Big Idea: God gives us all we need so that we would know He is all we need.

Bible Passage: Matthew 6:5-13, (focus on: verse 11.)

Parent Prep: This week we explore the idea of coming to God for all that we need. Jesus teaches us to understand God as a good father, who knows what we need and asks us to come to Him. Just as you know, care for and provide for your children, so God knows, cares for and provides for us, His children. Matthew Henry says, "Children do not need to make long speeches when they want anything. It is enough to say, "my head, my head."' As you meet the needs of your children this week – the everyday, simple needs, as well as the large requests – even as you wisely say 'no' to some, reflect on God's character towards you and how He also knows what you need and desires that you come to Him for it.

Read Matthew 6:5-13 together in your Bibles, or read it in a children's version here, or watch it together here.

Talk 

Ask children, "Why do you think Jesus tells us to ask God for bread?" Read Exodus 16:11-12. Explain to children, that God gives us all the things we need each day, just as He gave the Israelites bread in the desert,  so that then we will know that He is the Lord our God. When the Israelites had no food or water, God gave them bread to eat every day so that they would know He is the Lord, their provider. What are some things that we need everyday that God gives us? (Air, water, food, family, a home, sunshine, warmth, peace, love, forgiveness). Tell children, God gives us these things so that we would know 'that He is the Lord our God.' Read Luke 12:32 & Matthew 7:9. Both of these verses tell us that God delights to give us good things so that we would know that He is a good Father. 

Listen

Ask children, what are some things that you need that we can ask God for? On a large piece of paper, have children list by writing or drawing the things they need and want to ask God for. They can be big or small requests – God wants them all.

Ask children, "How does it feel when we pray for these things, and God doesn't answer?" Allow children to answer honestly about their feelings or doubts, and remind them that those feelings and doubts are okay. Our feelings of disappointment when God doesn't answer our prayers the way we want Him to may tell us that God isn't real or listening to us. But our feelings aren't always what is true – God's word is what is always, always true. Say with children, "So when we don't know what to do, we go back to what we know is true." 

God's word says that we shouldn't rest our hopes for happiness on getting what we want from God, because the things we want in this life can be taken away from us. Jesus tells us in John 6:27 &35 that instead, we should rest all our hopes for happiness on Jesus, because He will never ever let us down, and His love can never ever be taken away from us. He says that not only will He give us everything we need but that He will be everything that we need. He gives us Himself so we can know Him, and that's even better that Him giving us everything we ask for! So when God says 'No' to even our best prayers, it's because like a good Father, He knows what's best. He says that we will never be left wanting more when we come to Him for our needs. He wants to give us the very best, and the very best for us is to know and be close to Jesus.

Do 

Say again with children "When you don't know what to do, go back to what you know is true." Memorising these scriptures will help children fight against the lies that tell them that God isn't listening to them when their prayers aren't answered the way they want.

Next to each of the needs they wrote or drew on your piece of paper, choose a promise from the list below, and write it next to their need. Then, stick your poster up on a wall, and pray daily for your needs. When a prayer is answered, celebrate and praise God together. When a prayer seems un-answered, take children to the scripture they have chosen and read it aloud to them. 

  • He is always watching us to see what we need. 2 Chron 16:9
  • He often gives even before we even ask. Isaiah 65:24
  • He knows that we are weak humans and has compassion for us.  Ps 103:14
  • He tells us to call to Him and that He will answer. Jeremiah 33:3
  • When we call to Him He answers & says, “Here I am.” Isaiah 58:9
  • His Holy Spirit is with us through everything we face. John 14:18, 26-27 

This week, as you meet the needs of your children, every time you have to say 'no' to them – use it as a prompt to remind them that you love them, care for them and want the best for them. Then remind them that God's love is like your love. He gives us His best answer, everytime. 

If you can find the time, bake some bread together this week, and as you bake, use the time to talk about times your prayers have felt unanswered. Your stories of faith are incredibly powerful for your children to hear. Remind children as you tell your story, that our feelings are not what are always true, but that God's Word is always true, and that we can trust that God is for us, and that He will never let us down.

Have a great week!