June 22nd, 2008

Caring Conversation:

Has something bad ever happened to you? What was it?  Why do you think bad things happen to people sometimes?  Where is God when something bad happens?

Devotion:      Read:  Romans 8:18-19, 24-27

For Adults and Youth:  What does it mean to you when in the Lord’s Prayer you say “Deliver us from Evil?”  What are some ways you define evil?  Why is Jesus important when we talk about evil things?  What is the promise or the hope we read about in the Romans text?

For Children:   Can you name some bad things that are in the world?  What makes them bad?  How do you get through something that is evil or bad?  How do you think Jesus can help us in those times? What does it mean to have hope?

Pray:   Loving God, we know that this world is full of bad things, full of sin, and injustices.  We know though that even when bad things happen you are still present.  You give us the hope we need for each day through your son Jesus Christ, who died to actually save us from the bad, evil things of this world.  Please Lord hear our prayer to deliver us from evil! Amen

Ritual/Tradition: Make an afternoon tradition of saying a prayer.  Invite God into your prayer.  Share with God all that you need for that day.  Ask God to protect you from bad things and to give you hope when things don’t always go your way.

Service:  The Lord’s Prayer is something that connects us to God & to other Christians.  Think about how you can make a connection with God or someone else by using this part of the prayer.  Maybe it is praying for those who don’t have enough food or a safe place to live.  Maybe it is helping someone make good choices, or maybe it is asking for or giving forgiveness.  No matter what you do remember it is God who helps us get through the bad things we face.