Truth In Action

The Flip Side Lesson 3

Script

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
Knife
Potato
Folded newspaper
Cutting board

Let’s Begin
“Last lesson we learned that knowing what’s right and choosing what’s right aren’t always the same thing. God knows that trusting Him isn’t always easy, so He fills His Word with truth to help us.”

Read Proverbs 16:20 aloud.
“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.”

Hold up the knife.
“Let’s pretend this knife represents God. He is strong, powerful, and able to do anything.”

Slice through the folded newspaper.
“That shows us just how powerful this knife is.”

Hold up the potato.
“Let’s pretend this potato represents a hard decision or something difficult we’re facing.”

“Could this knife cut through the potato?“
Allow children to respond.

Wrap the newspaper around the potato.
“Now imagine this newspaper is you. God invites us to wrap our hearts around Him and trust Him as He walks with us through hard things.”
Slice through the potato.
Carefully remove the newspaper.
Show that it remained unharmed.

“The knife cut through the potato, but the newspaper stayed safe. Trusting God doesn’t mean hard things disappear it means we’re never facing them alone.”

“Why do you think God wants us to trust Him?”
Encourage answers such as: telling the truth. standing up for a friend, obeying parents, choosing kindness, and following God’s Word even when it’s difficult.

Wrap Up
“Trust grows one choice at a time. When we choose God’s way we’re putting our faith into action.”

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6, 8

Truth In Action

The Other Side of No Lesson 3

Script

You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly… But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6, 8

Truth In Action

The Flip Side Lesson 2

Script

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
Two clear pitchers
Water
Food coloring
Bleach
Spoon
Paper towels

Let’s Begin
Hold up the pitcher of clear water.
“Last lesson we learned the difference between knowing what’s right and choosing what’s right. Today we’re going to discover why our choices matter.”

Point to the clear water.
“This water represents our life. God created us with the freedom to choose.”

“Where has God given us instructions for making wise choices?“
*Guide the conversation toward: the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, parents and trusted adults.

Invite a volunteer to add the first food coloring.
“This color represents the goodness that comes from following God’s plan.”

Ask another volunteer to add the second color.
“This color represents sin.”

Let everyone observe.
“When we choose our own way instead of God’s way, sin changes what God intended and every choice has a consequence.”

Point to the, now, murky water
Does this look like the life God lovingly planned for us?

“The good news is that God knew we wouldn’t always make perfect choices. Because He loves us, He made a way to forgive us.”

Slowly pour the bleach into the pitcher.
Allow everyone to watch and talk about what they see.

“When we repent and trust Him, He forgives our sin. and gives us a fresh start…every single time.”

Wrap Up
“Every wrong choice has a consequence, but that’s not the end of the story. The flip side is that because of Jesus, forgiveness is always possible.”

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

Truth In Action

The Other Side of No Lesson 2

Script

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
Two clear pitchers
Water
Food coloring
Bleach
Spoon
Paper towels

Let’s Begin
Hold up the pitcher of clear water.
“Last lesson we learned the difference between knowing what’s right and choosing what’s right. Today we’re going to discover why our choices matter.”

Point to the clear water.
“This water represents our life. God created us with the freedom to choose.”

“Where has God given us instructions for making wise choices?“
*Guide the conversation toward: the Bible, prayer, the Holy Spirit, parents and trusted adults.

Invite a volunteer to add the first food coloring.
“This color represents the goodness that comes from following God’s plan.”

Ask another volunteer to add the second color.
“This color represents sin.”

Let everyone observe.
“When we choose our own way instead of God’s way, sin changes what God intended and every choice has a consequence.”

Point to the, now, murky water
Does this look like the life God lovingly planned for us?

“The good news is that God knew we wouldn’t always make perfect choices. Because He loves us, He made a way to forgive us.”

Slowly pour the bleach into the pitcher.
Allow everyone to watch and talk about what they see.

“When we repent and trust Him, He forgives our sin. and gives us a fresh start…every single time.”

Wrap Up
“Every choice has a consequence, but God’s grace is greater than our mistakes. Through Jesus we can always receive forgiveness and begin again.”

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Galatians 5:16

Truth In Action

The Flip Side Lesson 1

Links

Ping Pong Balls

Script

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
Ping-pong balls
A sturdy tree (or another large, immovable object)

Let’s Begin
Scatter the ping-pong balls across the ground and invite each child to pick one up.

“Have you ever felt like life was coming at you from every direction?”
Allow children to respond.

“Sometimes it feels like our thoughts, other people’s opinions, temptations, and distractions are flying at us all at once.”

Allow the children to safely throw their ping-pong balls in any direction, then quickly run to pick up any new ping-pong ball before continuing.

Walk together to the tree.
“This tree is going to represent God. Unlike everything else that’s constantly changing, God never changes. His love is steady and nothing can shake Him.”

Invite everyone to throw their ping-pong ball at the tree.

“Did the tree move?“
Allow children to respond.

“Not even a little. God is like that. The world changes. Our feelings change. Everything around us can seem like it’s bouncing in different directions, but God never changes. He remains steadfast.”

Invite everyone to gently lean against the tree.

“When life feels confusing or you’re trying to decide what the right choice is, you don’t have to figure it out by yourself. You can lean on God.”

Ask
What are some ways we can lean on God?
When is it hardest to trust Him?
Why do you think God never changes?

Encourage responses such as: talking to God in prayer, reading His Word, asking a parent or trusted adult for help, and remembering what God says is true.

Wrap Up
“When life feels confusing, God never changes. You can trust Him and His way is always the best way.”

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3

Truth In Action

The Other Side of No Lesson 1

Links

Ping Pong Balls

Script

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
Ping-pong balls
A sturdy tree (or another large, immovable object)

Let’s Begin
Scatter the ping-pong balls across the ground and invite each child to pick one up.

“Have you ever had a day that felt a little whirly and swirly? Sometimes life can feel a lot like these ping-pong balls…thoughts, opinions, fears, and distractions can seem to come from every direction.”

Point to the tree.

“This tree reminds us of God. Unlike these ping-pong balls and the whirly-swirly thoughts they represent, God never changes. His love is steady and firmly rooted. Nothing can shake Him.”

Invite everyone to throw their ping-pong ball at the tree.

“Did the tree move?“

“God’s love is like this tree. It doesn’t move, it doesn’t change, and it never leaves us. Our whirly-swirly thoughts don’t stand a chance.”

Invite everyone to gently lean against the tree.

“When life feels overwhelming, we can lean on God.”

What are some ways we can lean on God?
*Encourage responses such as: talking to God in prayer, reading the Bible, talking with trusted adults, and asking God for help.

Wrap Up
“When life feels whirly and swirly, God never changes. His love is steady and we can always trust Him.”

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3

Story & Study Leader Companion

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 5

Lesson Overview

Our Focus Today
Helping children understand that they can trust God with every prayer because He always hears them and His plans are always good.

Key Truth
God always hears our prayers and we can trust His perfect plan.

Bible Passage
Romans 12:12

Memory Verse
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 (NIV)

At A Glance

Approximate Lesson Time: 45–60 minutes
Welcome, Snack & Lesson Activity • 10–15 minutes
Gather Around God’s Word • 10–15 minutes
Read the Story • 10–15 minutes
Truth in Action • 5–10 minutes
Open Your Bible • 10–15 minutes
Closing Prayer & Clean-Up • 2–3 minutes

Leader Encouragement

During this study, children have discovered that wishes become something far greater when they are brought to God in prayer. Today isn’t the finish line, it’s the beginning. As they leave with their own prayer journals, they’re taking home a reminder that God invites them to talk with Him every day. Some prayers will be answered quickly, others will take time, and some may look completely different than expected. Through it all, God remains faithful. Encourage children to keep praying, keep trusting, and keep watching for the many ways God is at work.

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Lesson Supplies
Study books
Pens
Highlighters
Hardcover blank prayer journals
Scripture stickers
Bible verse ballpoint pens
Acrylic paint markers

Teaching Supplies
Bible
One zip-top sandwich bag filled about 90% with water
Four (or more) sharpened pencils
Printed poster of Activity 2

Prep Ahead
Highlight today’s Bible passage in your Bible.
Practice today’s Truth in Action.
Fill the zip-top bag about 90% full of water.
Decorate a sample prayer journal.
Set out lesson activity supplies for each group.

Volunteer Roles

Lead Teacher
Welcome the group and guide each part of the lesson.
Read the Bible passage and story aloud.
Lead the Truth in Action, discussion, and closing prayer.

Small Group Leaders
Welcome children and encourage conversation.
Support children throughout the lesson.
Answer questions, encourage participation, and offer extra help as needed.

Floater
Welcome families and direct children to their groups.
Help with transitions and assist wherever needed throughout the lesson.

Leading the Lesson

Welcome, Snack & Lesson Activity

Time: 10–15 minutes
Welcome children, help them get settled, and enjoy the time together as they complete today’s lesson activity.

Instructions
Welcome children as they arrive.
Invite them to begin today’s lesson activity.
Encourage conversation while everyone enjoys a snack.
As children finish, encourage them to continue chatting with their group until it’s time to begin.

Conversation Starters
What’s something you’ve learned about prayer during this study?
Have you seen God answer any prayers recently?
What do you think you’ll write in your new prayer journal first?

Gather Around God’s Word

Time: 10–15 minutes

Transition
Give children a two-minute warning before beginning.
Invite everyone to simply set aside today’s lesson activity and grab only their study book, Bible, and pen. There is no need to clean everything up. Children can return to the activity later if time allows or take home any remaining supplies to finish.

Opening Prayer
Begin with a simple prayer, inviting God to prepare hearts and minds to learn from His Word.

Bible Reading

Read Romans 12:12 directly from your Bible.

Connect today’s verse by explaining that faithful prayer means continuing to trust God no matter what. Sometimes we receive an answer quickly, sometimes we wait, and sometimes God answers in ways we never expected, but He always hears His children.

Read the Story

Today’s Stair-Step Reading

Lesson 5
Re-read Lessons 1–4, then continue directly into Lesson 5.

Read the story aloud while children follow along.

Engage Children By…
-Announcing page turns for younger readers.
-Reading speech bubbles together.
-Asking observation questions.
-Pointing out humorous moments.
-Inviting predictions as the story unfolds.

Truth In Action

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
One zip-top sandwich bag filled about 90% with water
Four (or more) sharpened pencils

Let’s Begin
Invite three volunteers to stand at the front of the room.
Hold up the bag of water.

“Sometimes it can feel hard to trust an invisible God and His plan for our lives. This little experiment gives us a picture of what trust can look like.”

Stand beside the first volunteer.
“Do you trust me?”

“Do you trust that I won’t spill this whole bag of water on your head?”
Hold the bag over the volunteer’s head.

Hold up a sharpened pencil.
“What if I pushed this pencil through the bag? Would you still trust me?”

Push the pencil straight through the bag.

“Did you get wet?”
Allow everyone to react.

Move to the second volunteer.
“Would you trust me if I pushed another pencil through the bag?”

Repeat the demonstration.

Move to the third volunteer.

“How about one more?”
Push another pencil through the bag.
Pause and let everyone observe.

“It seems impossible, doesn’t it? Sometimes life can feel a little like this bag. Friends move away. Someone in our family gets sick. A pet dies. Plans change. Our hearts can start to feel like they’re getting poked full of holes.”

“Trusting God is a lot like trusting that this bag wasn’t going to spill. Even when it doesn’t make sense, even when life feels hard, we can trust that God is still taking care of us.”

You can repeat with several more pencils to emphasize the point.

“One of the greatest ways we learn to trust Him is by talking with Him in prayer. And do you know my favorite part? I love watching how God answers those prayers, just like Lucy discovered in our story.”

“Will every prayer be answered exactly the way we hope or expect?”

Allow responses.
“Probably not.”

“Will some answers surprise us?”

Allow responses.
“Absolutely. Sometimes those surprising answers help us see that God had a bigger and even better plan than we could have imagined. That’s why we can keep praying, keep trusting, and keep believing that God is always at work…even when we can’t see what He’s doing just yet.”

Ask
How does prayer help us keep trusting Him while we wait?
Have you ever seen God answer a prayer in a surprising way?
What is one prayer you’ll keep bringing to God after this study ends?

Wrap Up
“We won’t always understand God’s timing or His answers, but we can always trust His heart. God hears every prayer, He cares about every detail of our lives, and His plans are always better than we could imagine.”

Open Your Bible

Time: 10–15 minutes

Activity 1
Complete Activity 1.

Explain that today the children are going to learn a few new words that describe different kinds of prayer.

Invite children to read each prayer word and draw a line to its matching description.

Depending on the age of your group, children may work independently, with a partner, or in small groups before reviewing the answers together.

Ask
Which prayer word was new to you today?
Which kind of prayer do you think comes most naturally to you?
Which type of prayer would you like to practice more?

Activity 2
Complete Activity 2.

Use your poster to model building a prayer using each of the five parts of prayer: praise, confession, thanksgiving, praying for others, and praying for yourself.

Then invite children to complete their own prayer using the guide on the page.

If time allows, a few volunteers can read their prayers aloud if they’d like to share.

Ask
Which part of writing your prayer was easiest for you?
Why do you think God wants us to talk with Him about all of these different things?
How can your new prayer journal help you keep talking with God?

Closing Prayer

Pray the prayer at the end of Lesson 5.

Clean-Up

Invite children to:
-Organize their supplies.
-Throw away trash.
-Help tidy their small group area.
-Continue working on today’s lesson activity if time remains or take home any remaining supplies to finish later.

There is ultimately no such thing as unanswered prayer.
If the answer at first is “no” or “not yet,”
it is because he gives us what we want in ways better than we asked.
-Tim Keller

Story & Study Leader Companion

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 4

Lesson Overview

Our Focus Today
Helping children understand that while we wait for God’s answers, we can trust His wisdom, follow His way, and rest in His perfect plan.

Key Truth
While we wait, we can trust God’s plan and follow His way.

Bible Passage
Proverbs 3:5–6

Memory Verse
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (NIV)

At A Glance

Leader Encouragement

Waiting is rarely easy. We naturally want answers right away, but God often uses waiting to grow something beautiful inside us. Today’s lesson reminds children that while we may not always understand God’s timing, we can always trust His wisdom. Every time we choose to go to Him first and follow His way, we’re learning that His plans are always better than our own.

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Lesson Supplies
Study books
Pens
Highlighters
Lacing cross kits
Acrylic paint pens
Extra cord

Teaching Supplies
Bible
One half sheet of cardstock for each child
Scissors (leader and a few pairs for children)
Completed paper challenge example
Sticky notes
Group poster

Prep Ahead
Highlight today’s Bible passage in your Bible.
Practice today’s Truth in Action.
Prepare one half sheet of cardstock for each child.
Display the completed paper challenge example.
Set out the lesson activity supplies for each group.
A completed lacing cross.

Volunteer Roles

Leading the Lesson

Welcome, Snack & Lesson Activity

Time: 10–15 minutes
Welcome children, help them get settled, and enjoy the time together as they complete today’s lesson activity.

Instructions
Welcome children as they arrive.
Invite them to begin today’s lesson activity.
Encourage conversation while everyone enjoys a snack.
As children finish, encourage them to continue chatting with their group until it’s time to begin.

Conversation Starters
What’s something you’ve had to wait a long time for?
Is waiting easy or hard for you?
When you don’t know what to do, who do you usually ask for help?

Gather Around God’s Word

Time: 10–15 minutes

Transition
Give children a two-minute warning before beginning.
Invite everyone to simply set aside today’s lesson activity and grab only their study book, Bible, and pen. There is no need to clean everything up. Children can return to the activity later if time allows or take home any remaining supplies to finish.

Opening Prayer
Begin with a simple prayer, inviting God to prepare hearts and minds to learn from His Word.

Bible Reading

Read Proverbs 3:5–6 directly from your Bible.

Connect today’s Bible passage to the story by explaining that sometimes we don’t understand why God answers prayers the way He does, but we can always trust that His plans are good and His timing is perfect.

Read the Story

Today’s Stair-Step Reading

Lesson 4
Re-read Lessons 1–3, then continue directly into Lesson 4.

Read the story aloud while children follow along.

Engage Children By…
-Announcing page turns for younger readers.
-Reading speech bubbles together.
-Asking observation questions.
-Pointing out humorous moments.
-Inviting predictions as the story unfolds.

Truth In Action

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
One half sheet of cardstock for each child
Scissors (leader and a few pairs for children)
Completed paper challenge example

Let’s Begin
Hold up your completed paper challenge.

“Today I have a challenge for you. Your goal is to turn an ordinary half sheet of paper into something that looks exactly like this. I made mine using the exact same paper you’re holding.”

Pass out one half sheet of paper to each child.

“I’m going to give you one minute to see if you can figure it out.”

After one minute, say:
“Now I’m going to give you another minute, BUT this time you may ask anyone in our group for help.”

Allow children to talk and compare ideas.

After another minute, collect the papers.

“Remember when I said you could ask anyone? Who should you have asked?”

Allow children to respond.

“I was the only person who already knew how to do it.”

Demonstrate how to complete the paper challenge.
“Sometimes what feels impossible becomes possible when we turn to the right person for help. This reminds us of two important truths.”

“First, when we’re looking for answers, God is the very best place to go. We can ask family, friends, teachers, or even search online, but God always sees the whole picture. He knows exactly what we need, even when we don’t.”

“Second, this reminds us about obedience. Following God’s way doesn’t always make sense at first, but when we trust Him and follow His exact plan, He often does things we never thought were possible. His answer may not always be the one we expected, but it is always the one we need.”

Ask
Why do you think everyone came up with different ideas?
Why is God the best source to turn to when we need wisdom?
How can trusting God’s plan help us while we’re waiting?

Wrap Up
“Waiting doesn’t always come with easy answers, but we can always go to God first, trust His wisdom, and follow His plan with our whole heart.”

Open Your Bible

Activity 1

Complete Activity 1.

Invite children to think about different things people wait for and write them on the sticky note page in their books.

After everyone has written a few examples, have each group write two or three responses on sticky notes and add them to the group poster.

Children may continue adding more examples to their own books as they think of them.

Ask
What are some things children your age have to wait for?
How does waiting usually make you feel?
Why do you think waiting can sometimes be difficult?

Explain that God understands waiting isn’t easy. While we wait, He wants to grow patience in us and teach us to trust Him.

Activity 2
Complete Activity 2.

Invite children to look up today’s Bible passages, highlight them in their Bibles, and read them aloud. Depending on the age of your group, children may work independently, with a partner, or in small groups. If looking up all of the passages feels overwhelming, read one or two of the verses aloud together before inviting children to find the remaining verse(s) on their own.

Work together to discover the two repeated words in today’s verses and complete the sentence at the bottom of the page. (Patience and Trust)

Bible Verses
Romans 12:12
Colossians 3:12
Psalm 13:5
Proverbs 3:5–6

Ask
What do you think God wants us to remember while we’re waiting?
Why can we trust God even when we don’t understand His timing?

Closing Prayer

Pray the prayer at the end of Lesson 4.

Clean-Up

Prayer is how was press our hands into the invisible and find the
hand of Christ reaching back.
-James K. A. Smith

Story & Study Leader Companion

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 3

Lesson Overview

Our Focus Today
Helping children understand that even when life feels messy or confusing, God still hears every prayer and we can trust His perfect timing.

Key Truth
God hears our prayers and we can trust His timing.

Bible Passage
Jeremiah 29:11–13

Memory Verse
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.”
Jeremiah 29:12 (NIV)

At A Glance

Leader Encouragement

Waiting is hard. Sometimes we pray and wonder why God hasn’t answered yet or why His answer looks different than we hoped. Today’s lesson reminds children that God is always listening, even when life feels confusing. While we wait, we can trust that He is working in ways we cannot always see.

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Lesson Supplies
Study books
Pens
Highlighters
Hand Download Copies (cardstock)
Markers
Gem stickers

Teaching Supplies
Bible
Clear pitcher or vase filled with water
Foaming shaving cream
Food coloring

Prep Ahead
Highlight today’s Bible passage in your Bible.
Practice today’s Truth in Action.
Gather the supplies for today’s Truth in Action.
Set out the lesson activity supplies for each group.
A completed sample prayer hand.

Volunteer Roles

Leading the Lesson

Welcome, Snack & Lesson Activity

Time: 10–15 minutes
Welcome children, help them get settled, and enjoy the time together as they complete today’s lesson activity.

Instructions
Welcome children as they arrive.
Invite them to begin today’s lesson activity.
Encourage conversation while everyone enjoys a snack.
As children finish, encourage them to continue chatting with their group until it’s time to begin.

Conversation Starters
Has God answered one of your prayers recently?
Is there something you’re still praying about?
What do you do when waiting feels hard?

Gather Around God’s Word

Time: 10–15 minutes

Transition
Give children a two-minute warning before beginning.
Invite everyone to simply set aside today’s lesson activity and grab only their study book, Bible, and pen. There is no need to clean everything up. Children can return to the activity later if time allows or take home any remaining supplies to finish.

Opening Prayer
Begin with a simple prayer, inviting God to prepare hearts and minds to learn from His Word.

Bible Reading

Read Jeremiah 29:11–13 directly from your Bible.

Connect today’s Bible passage to the story by explaining that sometimes we don’t understand why God answers prayers the way He does, but we can always trust that His plans are good and His timing is perfect.

Read the Story

Today’s Stair-Step Reading

Lesson 3
Re-read Lessons 1–2, then continue directly into Lesson 3.

Read the story aloud while children follow along.

Engage Children By…
-Announcing page turns for younger readers.
-Reading speech bubbles together.
-Asking observation questions.
-Pointing out humorous moments.
-Inviting predictions as the story unfolds.

Truth In Action

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
Clear pitcher or vase filled with water
Foaming shaving cream
Food coloring

Let’s Begin
Hold up the clear pitcher of water.
“This pitcher is going to represent God. He is perfect, He is good, and He is always listening.“

Spray a layer of shaving cream across the top of the water.

“Sometimes life starts to feel messy. We have hard days, big worries, disappointments, and things that make it feel like God couldn’t possibly hear all of our prayers. This shaving cream reminds us of those moments.”

Hold up the food coloring.
“Now let’s pretend this food coloring is our prayers.”

As you add several drops of food coloring onto the shaving cream, pray aloud:
“Dear God, please help my grandma feel better.”
“Dear God, I’m having a hard time getting along with my brother.”
“Dear God, please help me focus at school.”
“Dear God, my friend doesn’t want to play with me anymore.”

Pause.

“It might seem like our prayers can’t get through. It can feel like all the hard things in life might keep us away from God. But, our prayers are making their way through. Nothing can separate us from talking with God. Even when life feels murky and messy, God hears every single prayer. There are no barriers. Sometimes His answers don’t come as quickly as we’d like and sometimes they aren’t the answers we expected, but while we’re waiting, God is listening, God is working, and God is carrying the things that feel too heavy for us to carry alone. We may not always understand His plan, but we can always trust His timing.”

Ask
Have you ever wondered if God heard one of your prayers?
What happened to the food coloring, even though it looked like it might get stuck on top of the shaving cream?
What does this remind us about God when we’re waiting for an answer?

Wrap Up
“Sometimes life feels messy, and sometimes God’s answers take longer than we’d like. But nothing can keep us from talking with Him. God hears every prayer, carries every burden, and we can trust His perfect timing.”

Open Your Bible

Activity 1

Complete Activity 1.

Invite children to look up today’s Bible passages, highlight them in their Bibles, and read them aloud. Depending on the age of your group, children may work independently, with a partner, or in small groups. If looking up all of the passages feels overwhelming, invite children to find one or two in their Bibles and then read aloud the remaining verse(s).

After reading each verse, discuss what it teaches about prayer and complete the activity together.

Bible Verses
1 Timothy 2:1 (Pray for Others)
1 John 1:9 (Confess Your Sins)
Matthew 7:7 (Pray for Yourself)
Ephesians 5:20 (Thank God)
Psalm 146:1–2 (Praise God)

Ask
Which part of prayer do you think is easiest?
Which part do you want to practice more?
Why do you think God gives us different ways to pray?

Activity 2
Complete Activity 2.

Explain that sometimes it can be hard to know what to pray. God has given us a simple reminder using our OWN hands!

Using what the children learned in Activity 1, fill in each finger together:
Praise God
Confess Your Sins
Thank God
Pray for Others
Pray for Yourself

Model by filling in your own prayer hand.

Then invite children to fill in the blanks on their prayer hands, decorate them however they would like, and carefully cut them out to keep as a reminder of the five things we can include in our prayers.

Encourage them to keep their prayer hand somewhere they will see it often so it can remind them how to pray whenever they talk with God.

Ask
Which part of praying comes most naturally to you?
Which finger do you think you’ll use the most this week?
How can this prayer hand help you remember to talk with God every day?

Closing Prayer

Pray the prayer at the end of Lesson 3.

Clean-Up

The function of prayer is not to influence God,
but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.
-Soren Kierkegaard

Story & Study Leader Companion

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 1

Lesson Overview

Our Focus Today
Helping children discover that every wish, hope, and worry can become a conversation with God through prayer.

Key Truth
God wants us to bring everything to Him in prayer.

Bible Passage
1 John 5:14-15

Memory Verse
“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us-whatever we ask-we know that we have what we asked of him.”
1 John 5:14-15 (NIV)

At A Glance

Leader Encouragement

Every child carries hopes, dreams, questions, and worries. Some are easy to talk about, while others stay tucked away deep inside their hearts. Today you have the opportunity to help children discover that every one of those thoughts can become a conversation with God. As you lead, remember that you aren’t simply teaching children how to pray. You’re helping them begin a lifelong habit of talking with a God who delights in hearing from them.

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Lesson Supplies
Study books
Pens
Highlighters
Small Wooden Boxes
Permanent markers
Gem stickers
Acrylic paint pens
Colored paper squares

Teaching Supplies
Bible
Two balloons
Marble
Bible verse posters

Prep Ahead
Highlight today’s Bible passage in your Bible.
Practice today’s Truth in Action.
Completed Heart Box sample
Set out Heart Box decorating supplies for each group.
Display a completed Heart Box.
Print/enlarge today’s Bible verse posters.

Volunteer Roles

Leading the Lesson

Welcome, Snack & Lesson Activity

Time: 10–15 minutes
Welcome children, help them get settled, and enjoy the time together as they complete today’s lesson activity.

Instructions
Welcome children as they arrive.
Invite them to begin today’s lesson activity.
Encourage conversation while everyone enjoys a snack.
As children finish, encourage them to continue chatting with their group until it’s time to begin.

Conversation Starters
What’s something you’ve wished for recently?
If you could ask God one question, what would it be?
When do you usually pray?

Gather Around God’s Word

Time: 10–15 minutes

Transition
Give children a two-minute warning before beginning.
Invite everyone to simply set aside today’s lesson activity and grab only their study book, Bible, and pen. There is no need to clean everything up. Children can return to the activity later if time allows or take home any remaining supplies to finish.

Opening Prayer
Begin with a simple prayer, inviting God to prepare hearts and minds to learn from His Word.

Bible Reading

Read 1 John 5:14-15 directly from your Bible.

Connect today’s Bible passage to the story by explaining that God already knows every wish, hope, and worry we carry. Even so, He invites us to come to Him, seek Him, and talk with Him through prayer.

Read the Story

Today’s Stair-Step Reading

Lesson 1
Read Lesson 1 aloud while children follow along.

Engage Children By…
-Announcing page turns for younger readers.
-Reading speech bubbles together.
-Asking observation questions.
-Pointing out humorous moments.
-Inviting predictions as the story unfolds.

Truth In Action

Time: 5–10 minutes

Supplies
Two balloons
Marble

Let’s Begin
Hold up the first balloon.

“Today we’re talking about prayer. Prayer is simply talking with God. He wants to hear about the good, the hard, the exciting, and even the things we’re embarrassed to tell anyone else. The Bible teaches us lots of ways to pray.”

Count them off on your fingers.
We praise God.
We confess our sins.
We thank Him.
We pray for others.
And we pray for ourselves.

“This balloon and marble are going to help us take a closer look at prayer.”

Hold up the empty balloon.

“This balloon represents our hearts. Let’s imagine I’m praying.”

Inflate the balloon a little as you say some example prayers:
“Dear God, thank You for loving me.”
“Please help my friend who is sick.”
“Please help me be kind today.”
“Thank You for always being with me.”

Tie or pinch the balloon closed.

“Those are all such wonderful prayers.”

Now hold up the marble.
“This marble represents sin.”

Place the marble inside and let it fall all the way in.
“Sometimes we hold on to sin instead of talking honestly with God about it. It’s like carrying something around inside that doesn’t belong there.”

Inflate the balloon.

“God already knows what’s in our hearts. He isn’t asking us to confess our sins because He doesn’t know about them. He’s inviting us to come honestly to Him because He loves us and wants to have a close relationship with us.”
Wiggle the marble to allow it to lodge in the opening so the air struggles to escape. Pause and let the girls notice.

“What happened?”
Allow children to answer.

“The marble got stuck. Sin can be like that in our relationship with God. It kind of gets in the way, but God says, ‘Let’s take care of that together.’ It doesn’t stop God from loving us, but when we hold on to it instead of bringing it to Him, it can keep us from enjoying the close relationship He wants to have with us.”

Remove the marble from the balloon.

“When we confess our sins, we’re honestly bringing our hearts to God and trusting Him to forgive us and draw us closer to Him.”

Hold up the empty balloon.

“Then we’re ready to keep talking with Him about everything else. Our wishes, our worries, our thankfulness, and our questions because that’s what prayer is…a conversation with a God who loves you.”

Ask
What are some things we can talk to God about?
Why do you think God wants us to come to Him honestly?
Which part of prayer do you think you do the most?

Wrap Up
“God wants to hear from you every single day. He invites you to praise Him, thank Him, pray for others, pray for yourself, and honestly confess your sins. Prayer isn’t about having perfect words, it’s about talking with a perfect God who loves you.”

Open Your Bible

Time: 10–15 minutes

Activity 1
Complete Activity 1.

Invite children to write or draw some of the things they wish for inside the stars.

Then draw sticks and invite several girls to share one wish. As they share, write the wishes on a large group poster.

Explain that every wish can become a prayer when we bring it to God.

Ask
What are some things children your age wish for?
Which wishes do you think God cares about?
What can we do with all of our wishes?

Activity 2
Complete Activity 2.

Have children look up today’s Bible passages, highlight them in their Bibles, and read them aloud. Depending on the age of your group, children may work independently, with a partner, or in small groups. If looking up all of the passages feels overwhelming, read one or two of the verses aloud together before having children find the remaining verse(s) on their own.

After each verse, encourage children to write one word or short phrase that is especially meaningful to them.

Ask for volunteers to share their words or phrases, then add them to your group poster.

Bible Verses
Jeremiah 29:11–13
1 John 5:14–15
John 15:7
Psalm 37:4

Ask
What do these verses teach us about prayer?
How do they encourage you to talk with God?

Closing Prayer

Pray the prayer at the end of Lesson 1.

Clean-Up

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?
-Corrie ten Boom

Script

Script

Script

Script

Links

Script

Links

Script

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 5

Lesson Overview

At A Glance

Leader Encouragement

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always biggerthan the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Volunteer Roles

Leading the Lesson

Gather Around God’s Word

Read the Story

Truth In Action

Open Your Bible

Closing Prayer

Clean-Up

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 4

Lesson Overview

At A Glance

Leader Encouragement

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always biggerthan the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Volunteer Roles

Leading the Lesson

Gather Around God’s Word

Read the Story

Truth In Action

Open Your Bible

Closing Prayer

Clean-Up

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 3

Lesson Overview

At A Glance

Leader Encouragement

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always biggerthan the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Volunteer Roles

Leading the Lesson

Gather Around God’s Word

Read the Story

Truth In Action

Open Your Bible

Closing Prayer

Clean-Up

What To Do With A Wish

Lesson 1

Lesson Overview

At A Glance

Leader Encouragement

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always biggerthan the lesson on the page.

Leader Preparation

Volunteer Roles

Leading the Lesson

Gather Around God’s Word

Read the Story

Truth In Action

Open Your Bible

Closing Prayer

Clean-Up

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.

The story God is writing in a child’s heart is always bigger
than the lesson on the page.