Lessons for the Leader. Peter Was Rescued

Transcription

1 Week of July 29, 2012 Lessons for the Leader Four squads of four men (16 men) guarding one man seems quite excessive even in today's day and age. Seeing this entourage, a simple bystander would probably think a) the person being guarded was extremely important or b) the men in government were scared of the man's power. Read Acts 12:5-6. Notice verse 5 states Peter was "kept." God kept Peter in prison for a reason. After the Passover, Peter was to be executed, until that time, God kept him in a safe place. When have you been "kept" without realizing you were exactly where God wanted you? Do you fight to get out of your safe place, instead of letting God have control? Read Acts 12:7-10. God had a plan. How do you see God's plan carried out in your life? At what point do you realize what is happening to you is God's plan? Do you submit and follow His guidance? Read Acts 12: Scripture states Peter realized God had delivered him. In what ways has God delivered you for something? Read Acts 12: How fervently do you pray for people? How much time do you think the people at Mary's house prayed? Do you think they expected God to answer their prayers? Why? Ask yourself these questions: How important is prayer in my life? Do I believe God wants me to pray? Does God answer my prayers? Think about the importance of teaching children to know they can pray for people. Demonstrate this life application by praying for each child in your ministry by name. What do these symbols mean? 1a Application Activities Format: Follow the numbers with arrows for a 30-minute, large group plus 20-minute Application Activities format. 1 Follow all the numbers for a 45- to 60-minute large group only format. Peter Was Rescued Focus Passage: Acts 12:5-17 Key Bible Verse: 1 Timothy 2:1 Life Application I can pray for people. Level of Biblical Learning (Community and World) God wants people to pray for specific needs of missionaries and people groups. Session at a Glance Introduction to Worship (6-8 minutes) Greet the Children Play "Pass the Hoop" Worship (30 minutes/45 minutes) Sing "Awesome Is the Lord Most High" Sing "By Faith" Pray Sing "I Will"/Receive Offering Introduce Life Application Show "Kaycee and Casey" Video #2 Introduce the Bible Story Tell the Bible Story Review the Bible Story Discuss the Key Bible Verse Complete Worship Guides Pray Application Activities (20 minutes) Wrap-Up (10 minutes) OK to copy. Page 1 of 16

2 Introduction to Worship 1aGreet the Children 2aPlay "Pass the Hoop" Hula hoops (1 per team), sticky notes, marker Write I can pray for people on the sticky notes (1 word per note, 1 set per team). Form teams. Give each team a hoop. Say: "Hold hands and form a circle. We will place the hoop between two people. Your team must work together to pass the hoop around the circle without letting go of the people's hands beside you. When the hoop makes it all the way around, shout, 'Give us a word!' I'll give your team a sticky note with a word on it." Continue: "After receiving the sticky note, pass the hoop in the opposite direction around the circle. Shout when the hoop makes it all the way around. Continue until you receive five sticky notes, then place the words in order to make a statement." Play the game. Ask: "What statement did you discover?" Say: "Let's learn how prayer impacts life." Peter Was Rescued Worship 3 Sing "Awesome Is the Lord Most High" (DVD, 3 minutes) 4 Sing "By Faith" (DVD, 3 minutes) 5aPray (3 minutes) Explain: "One way we can pray is to offer a prayer of praise. Complete this phrase, 'Dear God, I praise You for.' " Invite the children to complete the phrase. 6aSing "I Will" (DVD, 3 minutes)/receive Offering 7aIntroduce Life Application (5 minutes) Worship Guides, pencils Distribute Worship Guides and pencils. Guide the children to complete "Round Up." Say: "God wants us to pray for people. Who can we pray for? What can we pray about for these people?" 8aShow "Kaycee and Casey" Video #2 (DVD, 7 minutes) Ask: "Do you know people who are bullied? How do these people feel? How do you think the people doing the bullying feel? What would you do if someone bullied you? Let's see how Kaycee handles being bullied." Show video. Say: "Place yourself in Kaycee's position. Would you pray for the people bullying you? Why?" Comment: "If someone is bullying you, tell your parents or teachers. Also pray for the person." Continue: "Casey learned his Sunday School class could do more than just give money to help Carlos. How do you think prayers helped Carlos?" 9 Introduce the Bible Story (4 minutes) Children's scissors, tape Print "Chains" (CD). Copy 1 per child. Distribute "Chains," scissors, and tape. Guide the children to cut apart the strips and make paper chains with words facing outward. Read aloud each word. Say: "Listen to how these words relate to our Bible story." Guide: "Place your chains around your wrists like you are chained in jail." 10aTell the Bible Story (8 minutes) Print "Prayer" Teaching Picture (CD). Display. Open your Bible to Acts 12. Call attention to the teaching picture. Say: "Pretend you are Peter, chained in prison. Follow my motions as I tell the Bible story." Continue: "King Herod attacked some of the people who believed in Jesus. When Herod had James killed and saw this made people happy, Herod arrested Peter. Herod placed Peter in prison with four groups of four soldiers to guard him. Herod planned to kill Peter as soon as the Passover was complete. Many people were praying for Peter." Page 2 of 16

3 Peter Was Rescued Based on Acts 12:5-17 The day was near for Herod to execute Peter. The night before, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound in chains [pull like you are in chains]. Suddenly, an angel appeared and a light shone in the cell. The angel struck Peter on the side and said, "Quick, get up." The chains on Peter fell off. [Guide the children to remove their chains.] The angel said, "Get dressed and follow me." Peter did as he was told; however, he did not realize the things taking place were real. Peter thought he was dreaming. The angel and Peter walked [guide the children to walk in place] past the first and second guard posts to the gate that leads into the city. The gate opened by itself, allowing the angel and Peter to walk outside and down a street. Immediately, the angel left Peter. Peter awoke and knew God had sent the angel to rescue him from Herod. Peter quickly made his way to Mary's house. Many believers in Jesus had gathered at Mary's to pray [fold hands like praying] for Peter. Hearing knocking [knock in the air] on the gate, a servant girl named Rhoda went to see who was there. She recognized Peter's voice and became very excited. In her excitement, she did not open the gate, but ran back to tell the people Peter was outside. The people thought Rhoda was crazy. However, Rhoda continued to tell them Peter was at the gate. The people said, "It's Peter's spirit." Peter continued to knock [knock in the air] on the gate until it was opened. When the people saw him they were amazed. Peter motioned for the people to be quiet [motion for quiet]. He told them how God brought him out of prison. Peter told them to tell James and the others he was free. Then Peter left and went to a different place. 11aReview the Bible Story (4 minutes) "Chains" from step 10 Invite the children to tell how the words relate to the Bible story. Ask: "What impact did people praying for Peter have on his life?" Say: "God answered the prayers of the believers. God will answer our prayers in one of three ways. Sometimes God says yes to what we ask, no to what we want, or sometimes God has us wait until it is best to answer our request." 12aDiscuss the Key Bible Verse (3 minutes) Paper, marker, tape Print the types of prayers mentioned in 1 Timothy 2:1 on individual sheets of paper. Guide the children to open their Bibles to 1 Timothy 2:1. Select a volunteer to read aloud the verse. Say: "Paul wrote these words to Timothy. What were the types of prayers Paul stated?" Display and define each type of prayer. Ask: "Why is it important to pray these types of prayers?" 13aComplete Worship Guides (5 minutes) Guide the children to complete "When To Pray" on their Worship Guides. Say: "These are just a few times we can pray for people. What are some other times?" Call attention to the "I Should Pray" activity. Say: "God wants us to pray for people all the time. How does it make you feel to know someone may be praying for you right now?" 14a Pray (3 minutes) Say: "We learned about praying for people, so let's do it right now. Find a partner." Assist as needed. Continue: "Take a minute and pray for your partner. You can pray aloud or silently." Close the prayer time. 15aTransition to Application Activities or Wrap-Up Week of July 29, 2012 Page 3 of 16

4 Wrap-Up (Large Group Only Format) 16 Play "What Do You Know" (7 minutes) Giant Game Floor Mat*, beanbag, construction paper, scissors, scrap paper, tape Print and assemble "Cube" (CD). Print "What Do You Know" (CD). Cut apart. Place an action card in each pocket. Cover each action card with construction paper. Place the mat on the floor. Form four teams. Say: "I'll ask each team a question. If you answer correctly, you may toss the beanbag on the mat. Behind the construction paper is an action card. Your whole team must complete the action, then you can roll the numbered cube to see how many points your team receives." Select a team to begin. Read aloud "What Do You Know" questions. Play as time permits. 17 Sing "Shine, Jesus, Shine" (DVD, 3 minutes) 18 Dismiss the Children to Their Parents Ask Yourself H N D What did the children hear about praying for people? What will the children know about God answering people's prayers? What will the children do as a result of knowing God will answer their prayers? Teacher Tip Looking for additional resources to enhance your teaching? Check out the Levels of Biblical Learning resources available at * Giant Game Floor Mat ( ) may be ordered through LifeWay Christian Resources Customer Service Center at or online at Wrap-Up (Application Activities Format) 16aShare Application Activities (6 minutes) Invite the children to share their Application Activity experiences. ddarts and Crafts Peter In/Out of Jail dddramatic Play Buzz Words ddgames Gather the Needs ddexploration and Discovery Popcorn Prayer Pockets 17a Sing "Shine, Jesus, Shine" (DVD, 3 minutes) 18a Dismiss the Children to Their Parents "What Do You Know" Questions What did King Herod do that made the people happy? (killed James) What did Herod plan to do to Peter? (kill him) Where was Peter on the night before he was to be killed? (in prison, sleeping between 2 soldiers) Who appeared to Peter while in prison? (an angel) What did the angel tell Peter to do? (Get up and get dressed.) What did Peter think was happening? (He was dreaming.) Where did the angel lead Peter? (past the guard posts and through the city gate) Where did Peter go once he realized what was happening was not a dream? (Mary's house) What was happening at Mary's house? (The believers were praying for Peter.) When Peter knocked on the gate, who came to answer it? (Rhoda) What did Rhoda do? (She became so excited she did not open the gate.) What did the people believe when Rhoda told them Peter was at the gate? (it was Peter's spirit) What did Peter tell the people? (how God brought him out of prison) Why is it important to pray for people? (Answers will vary.) Name 5 people you can pray for. (Answers will vary.) How does prayer change things? (Answers will vary.) Locate and read 1 Timothy 2:1 in your Bible. Tell 1 thing you learned today that will make a difference in your life. (Answers will vary.) How does it make you feel to know people pray for you? (Answers will vary.) Week of July 29, 2012 Worship KidStyle Children's Edition Leader Guide 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Page 4 of 16

5 Application Activities Select from the following choices. Each choice is designed for 20 minutes of small group time. Craft sticks (7 per child), craft glue, foam shapes, permanent markers, ribbon, scissors Print "Peter" (CD). Print and cut apart "People" (CD). Teacher Tips Help the children understand God answers prayers in one of three ways: Yes, No, or Wait. Be sensitive to children who have family members currently in jail. Encourage the children to be creative in the arrangement of the "jail" craft sticks. Worship Through Arts and Crafts Peter In/Out of Jail Ask: "Why was Peter in jail? How did prayer help him?" Review the Bible story. Say: "Our craft today will help us remember God answered prayers for Peter." Place the craft supplies on the table. Follow directions on "Peter" to make the craft. State: "Look at the front of your craft. It looks like Peter in jail. When you turn it over, the bars are behind Peter. God freed Peter." Say: "Hang your sign on your bedroom door as a reminder to pray for people. God heard the believers' prayers and freed Peter from prison. We can know God will hear and answer our prayers." Select a child to read aloud 1 Timothy 2:1. Say: "God wants us to pray for everyone. Let's do that now." Distribute "People" cards. Say: "I'll start our prayer time. When I say, 'God, we pray for ' state the person or persons printed on your card." Pray, allowing the children to state the names on the cards. Close the prayer time. Paper, marker, scissors Print and cut apart "Buzz Words" and "People" (CD). Worship Through Dramatic Play Buzz Words Guide each child to select a partner. Say: "Let's start with a game where you will describe something without saying certain words. If you say these words, your partner will say, 'buzz.' See if you can get someone to guess your word." Select a set of partners to begin. Display a "Buzz Word" card. Continue as time permits. Ask: "What are some important words in our Bible story?" Guide the children to state words from the Bible story. Write the words on the paper. Say: "Let's review our Bible story. I'll select someone to begin. You must tell us the Bible story without using any of the listed words. If you say one of the words, the group will say 'buzz' and the person to your left will continue. Let's see if we can tell our Bible story without using these words." Tell the story. Select a child to read aloud 1 Timothy 2:1. Say: "God wants us to pray for everyone. Let's do that now." Distribute "People" cards. Say: "I'll start our prayer time. When I say, 'God, we pray for ' state the name printed on your card." Pray, allowing the children to state the names on the cards. Close the prayer time. Week of July 29, 2012 Page 5 of 16

6 Scissors Print "Cards" (CD). Copy 1 set per child. Cut apart. Shuffle. Print and cut apart "People" (CD). Individual bags of microwave popcorn (unpopped), construction paper, markers, scissors, tape, items to decorate the paper strips Print "Power of Prayer" (CD). Print and cut apart "People" (CD). Cut strips of construction paper to fit around the popcorn (1 per child). Teacher Tips Invite the children to make additional popcorn prayer pockets as time permits. Prayer walk through the church building. Worship Through Games Gather the Needs Distribute eight "Cards" to each child. Say: "The object is to gather four of the same card. You will do this by passing one card at a time to the person on your right. If the card you receive is one you need, keep it, if you do not need the card, pass it or another card to the right. Keep passing until you get four of the same card. When you have four of the same card, bow your head like you are praying." Play the game. Gather, shuffle, and redistribute cards. Explain: "Let's play another game. Now you must get eight different cards by trading one card at a time with someone." Guide the children to move around the playing area trading cards. Gather the children together. Inquire: "What statements are printed on your cards?" Invite the children to read aloud the statements. Say: "These are things we can pray for people. Each day this week, select a card and pray for someone with this need." Review the Bible story. Ask: "How did prayer make a difference in Peter's life?" Select a child to read aloud 1 Timothy 2:1. Distribute "People" cards. Say: "I'll start our prayer time. When I say, 'God, we pray for ' state the person or persons printed on your card." Pray, allowing the children to state the names on the cards. Close the prayer time. Worship Through Exploration and Discovery Popcorn Prayer Pockets Review the Bible story. Ask: "How do you think Rhoda and the others felt about prayer?" Select a volunteer to read aloud 1 Timothy 2:1. Say: "God wants us to pray for everyone. Many times we do not know what people need, but God does. We can ask God to meet needs." Select a volunteer to read aloud "Power of Prayer." Point out how God answered the pastor's prayer. Place the supplies on the table. Say: "Let's make Popcorn Prayer Pockets to give to people." Guide the children to write I prayed for you today on strips of paper. Invite the children to decorate and attach the strips to the bags of popcorn. Say: "Pray for someone in your neighborhood. When you get home, take your popcorn prayer pocket and give it to the person." Distribute "People" cards. Say: "I'll start our prayer time. When I say, 'God, we pray for ' state the person or persons printed on your card." Pray, allowing the children to state the names on the cards. Close the prayer time. Worship KidStyle Children s Edition Leader Guide 2012 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. OK to copy. Page 6 of 16

7 Corbert Gauthier 2007 LifeWay Christian Resources of the Southern Baptist Convention. Printed in the USA. Peter Was Rescued Acts 12:5-17 Page 7 of 16

8 Peter Angel Gate God Pray Rhoda Chains (July 29) Page 8 of 16

9 , Cut along the dotted lines. 2. Fold on the solid lines. 3. Fill with scrap paper. 4. Tape closed. 5,000 10,000 1,500 Cube (July 29) Page 9 of 16

10 Cluck like a chicken Turn around 3 times Make a car horn sound Hop on 1 foot Shake hands with 3 people Open your Bible to 1 Timothy 2:1 Shout "I can pray!" Pat someone on the back and say, "I'm glad you came to church today!" Jump up and down for 10 seconds Shout to another team, "We think you are great." What Do You Know (July 29) Page 10 of 16

11 Open your Bibles to Acts 12 Locate a book in the Bible with a letter "S" in its name Select another team to "moo" like cows Select a book in the Bible for all three of the other teams to locate Waddle like ducks Line up shortest to tallest Tell your leaders "thank you" Sing the ABC song Name 3 places you can pray Wave to another team What Do You Know (July 29) Page 11 of 16

12 Peter 1. Lay out 5 craft sticks. Glue a craft stick across the top and bottom (as shown). 2. Arrange and glue foam shapes in a body formation to the back of the craft sticks (to indicate Peter in prison). 3. Glue additional foam shapes on top of the body formation (to indicate Peter outside prison). 4. Attach ribbon to create a door hanger. Write God Answers Prayer on the ribbon Peter (July 29) Page 12 of 16

13 School Teachers/ Principals Missionaries Doctors/ Nurses Friends Neighbors Strangers Waiters/ Waitresses Government Leaders Family Members Church Leaders People (July 29) Page 13 of 16

14 Basketball Bounce, Net, Sport Airplane Pilot, Jet, Take off Pencil Write, Yellow, Draw Swimming pool Water, Splash, Dive Mother Parent, Woman, Baby CD Music, Round, Song Bike Pedal, Ride, 2 wheels Cow Moo, Milk, Animal Summer Season, Hot, Sunburn Shoe Foot, Tie, Tennis Buzz Words (July 29) Page 14 of 16

15 Pray God will help me obey Him. Pray God will help my family have the food we need. Pray for my health. Pray for my family as we travel. Pray for people who need jobs. Pray for my friends. Pray for missionaries who help people know about esus. Pray for people who are sick. Cards (July 29) Page 15 of 16

16 Thank you for allowing me to tell you about how prayer impacted my Fourth Grade class. On January 17, our class did a prayer walk near the end of the Bible Study time. We talked about the meaning of prayer walking and the kids were excited to begin. We discussed specific ways to pray for our staff members and some of their needs. I gave children bright lime green index cards. The children wrote We prayed for you and Fourth Grade 4A on the cards. We went to the music suite (choir room) first since the choir would soon be gathering to practice. Molly handed her card to the Minister of Music. Since three of the offices were next to each other, we went to these offices and the children prayed for the staff members. We made our way to the area of the church where the adults have their Bible studies. We prayed for the adults. We also prayed for the youth, children, and preschoolers. Finally, we went to the pastor s office. One of the children prayed about giving the pastor the strength to tell us what we needed to hear. During the evening worship service, the pastor preached on healing. He told us how prayer was so important in healing and that we need to pray in God s will. The pastor ended with a story. He said during the first morning worship service he did not feel very well and did not know if he would be able to finish his sermon. He did not elaborate but stated that he felt quite sick. The first service ended about 10:35 a.m. and he was wondering if he would be able to preach during the second worship service. Around 10:45 a.m., he began to feel better and by the time he got up to preach, the feeling of sickness had left him. When he returned to his office after the service, he found the card we had left telling him we had prayed for him. We had prayed for him at about 10:35 a.m. I had chills as he pulled the lime green index card out of his pocket and shared what had taken place. I had to silently give thanks that the children were willing to pray for our pastor and staff that morning. Power of Prayer (July 29) Page 16 of 16