of how God told men His name. Jesus was the one who revealed God s true name and gave it to us in the Lord s Prayer. Our lives and our prayers are vital for keeping God s name sacred all around the world Jacob said, Now tell me your name. But he answered, Why do you want to know my name? Genesis 32:29 Why do we need to know God s name? God said, I am who I am. You must tell them: The one who is called I am has sent me to you. Exodus 3:14 Could God s name be a name like other names? Tell the Israelites that I, the Lord, the God of their ancestors, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have sent you to them. This is my name forever; this is what all future generations are to call me. Exodus 3:15 What name do you call Him? 78 79

42 105 You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. Exodus 20:7 (NIV) What does misusing the name of the Lord mean today? 109 His name is holy; from one generation to another he shows mercy to those who honour him. Luke 1: Holy and mighty is he! The way to become wise is to honour the Lord; he gives sound judgment to all who obey his commands. Psalms 111:9-10 How can we honour the Lord? The Lord himself will give you a sign: a young woman who is pregnant will have a son and will name him Immanuel (God is with us). Isaiah 7:14 What is God teaching us with the name He gave us when He became a man? Mary will have a son, and you will name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 What is God teaching us with the meaning of the name of Jesus? What does Mary associate the holiness of God s name with? I have made you known to those you gave me out of the world. They belonged to you, and you gave them to me. They have obeyed your word. John 17:6 What was the definitive name for addressing God that Jesus gave us? Holy Father! Keep them safe by the power of your name, the name you gave me, so that they may be one just as you and I are one. John 17:11 What did Jesus mean when he prayed to God the Father to keep us safe by the power of his name? In the prayers in this series you ll find a short story of how God told men His name. Jesus was the one who revealed God s true name and gave it to us in the Lord s Prayer. Our lives and our prayers are vital for keeping God s name sacred all around the world

43 Your Kingdom Come 83

44 112 Sing praises to the Lord! Play music on the harps! Blow trumpets and horns, and shout for joy to the Lord, our king. Psalms 98:5-6 Look for the Kingdom of God! We continue with our series on the Lord s Prayer. This particular series is on the Kingdom of God. We could spend months and months praying with Bible quotations about the Kingdom of God because it features regularly throughout Jesus preaching. Although we are dedicating a different series to each petition in the Lord s Prayer, we shouldn t forget that they are all linked. We could say, for example, that until God s name is hallowed, his Kingdom will never truly come. Or that those of us who praise his name have to use our lives to show we are citizens of his Kingdom. The Kingdom of God comes through a heart that listens to prayer; only thus can we know what our King wants of us. We ask Jesus to make us his own and to help us ensure that the Kingdom we carry inside us blossoms and becomes a great tree. I hope these prayers help us feel the Kingdom of God close at hand Who was the king of the people of Israel? Then all the leaders of Israel went to Samuel and said to him, Appoint a king to rule over us, so that we will have a king, as other countries have. 1 Samuel 8:4-5 When do we reject the King in Heaven in favour of kings on earth? At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. Turn away from your sins, he said, because the Kingdom of heaven is near! Matthew 3:1-2 Why did John the Baptist say the Kingdom of Heaven was near? 84 85

45 115 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. The right time has come, he said, and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News! Mark 1:14-15 What does Jesus tell us to do for his Kingdom to come to us? 118 The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man takes a mustard seed and sows it in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it grows up, it is the biggest of all plants. Matthew 13:31-32 If this seed were the grace of God, what would your field and your plant be? 116 Instead, be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. Matthew 6: The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A woman takes some yeast and mixes it with a bushel of flour until the whole batch of dough rises. Matthew 13:33 What is the yeast that makes all your dough rise? 117 What will our Father in Heaven give us if we look for his Kingdom and do what He wishes? Some Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. His answer was, The Kingdom of God does not come in such a way as to be seen. No one will say, Look, here it is! or, There it is! ; because the Kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17: Also, the Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man is looking for fine pearls, and when he finds one that is unusually fine, he goes and sells everything he has, and buys that pearl. Matthew 13:45-46 Who is the pearl? What does it mean for us to say that the Kingdom of God is within us? 86 87

46 121 The Kingdom of heaven is like this. A man happens to find a treasure hidden in a field. He covers it up again, and is so happy that he goes and sells everything he has, and then goes back and buys that field. Matthew 13: Pilate asked them, Do you want me to crucify your king? The chief priests answered, The only king we have is the Emperor! John 19:15 Which passage in the Old Testament that you ve read in this series does this text remind you of? 122 How does someone feel when they have found Jesus, our treasure? Jesus said to Pilate, My kingdom does not belong to this world; if my kingdom belonged to this world, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish authorities. No, my kingdom does not belong here! John 18: God s Kingdom is the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives. Romans 14:17b Can you relate the Fruits of the Holy Spirit to the Kingdom of God? Look at the series on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. Where does the Kingdom of God come from? Does it come from a place or a time? 123 Pilate asked him, Are you a king, then? Jesus answered, You say that I am a king. I was born and came into the world for this one purpose, to speak about the truth. Whoever belongs to the truth listens to me. John 18:37 This series on the second petition in the Lord s Prayer is about the Kingdom of God. We could spend months and months praying with Bible quotations about this there are over a hundred in the New Testament alone! I hope the ones I ve chosen help you feel the Kingdom of God close at hand. What is the truth that Christ the King speaks about? 88 89

47 Your will be done 91

48 126 God our Saviour wants everyone to be saved and to come to know the truth. 1 Timothy 2:3-4 On earth as it is in heaven, This fifth series on the Lord s Prayer brings us to the end of the first part of the prayer, which helps us place ourselves properly before God. Before we get on to the petitions concerning our needs, we pray for God s will to be done in our lives as it is in heaven. If we all did God s will, we would have heaven on earth. But often we would like our own will to be done rather than God s will, and we can ask for this in our prayer. We need to be aware of what God says to us if we are to understand his will, as all he wants is for our own good and our salvation. Jesus came to the world to carry out God s will. He did so right up to his death on the cross. If we believe in Jesus and follow his commandment to love, we can reach the Kingdom of God, a kingdom that Jesus began on earth and which we have to help grow. May Lord Jesus prayer help us understand what God the Father wants of us and may the Holy Spirit give us the strength to carry it out What is God s will for everyone? The Lord is patient with you, because he does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants all to turn away from their sins. 2 Peter 3:9 How long will God wait for us to do his will? So I answered, Here I am; your instructions for me are in the book of the Law. How I love to do your will, my God! I keep your teaching in my heart. Psalms 40:7-8 Who does this passage from the Old Testament talk about? 92 93

49 129 I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me. John 6:38 What was Jesus mission? 133 What he commands is that we believe in his Son Jesus Christ and love one another, just as Christ commanded us. 1 John 3:23 Can we believe in Jesus without loving others? 130 My food, Jesus said to them, is to obey the will of the one who sent me and to finish the work he gave me to do. John 4: Which other petition in the Lord s Prayer would you link this verse to? He who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, because I always do what pleases him. John 8:29 What does Jesus promise us if we do God s will? Now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 What is new about this commandment from Jesus compared with the precept in the Law: Love others as yourself? Not everyone who calls me Lord, Lord will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only those who do what my Father in heaven wants them to do. Matthew 7:21 How would you link the petition Your will be done to the petitions Hallowed be your name and Your kingdom come? Those who obey God s commands live in union with God and God lives in union with them. And because of the Spirit that God has given us we know that God lives in union with us. 1 John 3:24 Can other people see that God is within you because of the Fruits of the Holy Spirit? You can look at the Fruits of the Holy Spirit in the series on them

50 136 Father, he prayed, my Father! All things are possible for you. Take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want. Mark 14: You need to be patient, in order to do the will of God and receive what he promises. Hebrews 10:36 If we know what God s will for us is, what do we need in order to do it? 137 Did Jesus want to die on the cross? How far did Jesus go to do his Father s will? Don t be fools, but try to find out what the Lord wants you to do. 140 We have courage in God s presence, because we are sure that he hears us if we ask him for anything that is according to his will. 1 John 5:14 Ephesians 5:17 How does recognising God s will help us when we pray? Look at the series on the Fruits of the Holy Spirit. What do we have to do to understand what God wants of us? 138 Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect. Romans 12:2 What does the Bible tell us to do to recognise God s will? Jesus came to earth to do God s will. By believing in Jesus and following his commandment to love, we can build the Kingdom of Heaven. May Lord Jesus prayer help us understand what God the Father wants of us and may the Holy Spirit give us the strength to carry it out

51 Our daily bread 99

52 Those who pray every day with the Word, In this fourth petition, Jesus teaches us how to pray to God for our needs: our own needs and our brothers and sisters needs. It is also a good time to thank him for everything he has given us. Jesus tells us we can ask God for our daily bread, not our weekly or monthly bread. Like the Israelites in the desert, who gathered the manna they needed to eat every day, we are pilgrims who come to God every day to humbly ask for what we need to live. The petition for our needs is closely linked to the petition for the Kingdom of God to come. Jesus says that if we look for the kingdom of heaven, God will provide us with all we need to live, and he should certainly know! In the desert of our lives, God provides for us. And not only in the form of bread. As Jesus replied to the Devil when being tempted, we cannot live on bread alone; we need God s word and Holy Spirit. When we ask for our daily bread, we aren t just asking God to provide for our earthly needs; we re also asking for bread from heaven in the form of Jesus Christ, the only one who can satisfy our need for salvation The Lord said to Moses, Now I am going to cause food to rain down from the sky for all of you. The people must go out every day and gather enough for that day. Exodus 16:4 What similarities can you see between what God said to the Israelites in the desert and what Jesus tells us in this petition of the Lord s Prayer? I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread. Psalms 37:25 (NIV) What advice does King David give us in this psalm if we never want to be short of bread? All of them depend on you to give them food when they need it. Psalms 104:27 When you pray the Lord s Prayer, do you thank God for everything He gives you when you need it?

53 144 Look at the birds: they do not plant seeds, gather a harvest and put it in barns; yet your Father in heaven takes care of them! Aren t you worth much more than birds? Matthew 6:26 What do you say to Jesus when he asks you: Aren t you worth much more than birds? 147 Do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings. Matthew 6:34 What worries can you leave behind knowing that God takes care of your every need? 145 Do not start worrying: Where will my food come from? Or my drink? Or my clothes? (These are the things the pagans are always concerned about.) Your Father in heaven knows that you need all these things. Matthew 6: Would any of you who are fathers give your son a stone when he asks for bread? As bad as you are, you know how to give good things to your children. How much more, then, will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9.11 Do you worry about food and drink or clothes or anything else? What are the good things that only our Father in heaven can give us? 146 Be concerned above everything else with the Kingdom of God and with what he requires of you, and he will provide you with all these other things. Matthew 6:33 What do we have to do to ask God for what we need? 149 Send the people away and let them go to the villages to buy food for themselves, answered Jesus, You yourselves give them something to eat! All we have here are five loaves and two fish, they replied. Matthew 14:15-17 When we ask for our bread, should we be thinking only of ourselves?

54 150 He took the five loaves and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks to God. He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. Everyone ate and had enough. Matthew 14:19-20 Do you give Jesus your loaves and your fish for him to perform miracles? 153 I am telling you the truth, what Moses gave you was not the bread from heaven; it is my Father who gives you the real bread from heaven. For the bread that God gives is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. John 6:32-33 Who is the bread from heaven? 151 You are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles. Do not work for food that spoils; instead, work for the food that lasts for eternal life. John 6:26-27 What is the food that lasts for and gives eternal life? 154 This is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread that your ancestors ate, but then later died. Those who eat this bread will live forever. John 6:58 What is the reward for those who eat bread from heaven? 152 Then the Devil came to him and said, If you are God s Son, order these stones to turn into bread. But Jesus answered, The scripture says, Human beings cannot live on bread alone, but need every word that God speaks. Matthew 4:3-4 What does Jesus say we need to live on as well as bread?

55 155 Sir they asked him, give us this bread always. I am the bread of life Jesus told them, Those who come to me will never be hungry; those who believe in me will never be thirsty. John 6:34-35 Forgive us our debts When you pray the Lord s Prayer, do you ask only for bread on earth or do you also ask for bread from heaven? In this fourth petition, Jesus teaches us how to pray for our needs. When we pray for our daily bread, as well as asking God to provide for our earthly needs, we re also asking him for bread from heaven in the form of Jesus Christ, the only one who can satisfy our need for salvation

56 Boys and girls asking for forgiveness, This petition in the Lord s Prayer is so important that it is the only one Jesus stresses in the Sermon on the Mount to make the point that asking God for forgiveness goes hand in hand with forgiving others. If we want to ask God to Forgive us our debts, first we have to forgive other people. In these passages from the Bible, Jesus teaches us how many times we have to forgive and how far we have to go to forgive other people. In the parable of the prodigal son, he also helps us understand how God the Father forgives us when we ask him to. The second part of this petition, as we also have forgiven our debtors, touches our soul to the core. We will never be able to forgive as God forgives. But we have to try and, with his help, strive to be perfect as God is perfect and love as Jesus loved us. In our imperfection Jesus comes to help us. With his death he forgives the sins of the world and our own sins and reconciles us with God the Father. Only He can give us the final, definitive forgiveness And when you stand and pray, forgive anything you may have against anyone, so that your Father in heaven will forgive the wrongs you have done. Mark 11:25 What does Jesus say we have to do when we pray before asking God for forgiveness? If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. Matthew 6:14-15 What is the price of not forgiving? I forgave you the whole amount you owed me, just because you asked me to. You should have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you. Matthew 18:32-33 Is the debt we forgive others large or small in comparison with the debt God forgives us?

57 I will forgive their sins and I will no longer remember their wrongs. I, the Lord, have spoken. Jeremiah 31:34b How does the Lord forgive us? If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in one day, and each time he comes to you saying, I repent, you must forgive him. Luke 17: But the tax collector stood at a distance and would not even raise his face to heaven, but beat on his breast and said, God, have pity on me, a sinner! I tell you, said Jesus, the tax collector, and not the Pharisee, was in the right with God when he went home. For those who make themselves great will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be made great. Luke 18:13-14 How should we present ourselves before God if we want to be forgiven? 161 Do you say I repent to your brother when you sin against him? Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, Lord, if my brother keeps on sinning against me, how many times do I have to forgive him? Seven times? No, not seven times, answered Jesus, but seventy times seven. Matthew 18: If our conscience condemns us, we know that God is greater than our conscience and that he knows everything. 1 John 3:20 When God forgives us, should we still feel guilty for what we have done? Would it be enough for you for God to forgive you seventy times seven?

58 164 I will get up and go to my father and say, Father, I have sinned against God and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired workers. So he got up and started back to his father. Luke 15:18-20 What kind of forgiveness was the son asking his father for? 166 But the father called to his servants. Hurry! he said. Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet. Then go and get the prize calf and kill it, and let us celebrate with a feast! For this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive; he was lost, but now he has been found. And so the feasting began. Luke 15: He was still a long way from home when his father saw him; his heart was filled with pity, and he ran, threw his arms around his son, and kissed him. Luke 15:20 What kind of forgiveness did the son get from his father? 167 If the son left home again, would his father forgive him again on his return? All of us were like sheep that were lost, each of us going his own way. But the Lord made the punishment fall on him, the punishment all of us deserved. Isaiah 53:6 How did the Lord make our sins fall on him? 168 Then he took a cup, gave thanks to God, and gave it to them. Drink it, all of you, he said; this is my blood, which seals God s covenant, my blood poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:27-28 What did Jesus want to say to us about the meaning of his death? 112 y 113

59 169 Forgive them, Father! They don t know what they are doing. Luke 23:34 What was the last lesson that Jesus taught us about forgiveness? Lead us not into temptation 170 Our message is that God was making all human beings his friends through Christ. God did not keep an account of their sins, and he has given us the message which tells how he makes them his friends. 2 Corinthians 5:19 What has Jesus asked us to tell the world about sin? Asking God for forgiveness goes hand in hand with forgiving others. If we want to ask God to Forgive us our debts, first we have to forgive other people. Jesus teaches us how many times we have to forgive and how far we have to go to forgive other people. 114 y 115

60 Pray, pray! God doesn t tempt us or want any evil to come to us, but he lets us be tested to show Him how much we love Him. These trials help bring us closer to Him. In the Lord s Prayer we pray not to be asked to bear more than we are able, when we are tested, to be helped not to fall into temptation. In the Bible we find different characters who were put to the test. Some fell into temptation, like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but others, such as Abraham and Job, resisted terrible trials. Jesus was also tempted by the Devil in the desert: we spent a whole series looking at his temptations. Jesus found out firsthand what it was like to be tempted and that s why he can help us not fall into temptation. The last temptation he overcame in the Garden of Gethsemane led him to die on the cross. When we pray we ask the Holy Spirit to help us realise when we are being tempted, because temptation is often disguised as something good or pleasant for us. And when we face up to it, should our strength fail, we ask for his strength to help make us victorious If we are tempted by such trials, we must not say, This temptation comes from God. For God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. James 1:13 If God doesn t tempt you who does tempt you? The woman saw how beautiful the tree was and how good its fruit would be to eat, and she thought how wonderful it would be to become wise. So she took some of the fruit and ate it. Then she gave some to her husband, and he also ate it. Genesis 3:6 What form does temptation take? Take your son, God said to Abraham, your only son, Isaac, whom you love so much, and go to the land of Moriah. There on a mountain that I will show you, offer him as a sacrifice to me. Genesis 22:2 Why did God test Abraham?

61 Gold and silver are tested by fire, and a person s heart is tested by the Lord. Proverbs 17:3 How does God test your heart? The Lord your God is using them to test you, to see if you love the Lord with all your heart. Deuteronomy 13:3 177 The Lord said, You persuaded me to let you attack him for no reason at all, but Job is still as faithful as ever. Satan replied, But now suppose you hurt his body he will curse you to your face! Job 2:3.5 Is everything that comes from God good even if we don t understand it? 176 Why does God test you? Satan said, You have always protected Job and his family and everything he owns. You bless everything he does, and you have given him enough cattle to fill the whole country. But now suppose you take away everything he has he will curse you to your face! Job 1: Job s wife said to him, You are still as faithful as ever, aren t you? Why don t you curse God and die? Job answered, When God sends us something good, we welcome it. How can we complain when he sends us trouble? Even in all this suffering Job said nothing against God. Job 2:9-10 How does the story of Job teach us to accept trouble? Why did God let Satan tempt Job?

62 179 The Lord made Job prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had had before. The Lord blessed the last part of Job s life even more than he had blessed the first. Job 42:10b Jesus prayed, My Father, if this cup of suffering cannot be taken away unless I drink it, your will be done. Matthew 26:42 What was the greatest temptation Jesus had to overcome? 180 How does God compensate someone that He has tested and found worthy of Him? Then the Spirit led Jesus into the desert to be tempted by the Devil. Matthew 4:1 183 And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered. Hebrews 2:18 Who does this verse speak to? Who does temptation come from? 181 Keep watch and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41 What do we have to pray to avoid falling into temptation? 184 Our High Priest is not one who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. On the contrary, we have a High Priest who was tempted in every way that we are, but did not sin. Hebrews 4:15 Does Jesus understand our difficulties when we face temptation? 120 y 121

63 185 Resist the Devil, and he will run away from you. Come near to God, and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8 How can we come near to God to make the Devil run away? Deliver us from evil 186 God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out. 1 Corinthians 10:13 Who should we ask for the strength to endure and overcome temptations? God doesn t tempt us or want any evil to come to us, but he lets us be tested to show Him how much we love Him. In the Lord s Prayer we pray not to be asked to bear more than we are able, when we are tested, to be helped not to fall into temptation. 122 y 123

64 Pray and be on watch! This final petition in the Lord s Prayer is linked to the previous one: Lead us not into temptation. We could say that the two of them complement each other and go together to form a single unit. Jesus says we have to pray to our Lord in heaven to deliver us from evil in the world and the Devil. Jesus was tempted by the Devil in the desert and on the Mount of Olives and he prayed to God the Father to protect his friends and all of us from the Devil. He prayed to God to help us avoid falling into the Devil s traps when we are tempted. In these prayers we will talk about the Devil because only by becoming aware of his tricks will we be able to fight him. We need to be on watch and take care not to give in to temptation. Jesus Christ fought the definitive fight against the Devil on the cross, where he freed us from the Devil for ever. When we pray to God to deliver us from evil and the Devil, we are asking for Jesus Sprit to defend us and protect us against all his attacks. Why should we be afraid of anything if God himself is protecting us? And as ever in the Lord s Prayer, we aren t just praying for ourselves; we re also asking God to deliver the whole world from all the evils that plague it and to give us peace, his peace, because this is the only way God s Kingdom will come When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left Jesus until an opportune time. Luke 4:13 (NIV) When is an opportune time that the Devil chooses to tempt you? From the very beginning the Devil has never been on the side of truth, because there is no truth in him. When he tells a lie, he is only doing what is natural to him, because he is a liar and the father of all lies. John 8:44 How does the Devil lie to us to make us believe that evil acts can somehow be good actions? Father, I do not ask you to take them out of the world, but I do ask you to keep them safe from the Evil One. John 17:15 What does Jesus ask his Father in his final prayer with his friends?

65 190 Now is the time for this world to be judged; now the ruler of this world will be overthrown. When I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to me. John 12:31-32 When did Jesus free us from the Devil? 193 Who, then, can separate us from the love of Christ? Can trouble do it, or hardship or persecution or hunger or poverty or danger or death? In all these things we have complete victory through him who loved us. Romans 8: Young people be careful, be on watch! Your enemy, the Devil, roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Peter 5:5.8 What does Peter say young people have to do to avoid falling prey to the Devil s tricks? We know that no children of God keep on sinning, for the Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot harm them. 1 John 5: What does Paul say lets us overcome all the evils in this world? Nothing can separate us from his love: neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers or powers, neither the present nor the future, neither the world above nor the world below there is nothing in all creation that will ever be able to separate us from the love of God which is ours through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39 What does John say we have to do for Jesus to keep us safe and prevent the Devil from harming us? Is there anything that can separate us from the love of God?

66 If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31b Can we be afraid of evil and the Devil if we have God as our protector? The huge dragon was thrown out that ancient serpent, named the Devil, or Satan, that deceived the whole world. He was thrown down to earth, and all his angels with him. Revelation 12:9 Now that you know how the Devil works, will you let yourself be taken in? I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, Now God s salvation has come! Now God has shown his power as King! Now his Messiah has shown his authority! For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. Revelation 12:10 What petition in the Lord s Prayer does this passage make you think of? The dragon was furious with the woman and went off to fight against the rest of her descendants, all those who obey God s commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus. Revelation 12:17 If the dragon fights you, is it because you are one of those who obey God s commandments and are faithful to the truth revealed by Jesus? So be it. Come, Lord Jesus! May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with everyone. Revelation 22:20-21 What do these last two lines in the Bible say we have to ask for to deliver us from evil? When we pray to God to deliver us from evil and the Devil, we are asking for Jesus Sprit to defend us and protect us against all his attacks. Why should we be afraid of anything if God himself is protecting us?

67 The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory 131

68 Glory be to God! For yours is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever. Jesus uses these words to focus our attention on God at the end of the prayer. And these same words bring our series on the Lord s Prayer to a close. We asked before that God s Name be hallowed and now we praise Him and give Him thanks that his Name will be glorified forever. We asked before that God s Will be done and now we praise Him and give Him thanks for sending his Holy Spirit to let his Will be known and carried out. We asked before that God s Kingdom come and now we praise Him and give Him thanks that He is King of the Universe and that his Kingdom will last forever. And finally, after praising and thanking Him, we say Amen, let it be so, yours is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever, Lord! Our Lord and God! You are worthy to receive glory, honour, and power. For you created all things. Revelation 4:11 Every morning when you see everything that God created, don t you feel like crying out to Him with his praise on your tongue? King David said, Lord God, may you be praised forever and ever! You are great and powerful, glorious, splendid, and majestic. Everything in heaven and earth is yours. 1 Chronicles 29:10-11 When and where did King David place God s power and glory? King David said, You are king, supreme ruler over all. You are able to make anyone great and strong. Now, our God, we give you thanks, and we praise your glorious name. 1 Chronicles 29:11-13 For King David, what did it mean for God to be king?

69 203 Christ, at the time of his coming, will overcome all spiritual rulers, authorities, and powers, and will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father. 1 Corinthians 15:24 When will the Lord reign forever and his Kingdom never end? Children of the Bible 204 I heard every creature singing: To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb, be praise and honour, glory and might, forever and ever! The four living creatures answered, Amen! Revelation 5:13-14 Do you also answer with Amen to the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory now and forever? Jesus focuses our attention on God at the end of the prayer. After praising and thanking Him, we say Amen, let it be so, yours is the Kingdom, and the Power and the Glory forever, Lord!

70 Hello Friends of the Bible, In the first series, Children of the New Testament, we prayed with the Gospel passages about children in general. In this series, you ll find prayers about specific people from the Bible when they were children: from Isaac to Jesus. They talk about children s relationship with the Lord and with their parents. They are brimming with love between people and with God Abraham, don t hurt the boy or do anything to him, the angel said. Now I know that you honour and obey God, because you have not kept back your only son from him. Genesis 22:12 God stopped Abraham sacrificing Isaac. But did he do the same with his own son? It was faith that made the parents of Moses hide him for three months after he was born. They saw that he was a beautiful child, and they were not afraid to disobey the king s order. Hebrews 11:23 Why weren t Moses parents afraid? 207 Then Joseph had another dream and told his brothers, I had another dream, in which I saw the sun, the moon, and eleven stars bowing down to me. Genesis 37:9 Who were the sun, moon and eleven stars in Joseph s dream?

71 208 The Lord came and stood there, and called as he had before, Samuel! Samuel! Samuel answered, Speak; your servant is listening. 1 Samuel 3: You, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High God. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare his road for him. Luke 1:76 Samuel was listening. Have you heard his voice today? How did John the Baptist prepare the road of the Lord? 209 Samuel took the olive oil and anointed David in front of his brothers. Immediately the spirit of the Lord took control of David and was with him from that day on. Then Samuel returned to Ramah. 1 Samuel 16: Everyone who heard of it thought about it and asked, What is this child going to be? For it was plain that the Lord s power was upon him. Luke 1:66 Is the Lord s power upon you? 210 The spirit of the Lord took control of David. Has it taken control of you? The time came for Elizabeth to have her baby, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbours and relatives heard how wonderfully good the Lord had been to her, and they all rejoiced with her. Luke 1: The child grew and developed in body and spirit. He lived in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the people of Israel. Luke 1:80 What can you do to develop in Spirit? Has the Lord been good to you?

72 214 When the shepherds saw him, they told them what the angel had said about the child. Luke 2:17 Who were the first ones to announce the Gospel? Let s Listen to his Voice 215 Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, This child is chosen by God for the destruction and the salvation of many in Israel. He will be a sign from God which many people will speak against. Luke 2:34 Are you one of those who will be destroyed or saved? 216 The child grew and became strong; he was full of wisdom, and God s blessings were upon him. Luke 2:40 Are God s blessings upon you? In this series, you ll find prayers about specific people from the Bible when they were children: from Isaac to Jesus. They talk about children s love for the Lord and for their parents

73 217 I will do this because Abraham listened to me and obeyed all my requirements, commands, decrees, and instructions. Genesis 26:5 (NLT) Children of Prayer, This is the second series on prayer, and there ll be plenty more! In the first series, The Lord Listens to us, we talked about how God always listens to us and is always by the side of those who call Him with all their heart. In this second series we talk about listening to the Lord, listening to his voice. When we pray, the Lord speaks to us and wants us to listen to Him. He knocks patiently at the door to our heart and calls our name, just as he did to Paul the Apostle when he fell from his horse. In this series we ll discover the rewards of recognising the Lord s voice and following Him as a Good Shepherd as He leads us along the path to our happiness and fulfilment. If only we could hear his voice today! Would Abraham have been able to obey the Lord if he hadn t heard his voice? I did command them to obey me, so that I would be their God and they would be my people. And I told them to live the way I had commanded them, so that things would go well for them. Jeremiah 7:23 What do we have to do so that things go well for us? Listen today to what he says, Don t be stubborn. Psalms 95:7-8 What can make you stubborn and set you apart from God?

74 220 When you said, Come worship me, I answered, I will come, Lord. Don t hide yourself from me! Psalms 27:8-9 How do you go about worshipping the Lord? 224 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me? Acts 9: The sheep hear the voice of shepherd as he calls his own sheep by name. John 10:3 Does the Good Shepherd call you by your name? The shepherd goes ahead of his sheep, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. John 10:4 225 Do you need to fall to the ground to listen to his voice? Listen! I stand at the door and knock; if any hear my voice and open the door, I will come into their house and eat with them, and they will eat with me. Revelation 3:20 What do you wait for before opening the door to your heart for Him? How you do distinguish the voice of the Good Shepherd from all the other voices? 223 My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. John 10:27 Is it possible to follow the Good Shepherd without listening to his voice? This is the second series on prayer. The first was The Lord Listens to us. When we pray, the Lord asks us to listen to Him. He knocks at the door to our heart and calls our name, just as he did to Paul the Apostle, and asks us to follow Him

75 Animals in the Bible 147

76 Friends of Animals, There are many animals in the Bible and in this series we focus on passages talking about animals in general. In the following series we ll talk about specific creatures that appear in the Old and New Testaments. In these prayers we ll remember how God created the animals and entrusted humans to take care of them. They ll help us see how God wants us to treat them. You ll find Bible passages that talk about the relationship between humans and animals at the beginning of creation that can help us understand the role of animals in Paradise. And you ll also see how animals can teach us lots of things about our own relationship with God God commanded, Let the earth produce all kinds of animal life: domestic and wild, large and small and it was done. So God made them all, and he was pleased with what he saw. Genesis 1:24-25 As the Creator of all the species, what does God think of animals? The man named all the birds and all the animals; but not one of them was a suitable companion to help him. Genesis 2:20 Can people live only with the company of animals? Take into the boat with you a male and a female of every kind of animal and of every kind of bird, in order to keep them alive. Genesis 6:19 Why did God keep alive the animals he had created instead of creating new ones after the flood?

77 229 All the animals, birds, and fish will live in fear of you. They are all placed under your power. Genesis 9:2 Did the animals live in fear of man and woman in Paradise? 233 Wolves and sheep will live together in peace, and leopards will lie down with young goats. Calves and lion cubs will feed together, and little children will take care of them. Isaiah 11: Now you can eat the animals, as well as green plants; I give them all to you for food. Genesis 9:3 How should we receive all the food God gave us? I am now making my covenant with you and with your descendants, and with all living beings all birds and all animals everything that came out of the boat with you. Genesis 9: Which little child will take care of them? At that time I will make a covenant with all the wild animals and birds, so that they will not harm my people. I will also remove all weapons of war from the land, all swords and bows, and will let my people live in peace and safety. Hosea 2:18 When will this time come? 232 Is God s promise not to destroy the earth with another flood a covenant just with humans? The seventh day is a day of rest dedicated to me. On that day no one is to work neither you, your children, your animals. Deuteronomy 5:14 How should we treat animals? 235 You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Psalms 8:6-8 (NIV1984) Which ruler should we emulate when governing animals?

78 236 Good people take care of their animals, but wicked people are cruel to theirs. Proverbs 12:10 Do you take care of the animals around you? Armour of God 237 Even birds and animals have much they could teach you; ask the creatures of earth and sea for their wisdom. All of them know that the Lord s hand made them. Job 12:7-9 What can animals teach us? 238 All of animals depend on you to give them food when they need it. You give it to them, and they eat it; you provide food, and they are satisfied. Psalms 104:27-28 Which verse of the Lord s Prayer does this remind you of? This is the first of several series on animals. In the beginning, God created the animals and entrusted us to take care of them. As you ll see, we had a very different relationship with animals in Paradise compared with today s world. Hopefully one day we can get back to that relationship!

79 239 Build up your strength in union with the Lord and by means of his mighty power. Ephesians 6:10 Which boy defeated his enemy without any sword or armour, simply by means of the Lord s mighty power? Onwards to Victory! In this series we ll talk about the Armour of God, as Paul describes it in his Epistle to the Ephesians. This armour is not something we made ourselves; God created it to defend us. You ll discover that in this armour, truth holds all the pieces together, faith protects all the body parts and the only weapon is God s Word. The series also talks about the enemy or master of temptation, as the Bible often refers to him. It also looks at the tricks only the armour of God can protect us against. May the powerful force of the Lord lead you to victory in combat! Put on all the armour that God gives you, so that you will be able to stand up against the Devil s evil tricks. Ephesians 6:11 What are the Devil s evil tricks? So stand ready, with truth as a belt tight around your waist. Ephesians 6:14 How can we get the belt of truth to defend ourselves against liars and the father of lies? 242 With righteousness as your breastplate. Ephesians 6:14 Who can give us a perfect breastplate without any of the cracks of our faults?

80 243 And as your shoes the readiness to announce the Good News of peace. Ephesians 6:15 How should we get our shoes ready to stride purposefully along with path of life? 247 So put on God s armour now! Then when the evil day comes, you will be able to resist the enemy s attacks; and after fighting to the end, you will still hold your ground. Ephesians 6: At all times carry faith as a shield; for with it you will be able to put out all the burning arrows shot by the Evil One. Ephesians 6:16 Will you be victorious if there are any pieces of your armour missing? Can you remember all the pieces and what they mean? Which burning arrows does your shield have to put out? 245 Accept salvation as a helmet. Ephesians 6:17 Why did Paul choose salvation to protect his head? 246 And the word of God as the sword which the Spirit gives you. Ephesians 6:17 When did Jesus use the Spirit s sword? What do you have to do to use the Spirit s sword when necessary? In this series we ll talk about the Armour of God, as Paul describes it in his Epistle to the Ephesians. You ll discover that in this armour, truth holds all the pieces together, faith protects all the body parts and the only weapon is God s Word. May the Lord lead you to victory!

81 Jesus Seven Signs in the Gospel of John 159

82 Children of Prayer, John, the disciple loved by Jesus, wrote his gospel when he was very old, after a whole life devoted to the Lord. Maybe that s why he arranged his work differently to Matthew, Mark and Luke. Instead of following Jesus life in order, he structured his gospel around seven miracles. John referred to these miracles as signs because their meaning goes above and beyond the miracles themselves. And he chose seven because this number has special significance in the Bible: it represents complete perfection. So he is saying to us that these seven signs should be understood as a whole. You ll remember that we prayed with a series called Jesus Seven I Am Sayings in the Gospel of John. You can see that John liked talking about the most important things in Jesus life by arranging them in groups of seven, as his way of explaining them completely and perfectly. The seven signs in this series are so deep in meaning that even if we gave over a whole series to each of them we still wouldn t have enough time to understand them in full. God willing, over the course of our life we ll be able to get closer and closer to their mystery. As an evangelist, John wanted to help us fully understand who Jesus was: Our Lord and Our God. May the Holy Spirit shine light on our prayers and guide our understanding Jesus said to the servants, Fill these jars with water. They filled them to the brim, and then he told them, Now draw some water out and take it to the man in charge of the feast. They took him the water, which now had turned into wine, and he tasted it. John 2:7-9 How did Jesus, Lord of Nature, change people s Human Nature? Sir replied the official, come with me before my child dies. Jesus said to him, Go; your son will live! The man believed Jesus words and went. John 4:49-50 What does Jesus, Lord of Life, ask of us to give us Life?

83 250 Jesus asked him, Do you want to get well? The sick man answered, Sir, I don t have anyone here to put me in the pool when the water is stirred up. Jesus said to him, Get up, pick up your mat, and walk. Immediately the man got well; he picked up his mat and started walking. John 5: The disciples had rowed about three or four miles when they saw Jesus walking on the water, coming near the boat, and they were terrified. Don t be afraid, Jesus told them, it is I! John 6:19-20 Who helps and guides Christians through the difficulties of every day? 251 Which paralysis does Jesus free you from so you can get up? Where does Jesus want you to walk to? Another one of his disciples said, There is a boy here who has five loaves of barley bread and two fish. But they will certainly not be enough for all these people. Make the people sit down, Jesus told them. Jesus took the bread, gave thanks to God, and distributed it to the people who were sitting there, and they all had as much as they wanted. John 6:8-11 Which of the seven I Am sayings does this sign remind you of? Look at the series on the seven I Am sayings. And which petition of the Lord s Prayer does it make you think of? 253 After he said this, Jesus spat on the ground and made some mud with the spittle; he rubbed the mud on the man s eyes and told him, Go and wash your face in the Pool of Siloam. (This name means Sent. ) So the man went, washed his face, and came back seeing. John 9:6-7 Which of the seven I Am sayings does this remind you of? What was the blind man s attitude towards Jesus before he was cured?

84 254 After he had said this, he called out in a loud voice, Lazarus, come out! He came out, his hands and feet wrapped in grave cloths, and with a cloth around his face. John 11:43-44 Which of the seven I Am sayings does this remind you of? What do you understand by the fact that Lazarus could hear Jesus voice even though he was dead? Make our faith greater! 255 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. John 20:30-31 (NIV) What words did Thomas use in response to Jesus seven signs when he saw him brought back to life? John arranged his gospel around seven miracles. He called them signs because their meaning goes above and beyond the miracles themselves. And he chose seven of them, a number in the Bible that represents complete perfection, just like he chose Jesus seven I Am Sayings. Do you remember that series?

85 Children who pray, Jesus told his disciples that everything is possible for people who have faith. Perhaps that s why they asked him to make their faith greater. They wanted to have strong faith to banish their doubts and fears. They wanted to plant trees in the middle of the sea and move mountains! But when Jesus died on the cross, their fears and doubts came back at once. Only after the Resurrection did they vanish for ever. And then their faith was so great that they could cure diseases and all other kinds of ills and forgive sins, just as the Lord had told them. When we pray confidently and fearlessly, we ask the Lord Jesus to make our faith greater, to give us faith as great as the disciples and to let this faith lead us along the path of salvation.john liked talking about the most important things in Jesus life by arranging them in groups of seven, as his way of explaining them completely and perfectly. The seven signs in this series are so deep in meaning that even if we gave over a whole series to each of them we still wouldn t have enough time to understand them in full. God willing, over the course of our life we ll be able to get closer and closer to their mystery. As an evangelist, John wanted to help us fully understand who Jesus was: Our Lord and Our God. May the Holy Spirit shine light on our prayers and guide our understanding Yes, said Jesus, if you yourself can! Everything is possible for the person who has faith. The father at once cried out, I do have faith, but not enough. Help me have more! Mark 9:23-24 Who can help us have more faith if we ask him? The apostles said to the Lord, Make our faith greater. The Lord answered, If you had faith as big as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, Pull yourself up by the roots and plant yourself in the sea! and it would obey you. Luke 17:5-6 Who should we look to if we want to take the path of faith? Peter got out of the boat and started walking on the water to Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he was afraid and started to sink down in the water. Save me, Lord! he cried. At once Jesus reached out and grabbed hold of him and said, What little faith you have! Why did you doubt? Matthew 14:28-31 Who is the worst enemy of faith? 167

86 259 Have faith in God. I assure you that whoever tells this hill to get up and throw itself in the sea and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Mark 11: Your daughter has died. Why bother the Teacher any longer? Jesus paid no attention to what they said, but told him, Don t be afraid, only believe. Mark 5:35-36 How can we overcome our fear of death? What does Jesus say our faith should be like? 260 Jesus mother then told the servants, Do whatever he tells you. John 2:5 263 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. Matthew 21:22 How does Jesus want us to pray? Who was the first person to believe in Jesus without any doubt? 261 Save us, Lord! they said. We are about to die! Why are you so frightened? Jesus answered. What little faith you have! Then he got up and ordered the winds and the waves to stop, and there was a great calm. Matthew 8:25-26 Who is the worst enemy of fear? 264 When Jesus had gone indoors, the two blind men came to him, and he asked them, Do you believe that I can heal you? Yes, sir! they answered. Then Jesus touched their eyes and said, Let it happen, then, just as you believe. Matthew 9:28-30 What does it mean to say faith opens our eyes?

87 265 Oh no, sir, answered the officer. I do not deserve to have you come into my house. Just give the order, and my servant will get well. When Jesus heard this, he was surprised and said to the people following him, I tell you, I have never found anyone in Israel with faith like this. Matthew 8: Then Jesus said to the woman, Your sins are forgiven. The others sitting at the table began to say to themselves, Who is this, who even forgives sins? But Jesus said to the woman, Your faith has saved you; go in peace. Luke 7:48-50 Why did Jesus forgive the woman s sins? Did the officer need to return home to know whether or not his servant had got well? 266 Jesus went back across the lake to his own town, where some people brought to him a paralysed man, lying on a bed. When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the paralysed man, Courage, my son! Your sins are forgiven. Matthew 9:2 268 A woman came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, If only I touch his cloak, I will get well. Jesus turned around and saw her, and said, Courage, my daughter! Your faith has made you well. At that very moment the woman became well. Matthew 9:20-22 Whose faith made Jesus forgive the paralysed man s sins? What did Jesus do first, make the woman well or save her?

88 Children in the Psalms 269 Jesus spoke up, There were ten who were healed; where are the other nine? Why is this foreigner the only one who came back to give thanks to God? And Jesus said to him, Get up and go; your faith has made you well. Luke 17:17-19 All ten of them were made well, but were all ten of them saved? 270 Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God s children. John 1:12 What is the reward for our faith? Jesus disciples asked him: Lord, make our faith greater. This is also our prayer along the path of life. We look to Jesus to banish our fears and doubts, forgive our sins and lead us to salvation

89 Hello Children of the Psalms, This is the third series of the Children s Bible Daily Prayer dedicated to children. In the two previous series we talked about children in the New Testament and key characters in the Bible when they were children. The Children s Bible app has just published Children s Psalms, a book that Picanyol and I have been working on for many months. We re really pleased to dedicate this series to what the psalms have to say about children. You ll see that these Bible passages talk a lot about parents love for their children. How they sit them on their lap, hold their hand as they walk along life s path, and always forgive them. Oh, and they also talk about how brothers and sisters should live together! God uses parents love for their children to show His love for us, which is even greater You saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began. Psalms 139:16 What would you like God to have written about you in his book? You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother s womb. Psalms 139:13 Who knows the ins and outs of every part of you? I have relied on you all my life; you have protected me since the day I was born. I will always praise you. Psalms 71:6 Why should we never stop praising Him?

90 274 Your praise reaches up to the heavens; it is sung by children and babies. You are safe and secure from all your enemies; you stop anyone who opposes you. Psalms 8: I always stay close to you, and you hold me by the hand. You guide me with your instruction and at the end you will receive me with honour. Psalms 73:23-24 Do you ever let the Lord hold you by the hand? 275 At what point in Jesus life did this prophesy come true? It was in Jerusalem. Sovereign Lord, I put my hope in you; I have trusted in you since I was young. Psalms 71:5 278 You have taught me ever since I was young, and I still tell of your wonderful acts. Psalms 71:17 How does the Lord teach you? 276 In what do you trust? In whom do you trust? Instead, I am content and at peace. As a child lies quietly in its mother s arms, so my heart is quiet within me. Psalms 131:2 Which fruits of the Holy Spirit does this passage remind you of? As a father is kind to his children, so the Lord is kind to those who honour him. Psalms 103:13 Which of Jesus parables does this text remind you of? You have been my help; don t leave me, don t abandon me, O God, my saviour. My father and mother may abandon me, but the Lord will take care of me. Psalms 27:9-10 Who can love you even more than your parents?

91 281 How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! Psalms 133:1 (NIV) How does God want you to live with your brothers and sisters? How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. Psalms 119:9 (NIV) Do you know how to find your way in his word? May the Lord make you increase, both you and your children. Psalms 115:14 (NIV) How do we want the Lord to help us increase? Advent and Christmas Prayers This is the third series dedicated to children; look out for the previous two! These prayers talk a lot about parents love for their children. God uses parents love for their children to show His love for us, which is even greater

92 Annunciation of Jesus 181

93 284 Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times. Micah 5:2 Advent is here! The prophets had been talking of Jesus since ancient times. In this series you can read and pray with Bible passages announcing his coming. They say that Jesus is the light against darkness, the sun that shines on us and makes us see everything anew. He is the king that rules over us like a shepherd to bring us peace and justice. We suggest you follow up the daily prayer with the drawings and Bible passages in the Children s Bible Advent Calendar app. You can download it for free at the App Store. Light a new candle every day! How far back does Jesus family line go? He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace. Micah 5:4-5 Which Gospel text does this passage make you think of? The Lord says, The time is coming when I will choose as king a righteous descendant of David. That king will rule wisely and do what is right and just throughout the land. Jeremiah 23:5 How does Jesus want people to live in his Kingdom?

94 287 When that day comes, the deaf will be able to hear a book being read aloud, and the blind, who have been living in darkness, will open their eyes and see. Isaiah 29: Because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven. Luke 1:78 (NIV) Why has a sun come to us from heaven? 288 What darkness does Jesus free you from? Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue. Isaiah 35:4 291 It will shine on those living in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the path of peace. Luke 1:79 What does living in darkness mean? 289 When does Jesus say Don t be afraid in the Gospels? And in our life? The blind will be able to see, and the deaf will hear. The lame will leap and dance, and those who cannot speak will shout for joy. Streams of water will flow through the desert. Isaiah 35: A child is born to us! A son is given to us! And he will be our ruler. Isaiah 9:6 Who is the ruler that governs your life? Does Jesus make your eyes see and your ears hear?

95 293 He will be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Which names would you call Jesus by? The Magnificat 294 With my own eyes I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples: A light to reveal your will to the Gentiles and bring glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32 Have you seen the Saviour with your own eyes? We suggest you follow up the daily prayer with the drawings and Bible passages in the Children s Bible Advent Calendar app. You can download it for free at the App Store. Light a new candle every day!

96 295 Mary said, My heart praises the Lord. Luke 1:46 How did Mary feel when she said these words? Blessed are you among women! When Mary was pregnant with Jesus she went to help her cousin Elizabeth, who was also expecting a baby. When Elisabeth saw her, she said How happy you are to believe that the Lord s message to you will come true! (Luke 1:45). The Canticle of Mary or Magnificat is Mary s reply. Over the centuries, Christians have prayed with the Magnificat. Still today, Christians all over the world join together in a single voice to sing it. I hope that the Magnificat inspires your prayers during Advent as we await the birth of the Saviour My soul is glad because of God my Saviour, for he has remembered me, his lowly servant. Luke 1:47-48 Why did God choose Mary? From now on all people will call me happy, because of the great things the Mighty God has done for me. Luke 1:48-49 Which great things did God work in Mary? 298 His name is holy; from one generation to another he shows mercy to those who honour him. Luke 1:49-50 In how many generations does God s love spread among men?

97 299 He has stretched out his mighty arm and scattered the proud with all their plans. He has brought down mighty kings from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly. Luke 1:51-52 Who are the works of God s mighty arm for? Prologue to the Gospel of John 300 He has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away with empty hands. Luke 1:53 Has the Lord filled you with good things? 301 He has kept the promise he made to our ancestors, and has come to the help of his servant Israel. He has remembered to show mercy to Abraham and to all his descendants forever! Luke 1:54-55 What had the Lord promised Israel? Over the centuries, Christians have prayed with the Canticle of Mary or Magnificat. Still today, Christians all over the world join together in a single voice to sing it. I hope that the Magnificat inspires your prayers during Advent as we await the birth of the Saviour

98 302 In the beginning the Word already existed; the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 Which other book of the Bible starts with the same words? One Blessing after Another! The Prologue to the Gospel of John is one of the most poetic and profound passages in the whole Bible. Since you are already following the Gospel passages about the birth of Jesus with the Children s Bible Advent Calendar, I thought that praying with the Prologue to the Gospel of John would be a good way to get ready for the coming of the Lord. I ve put together a series of questions so you can work on these prayers: some link the text to other Bible passages and others are designed to make you think. I hope you find them useful for discussion and prayer From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. John 1:2-3 Who was with God at the beginning, before the creation of the universe? The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out. John 1:4-5 Which of Jesus I Am sayings does this text make you think of? You can reread the prayers in the series Jesus Seven I Am Sayings in the Gospel of John

99 305 God sent his messenger, a man named John, who came to tell people about the light, so that all should hear the message and believe. He himself was not the light; he came to tell about the light. John 1: They did not become God s children by natural means, that is, by being born as the children of a human father; God himself was their Father. John 1:13 What kind of birth comes from God himself? Who was this man named John? 306 This was the real light - the light that comes into the world and shines on all people. The Word was in the world, and though God made the world through him, yet the world did not recognise him. John 1: The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us. We saw his glory, the glory which he received as the Father s only Son. John 1:14 At what point in the life of Jesus did John the Evangelist see his glory? It was on a mountaintop 307 Have you recognised the real light? Have you let him shine on you? He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. Some, however, did receive him and believed in him; so he gave them the right to become God s children. John 1: John spoke about him. He cried out, This is the one I was talking about when I said, He comes after me, but he is greater than I am, because he existed before I was born. John 1:15 At what point in the life of Jesus did John the Baptist speak about him? It was on a riverbank Have you received him at home? Are you also one of God s children?

100 311 Out of the fullness of his grace he has blessed us all, giving us one blessing after another. God gave the Law through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. John 1:16-17 What do we have to do to receive one blessing after another from Lord Jesus? 312 No one has ever seen God. The only Son, who is the same as God and is at the Father s side, he has made him known. John 1:18 Merry Christmas, Children of the Bible! There are no more questions before the nativity; we ll let Lord Jesus take us gently towards our Father. Lenten and Easter Prayers Since you are already following the Gospel passages about the birth of Jesus with the Children s Bible Advent Calendar, I thought that praying with the Prologue to the Gospel of John would be a good way to get ready for the coming of the Lord. I hope you enjoy them!

101 Convert! 199

102 Lent is here! For all of us, Lent is a time when we prepare ourselves for the great celebration of Easter. And since this is a very important celebration, there are lots of things to do. To prepare ourselves properly, we have to change who we are, transform ourselves, convert. Convert means turn towards God. During Lent, we turn towards God by looking at how we can change who we are and how we can make small sacrifices in our lives. Some adults eat less during Lent this is called fasting. Jesus fasted for forty days in the wilderness to prepare himself for his mission. We also try to change our relationship with other people, to be more generous and share our things, our time and our happiness with them this is called charity. Jesus admired the widow who was charitable because she gave away everything she had. And finally we try to turn to God, to get even closer to Him. And we can only do this by praying. We hope these prayers for Lent help you to do so Be merciful to me, O God, because of your constant love. Because of your great mercy wipe away my sins! Psalms 51:1 Do you ask God to wipe away your sins? When you do charity, do it in such a way that even your closest friend will not know about it. Then it will be a private matter. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matthew 6:3-4 Do you only do what God wants so people will see you? When you pray, go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matthew 6:6 When you pray, do you just talk for the sake of it?

103 316 When you fast, wash your face and comb your hair, so that others cannot know that you are fasting only your Father, who is unseen, will know. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you. Matthew 6:17-18 Temptations of Jesus When you make a sacrifice, do you want everyone to see? Lent is a time of conversion to help prepare ourselves for the great celebration of Easter. Converting means turning towards God. We do this by changing who we are and making small sacrifices, being more generous in our relationships with others and getting even closer to God by praying

104 317 Jesus returned from the Jordan full of the Holy Spirit and was led by the Spirit into the desert, where he was tempted by the Devil for forty days. Luke 4:1-2 Why did God let the Devil tempt Jesus? Friends of the Word, Lent is a spiritual path to Easter, just as our life is a spiritual path to God. This path is full of temptations, but by his own example Jesus wanted to show us how to conquer them. In these prayers, you ll discover some of the powerful weapons the Lord has given us to triumph over all temptations. 318 In all that time he ate nothing, so that he was hungry when it was over. The Devil said to him, If you are God s Son, order this stone to turn into bread. Luke 4:2-3 Why didn t Jesus use his power to help Himself? 319 Jesus answered, The scripture says: Human beings cannot live on bread alone. Luke 4:4 If human beings cannot live on bread alone, what do they live on?

105 320 Then the Devil took him up and showed him in a second all the kingdoms of the world. I will give you all this power and all this wealth, the Devil told him. It has all been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose. All this will be yours, then, if you worship me. Luke 4:5-7 What would have happened if Jesus had accepted the Devil s offer? 322 Then the Devil took him to Jerusalem and set him on the highest point of the Temple, and said to him, If you are God s Son, throw yourself down from here. For the scripture says, God will order his angels to take good care of you. It also says, They will hold you up with their hands so that not even your feet will be hurt on the stones. Luke 4:9-11 Why didn t Jesus do what the Devil said if that s what it said in the Bible? 321 Jesus answered, The scripture says, Worship the Lord your God and serve only him! Luke 4:8 What is the most powerful weapon we have in the struggle against temptations? 323 But Jesus answered, The scripture says, Do not put the Lord your God to the test. When the Devil finished tempting Jesus in every way, he left him for a while. Luke 4:12-13 How long did the Devil leave Jesus? Our life is a path to God, but this path is full of temptations. By his own example, Jesus wanted to show us how to conquer them. These prayers include some weapons the Lord has given us to triumph over all temptations

106 Transfiguration of Jesus 209

107 324 Jesus took Peter, John and James with him and went up a hill to pray. Luke 9:28 What did Jesus do before his transfiguration? Friends of Jesus, Before setting off on the road to Jerusalem, where he would face his own death, Jesus gives us a glimpse of his full glory. His face reveals the glory of God. He shows himself as he will be after the resurrection and how he is now. We hear the voice of God, who says: This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased listen to him! Hopefully these prayers will help us hear his voice and let others see the Lord s glory reflected in our face As they looked on, a change came over Jesus: his face was shining like the sun, and his clothes were dazzling white. Matthew 17:2 Which of Jesus I Am sayings does this remind you of? You can look back at the prayers in the series: Jesus Seven I Am Sayings in the Gospel of John Suddenly two men were there talking with him. They were Moses and Elijah, who appeared in heavenly glory and talked with Jesus about the way in which he would soon fulfil God s purpose by dying in Jerusalem. Luke 9:30-31 What did Jesus talk about with Moses and Elijah when he revealed God s glory?

108 327 As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him: Master, how good it is that we are here! We will make three tents, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. He did not really know what he was saying. Luke 9:33 What would have happened if Jesus had stayed on the mountain? 330 As they came down the mountain, Jesus ordered them: Don t tell anyone about this vision you have seen until the Son of Man has been raised from death. Matthew 17:9 Why didn t Jesus want Peter, John and James to tell anyone about what they had seen until he had been raised from death? 328 While he was talking, a shining cloud came over them, and a voice from the cloud said: This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased listen to him! Matthew 17:5 What do we have to do to listen to Jesus? 329 When the disciples heard the voice, they were so terrified that they threw themselves face downward on the ground. Jesus came to them and touched them. Get up, he said, Don t be afraid! So they looked up and saw no one there but Jesus. Matthew 17:6-8 Before the Passion, Jesus gives us a glimpse of his glory. He shows himself as he will be after the resurrection and how he is now. We hear the voice of God, who says: This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased listen to him! Hopefully these prayers will help us hear his voice. Who helps us to get up when we are afraid?

109 Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 215

110 Friends of Jesus, This is the second series dedicated to Peter. These prayers are taken from Gospel texts that talk about Peter during Jesus Christ s Passion, Death and Resurrection. Peter was one of Jesus best friends, but when Jesus was arrested, he pretended not to know him. He wept bitterly at his cowardice, but he wouldn t be able to talk to Jesus again until his resurrection. The Bible says nothing about what Peter and Jesus talked about when Jesus appeared to him, but after this meeting Peter was a new man. If only a resurrected Jesus could talk to us and change our lives as well! He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Are you going to wash my feet, Lord? Jesus answered him, You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later. Peter declared, Never at any time will you wash my feet! John 13:6-8 Do you understand why Jesus washed his friends feet? If I do not wash your feet, Jesus answered, you will no longer be my disciple. Simon Peter answered, Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too! John 13:8-9 Why do we have to be washed to become Jesus disciple? Peter answered, I will never leave you, even though all the rest do! Jesus said to Peter, I tell you that before the rooster crows two times tonight, you will say three times that you do not know me. Mark 14:29-31 What would Peter have said if he had been more humble?

111 Simon, are you asleep? Weren t you able to stay awake for even one hour? Keep watch, and pray that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:37-38 Why did Jesus call him Simon instead of Peter? Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the High Priest s slave, cutting off his right ear. The name of the slave was Malchus. Jesus said to Peter, Put your sword back in its place! Do you think that I will not drink the cup of suffering which my Father has given me? John 18:10-12 What did Jesus mean when he talked about drinking the cup? You, too, were with Jesus of Galilee. I don t know what you are talking about. I swear that I don t know that man! I do not know that man! Just then a rooster crowed. Matthew 26: The young man with white robe said to the women, Don t be alarmed, he said I know you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is not here he has been raised! Look, here is the place where he was placed. Now go and give this message to his disciples, including Peter: He is going to Galilee ahead of you; there you will see him, just as he told you. Mark 16:6-7 Why did Jesus want the angel to mention Peter? Mary Magdalene went running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and told them, They have taken the Lord from the tomb, and we don t know where they have put him! Then Peter and the other disciple went to the tomb. The two of them were running. John 20:1-4 Peter and John were both running, but did they both have the same feelings? What would you have done when the rooster crowed?

112 339 The Lord is risen indeed! He has appeared to Simon! Luke 24:34 Why did Jesus want to appear to Peter before the other disciples? 342 Jesus said to him, Take care of my sheep.... Then Jesus said to him, Follow me! John 21:17-19 What does follow me mean to you? 340 The disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, It is the Lord! When Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken his clothes off) and jumped into the water. John 21:7-8 If the water had been deep, would Peter have walked on water without sinking? 341 A third time Jesus said, Simon son of John, do you love me? Peter became sad because Jesus asked him the third time, Do you love me? and so he said to him, Lord, you know everything; you know that I love you! John 21:17 Why did Jesus ask Peter three times whether he loved him? In these prayers you will read about Peter s relationship with Jesus during the Lord s Passion, Death and Resurrection. Peter denies Jesus three times and then weeps bitterly at his cowardice. But when Jesus seeks him out after his resurrection, Peter s sadness turns to joy. Let s hope we can feel his joy too!

113 Jesus Questions for Lent 223

114 343 After Jesus had washed their feet, he put his outer garment back on and returned to his place at the table. Do you understand what I have just done to you? he asked. John 13:12 Can we understand everything Jesus has done for us? Children of Prayer, This is the second series on Jesus questions. Jesus is a man who likes to ask questions; he had questions for everyone he met, every situation and every experience. Jesus eagerly invites us to discover the truth about Him and God through the questions he asks us. The questions we have chosen for these prayers will guide you through Christ s passion, death and resurrection. I hope the questions in these prayers bring you closer to the Lord and help you love him even more! My Father s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? John 14:2 (NIV) How do you feel knowing that Jesus has prepared a place for you at his Father s house? Judas came up to Jesus to kiss him. But Jesus said, Judas, is it with a kiss that you betray the Son of Man? Luke 22:47-48 Why did Judas use a kiss to indicate which man was Jesus?

115 Why, then, do you question me? Question the people who heard me. Ask them what I told them they know what I said. John 18:21 Why do we ask Jesus questions? Pilate called Jesus. Are you the king of the Jews? he asked him. Jesus answered, Does this question come from you or have others told you about me? John 18:33-34 Does what you pray come from you or from what other people say? Why are you alarmed? Why are these doubts coming up in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet, and see that it is I myself. Luke 24:37-39 What is Jesus reply to all the questions we ask him? Thomas answered him, My Lord and my God! Jesus said to him, Do you believe because you see me? How happy are those who believe without seeing me! John 20: Jesus cried out with a loud shout, My God, my God, why did you abandon me? Mark 15:34 Who are those who believe without ever having seen? How have you abandoned the Lord? 349 Mary Magdalene saw Jesus standing there; but she did not know that it was Jesus. Woman, why are you crying? Jesus asked her. Who is it that you are looking for? John 20:14-15 This is the second series on Jesus questions. They will guide you through Christ s passion, death and resurrection. Jesus eagerly invites us to discover the truth about Him and God through the questions he asks us. Who do you cry for?

116 Jesus Passion and Death 229

117 At the foot of the cross, Our Lent pilgrimage has come to its end. We ve prepared for Lent over the last five series: Convert!, Temptations of Jesus, Transfiguration of Jesus, Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) and Jesus Questions for Lent. We followed the story of the Passion through Peter s eyes, as well as through the questions Jesus asked. In this final series, we ll pray with passages from the Passion and the Gospels of John and Luke. You ll find many of the most important passages in the Bible here. I strongly suggest you read the whole story of the Passion in groups or as a family They heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem. So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, shouting, Praise God! God bless him who comes in the name of the Lord! God bless the King of Israel! John 12:12-13 How do you welcome Jesus when he comes to your heart? Mary took a whole pint of a very expensive perfume made of pure nard, poured it on Jesus feet, and wiped them with her hair. John 12:3 Why did Mary rub perfume on Jesus? So that disciple moved closer to Jesus side and asked, Who is it, Lord? Jesus answered, I will dip some bread in the sauce and give it to him; he is the man. So he took a piece of bread, dipped it, and gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. John 13:25-26 If Jesus knew he would be betrayed, why did he do nothing to prevent it?

118 355 And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. John 13:34 Why was this a new commandment? 358 He came to his own country, but his own people did not receive him. John 1:11 He has come to your house, and have you received him? 356 Jesus took a piece of bread, gave thanks to God, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in memory of me. Luke 22:19 What did Jesus want us to remember by repeating what he had done? 357 Jesus cried out in a loud voice, Father! In your hands I place my spirit! He said this and died. Luke 23:46 Do you believe in Jesus, as much as He believed in his Father? The Lent pilgrimage has come to its end. In the last two series we saw Jesus Passion through Peter s eyes and heard Jesus questions. In this final series, we ll pray with passages from the Passion which I suggest you read in full in groups or as a family

119 Resurrection of Jesus 235

120 Halleluiah! The Lord has come back to life! Today is the most important day of the year. In these prayers you ll see how the people who loved Jesus were transformed by his resurrection: their sadness turned to joy and in place of despair came peace. And with the Holy Spirit, this peace and joy gave them the strength to announce the resurrection of the Lord to the whole world. An announcement that has reached us here and now. May the Lord accompany us along the path of life and open our eyes to his presence, just as he did with the disciples at Emmaus. May Jesus give us his peace to overcome all fears and anxieties, comfort us and fill us with joy They stood there puzzled about this, when suddenly two men in bright shining clothes stood by them. Full of fear, the women bowed down to the ground, as the men said to them: Why are you looking among the dead for one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised. Luke 24:4-6 Can you feel Jesus living presence? So they left the tomb in a hurry, afraid and yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them and said: Peace be with you. They came up to him, took hold of his feet, and worshiped him. Matthew 28:8-9 Do you recognise Jesus when you meet him?

121 361 Woman, why are you crying? Jesus asked Mary Magdalene. Who is it that you are looking for? She thought he was the gardener, so she said to him, If you took him away, sir, tell me where you have put him, and I will go and get him. Jesus said to her: Mary! John 20: Jesus said to them, Come and eat. None of the disciples dared ask him, Who are you? because they knew it was the Lord. So Jesus went over, took the bread, and gave it to them; he did the same with the fish. John 21:12-13 Do you let the Lord feed you every day with his word? 362 Have you heard his voice calling you by your name? He sat down to eat with them, took the bread, and said the blessing; then he broke the bread and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they recognised him, but he disappeared from their sight. Luke 24: Jesus said to them, Go throughout the whole world and preach the gospel to all people. Mark 16:15 Does your life preach the gospel? Have your eyes been opened to recognise the Lord on the path of life? 363 While the two were telling them this, suddenly the Lord himself stood among them and said to them, Peace be with you. Luke 24:36 The Lord has come back to life! Today is the most important day of the year. In these prayers you ll see how the people who loved Jesus were transformed by his resurrection: their sadness turned to joy and in place of despair came peace. Peace and joy that the Lord gives to us all today. At difficult times, are you comforted by the peace that Jesus gave us?

122 241 Quotation index

123 Old Testament Old Testament Book Quotation Prayer Serie Book Quotation Prayer Serie Genesis Exodus Deuteronomy 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1: Animals in the Bible 2: Animals in the Bible 3:6 172 Lead us not into temptation 6: Animals in the Bible 9:2 229 Animals in the Bible 9:3 230 Animals in the Bible 9: Animals in the Bible 22:2 173 Lead us not into temptation 22: Children of the Bible 26:5 217 Let s Listen to his Voice 32: Hallowed be your name 37:9 207 Children of the Bible 3: Hallowed be your name 3: Hallowed be your name 16:4 141 Our daily bread 20:7 105 Hallowed be your name 5: Animals in the Bible 13:3 75 Lead us not into temptation 3:9 68 Good night! 3: Children of the Bible 8: Your Kingdom Come 16: Children of the Bible Job Psalms 1: Lead us not into temptation 2: Lead us not into temptation 2: Lead us not into temptation 12: Animals in the Bible 22: Treasure Hunt 42:10b Lead us not into temptation 3:5 64 Good night! 4:3 9 The Lord Listens to Us 4:8 63 Good night! 8: Children in the Psalms 8: Animals in the Bible 16:7 65 Good night! 18:6 11 The Lord Listens to Us 18:28 61 Good night! 22:24 13 The Lord Listens to Us 27:1 62 Good night! 27: Let s Listen to his Voice 27: Children in the Psalms 37: Our daily bread 40:1 12 The Lord Listens to Us 40: Your will be done 42:8 59 Good night! 51:1 313 Convert! 63: Good night! 71:5 275 Children in the Psalms 71:6 273 Children in the Psalms 71: Children in the Psalms 73: Children in the Psalms 91: Good night! 95: Let s Listen to his Voice 98: Your Kingdom Come 103: Children in the Psalms 104: Our daily bread 104: Animals in the Bible 111: Hallowed be your name

124 Old Testament Old Testament Book Quotation Prayer Serie Book Quotation PRayer Serie Psalms Proverbs 115: Children in the Psalms 116: The Lord Listens to Us 118:21 16 The Lord Listens to Us 119:9 282 Children in the Psalms 131:2 276 Children in the Psalms 133:1 281 Children in the Psalms 138:3 14 The Lord Listens to Us 139:4 15 The Lord Listens to Us 139: Children in the Psalms 139: Children in the Psalms 145:18 10 The Lord Listens to Us 2: Treasure Hunt 3: Good night! 8: Treasure Hunt 12: Animals in the Bible 17:3 174 Lead us not into temptation Jeremiah Hosea Micah 7: Let s Listen to his Voice 23:5 286 Annunciation of Jesus 31:34b 159 Forgive us our debts 2: Animals in the Bible 5:2 284 Annunciation of Jesus 5: Annunciation of Jesus Ecclesiastes 5:2 99 Our Father in Heaven Isaiah 7: Hallowed be your name 9:6 292 Annunciation of Jesus 9:6 293 Annunciation of Jesus 11:6 233 Animals in the Bible 29: Annunciation of Jesus 33:6 27 Treasure Hunt 35:4 288 Annunciation of Jesus 35: Annunciation of Jesus 45:3 28 Treasure Hunt 53:6 167 Forgive us our debts

125 New Testament New Testament Book Quotation Prayer Serie Book Quotation Prayer Serie Matthew 1: Hallowed be your name 3: Your Kingdom Come 4:1 180 Lead us not into temptation 4: Our daily bread 4: Jesus Friends: Peter 5: Our Father in Heaven 5: Our Father in Heaven 6: Convert! 6:5 85 Teach Us to Pray 6:6 86 Teach Us to Pray 6:6 315 Convert! 6:7 87 Teach Us to Pray 6:8 88 Teach Us to Pray 6:9 90 Teach Us to Pray 6: Forgive us our debts 6: Convert! 6:20 33 Treasure Hunt 6:21 34 Treasure Hunt 6: Our daily bread 6: Our daily bread 6: Your Kingdom Come 6: Our daily bread 6: Our daily bread 7: Our daily bread 7: Your will be done 8: Make our faith greater! 8: Jesus Friends: Peter 8:24 69 Good night! 8: Make our faith greater! 9:2 266 Make our faith greater! 9:15 43 Jesus Questions 9: Make our faith greater! 9: Make our faith greater! 10: Jesus Friends: Peter 11:27 94 Our Father in Heaven 11:29 78 The fruits of the Spirit Matthew 12:35 35 Treasure Hunt 13: Your Kingdom Come 13: Your Kingdom Come 13:44 37 Treasure Hunt 13: Your Kingdom Come 13: Your Kingdom Come 14: Our daily bread 14: Our daily bread 14: Jesus Friends: Peter 14: Make our faith greater! 14: Jesus Friends: Peter 14: Jesus Friends: Peter 16: Jesus Friends: Peter 16:18 54 Jesus Friends: Peter 16: Jesus Friends: Peter 16:23 56 Jesus Friends: Peter 17: Jesus Friends: Peter 17:2 325 Transfiguration of Jesus 17: Jesus Friends: Peter 17:5 328 Transfiguration of Jesus 17: Transfiguration of Jesus 17:9 330 Transfiguration of Jesus 18:1-2 6 Children of the New Testament 18:4 7 Children of the New Testament 18:5 8 Children of the New Testament 18: Forgive us our debts 18: Forgive us our debts 19:21 32 Treasure Hunt 21: Make our faith greater! 23:9 97 Our Father in Heaven 26: Forgive us our debts 26: Lead us not into temptation 26: Lead us not into temptation 26: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 28: Resurrection of Jesus

126 New Testament New Testament Book Quotation Prayer Serie Book Quotation Prayer Serie Mark Luke 1: Your Kingdom Come 3: Jesus Questions 5: Make our faith greater! 9: Make our faith greater! 10: Children of the New Testament 10:14 3 Children of the New Testament 10:15 4 Children of the New Testament 10:16 5 Children of the New Testament 11: Make our faith greater! 11: Forgive us our debts 14: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 14: Your will be done 14: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 15: Jesus Questions for Lent 16: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 16: Resurrection of Jesus 1: The Magnificat 1: The Magnificat 1: The Magnificat 1: Hallowed be your name 1: The Magnificat 1: The Magnificat 1: The Magnificat 1: The Magnificat 1: Children of the Bible 1: Children of the Bible 1: Children of the Bible 1: Annunciation of Jesus 1: Annunciation of Jesus 1: Children of the Bible 2: Children of the Bible 2: Annunciation of Jesus 2: Children of the Bible Luke 2: Children of the Bible 2:49 38 Jesus Questions 4: Temptations of Jesus 4: Temptations of Jesus 4:4 319 Temptations of Jesus 4: Temptations of Jesus 4:8 321 Temptations of Jesus 4: Temptations of Jesus 4: Temptations of Jesus 4: Deliver us from evil 7: Make our faith greater! 9:18 40 Jesus Questions 9:20 41 Jesus Questions 9: Transfiguration of Jesus 9: Transfiguration of Jesus 9: Transfiguration of Jesus 11:1 84 Teach Us to Pray 15: Forgive us our debts 15: Forgive us our debts 15: Forgive us our debts 17: Forgive us our debts 17: Make our faith greater! 17: Make our faith greater! 17: Your Kingdom Come 18: Forgive us our debts 20:17 44 Jesus Questions 22: Jesus Passion and Death 22: Jesus Questions for Lent 23: Forgive us our debts 23: Jesus Passion and Death 24: Resurrection of Jesus 24: Resurrection of Jesus 24: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 24: Resurrection of Jesus 24: Jesus Questions for Lent

127 New Testament New Testament Book Quotation Prayer Serie Book Quotation Prayer Serie John 1:1 302 Prologue 1: Prologue 1: Prologue 1: Prologue 1: Prologue 1: Jesus Passion and Death 1: Prologue 1:12 92 Our Father in Heaven 1: Make our faith greater! 1: Prologue 1: Prologue 1: Prologue 1: Prologue 1: Prologue 1:42 45 Jesus Friends: Peter 2:5 260 Make our faith greater! 2: Jesus Seven Signs 4: Your will be done 4: Jesus Seven Signs 5: Jesus Seven Signs 6: Jesus Seven Signs 6: Jesus Seven Signs 6: Our daily bread 6: Our daily bread 6: Our daily bread 6:35 18 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings 6: Your will be done 6: Our daily bread 6: Jesus Friends: Peter 8:12 19 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings 8: Your will be done 8: Deliver us from evil 8:58 25 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings 9: Jesus Seven Signs 10:3 221 Let s Listen to his Voice 10:4 222 Let s Listen to his Voice John 10:9 20 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings 10:11 21 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings in the 10: Let s Listen to his Voice 11:25 22 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings 11: Jesus Seven Signs 12:3 353 Jesus Passion and Death 12: Jesus Passion and Death 12: Deliver us from evil 13: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 13: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 13: Jesus Questions for Lent 13: Jesus Passion and Death 13: Your will be done 13: Jesus Passion and Death 14:2 344 Jesus Questions for Lent 14:6 23 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings 14:8 95 Our Father in Heaven 14: Jesus Questions 14:9 96 Our Father in Heaven 14:27 73 The fruits of the Spirit 15:1 24 Jesus Seven I Am Sayings 15: The fruits of the Spirit 15:4 81 The fruits of the Spirit 15:5 82 The fruits of the Spirit 15: The fruits of the Spirit 17:6 110 Hallowed be your name 17: Hallowed be your name 17: Deliver us from evil 18: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 18: Jesus Questions for Lent 18: Jesus Questions for Lent 18: Your Kingdom Come 18: Your Kingdom Come 19: Your Kingdom Come 20: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 20: Jesus Questions for Lent 20: Resurrection of Jesus

128 New Testament New Testament Book Quotation Prayer Serie Book Quotation Prayer Serie John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 20: Jesus Questions for Lent 20: Jesus Seven Signs in the 21: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 21: Resurrection of Jesus 21: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 21: Jesus Friends: Peter (Lent) 9: Let s Listen to his Voice 24:25 79 The fruits of the Spirit 8:26 89 Teach Us to Pray 8:31b 195 Deliver us from evil 8: Deliver us from evil 8: Deliver us from evil 12:2 138 Your will be done 14:17b 125 Your Kingdom Come 10: Lead us not into temptation 13:1 71 The fruits of the Spirit 13:4 74 The fruits of the Spirit 15: The Kingdom, Power and Glory 29: The Kingdom, Power and Glory 2 Corinthians Ephesians Colossians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 4:7 36 Treasure Hunt 5: Forgive us our debts 29: The Kingdom, Power and Glory 3: Our Father in Heaven 4:32 75 The fruits of the Spirit 5: Your will be done 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 6: Armour of God 2:3 31 Treasure Hunt 1:11 76 The fruits of the Spirit 2: Your will be done

129 New Testament New Testament Book Quotation Prayer Serie Book Quotation Prayer Serie Hebrews 3 John James 1 Peter 2: Lead us not into temptation 4: Lead us not into temptation 10: Your will be done 11: Children of the Bible 1: Lead us not into temptation 4: Lead us not into temptation Revelation 1:5 77 The fruits of the Spirit 3: Let s Listen to his Voice 4: The Kingdom, Power and Glory 5: The Kingdom, Power and Glory 12:9 196 Deliver us from evil 12: Deliver us from evil 12: Deliver us from evil 22: Deliver us from evil 1:8 72 The fruits of the Spirit 2:2 1 Children of the New Testament 5: Deliver us from evil 2 Peter 3:9 127 Your will be done 1 John 3:1 91 Our Father in Heaven 3: Forgive us our debts 3: Your will be done 3: Your will be done 5: Your will be done 5: Deliver us from evil

130 If in this hurry-up world you feel the need to share some time with your children praying or talking about God, Children's Prayer is for you. If you are involved in a Children's Ministry and need a resource full of Bible quotes grouped into series to comment and pray with kids, Children's Prayer is also for you. 365 prayers, one prayer for each day of the year 35 series of prayers including 10 series for the Lord s Prayer 3 series for Advent and Christmas 7 series for Lent and Easter One or two Bible verses specifically chosen for children. A question to begin a dialogue or a prayer with your kids. The Bible quotes have been taken from the Good News Bible of the American Bible Society. An easy way to share, at any place or circumstance, the Word of God with children. Talk about Jesus and God to your kids and discuss the Bible quotes. Henry Hill President of Christian School Association.