NT 24 Jesus Teaches About Praying

Reference: Matthew 6:5-8

Story Summary:
   One day, Jesus taught his disciples about prayer, which is talking with God. He told them about something things they should do when they pray, as well as some things they should definitely not be doing.
   First, he told them not to pray to be seen by others. Some people, like the Pharisees, loved to pray where others could see how holy and special they were. That's the kind of reward those people were looking for. Instead, Jesus told his disciples to go off and pray in secret because God the Father can hear what is said in secret.
   Second, Jesus told them to not go babbling on and on when they pray. Some people thought God would only listen to them if they went on and on and on when they prayed. But Jesus taught that God isn’t impressed when we use lots and lots of words when we pray. In fact, he knows what we need even before we ask him.

Big Idea and Motions: Prayer is talking with God.
Prayer - bow your head and fold your hands
Talking - make your hand talk like a puppet
God - point up

Verse and Motions: James 5:13, ESV - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
Anyone - point away from you with both index fingers
Suffering - hold out two fists
Pray - place your hands palms together
Anyone - point away from you with both index fingers
Cheerful - point to your cheeks and smile
Sing praise - place one hand over your heart and the other in the sky and sing these words

Questions to Ask Throughout the Week
What is prayer? (Talking with God.)
Why did some people love to pray in synagogue and street corners? (For others to see them.)
Instead of praying to be seen by others, what did Jesus say to do? (Go into your room and pray to God.)
Does God hear us when we’re praying alone? Why? (Yes, because God is everywhere and all-powerful.)
Why do some people use lots and lots of words when they pray? (They think God will hear them if they use many words.)
When does God know what we need? (Before we even ask.)
When should we pray? (At all times.)
Where can we pray? (Everywhere.)
What is today’s big idea? (Prayer is talking with God.)
What is today’s Bible verse? (James 5:13, ESV - Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.)

Google Docs Links:
Lesson - http://goo.gl/bJjRZK
Resources - http://goo.gl/VCBcgk