Do this in remembrance of me.
Luke 22: 19c
Hi Kids,
Today we’re going to hear the story of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane. This story takes place shortly after the Last Supper where Jesus shows his disciples how to remember him by breaking bread and blessing wine. After the Last Supper, Jesus and his disciples travel to Jerusalem to continue the celebration of Passover. Jesus knew his time on earth was running short and was overcome with emotion so he stopped at a garden (Gethsemane) to pray to God. Watch the story below to learn more.
There are five important points to take away from this story. The video below illustrates what these five points are. Once you’ve watched the story of Jesus praying in the garden, watch the video below to learn what this story teaches us.
As the kids in the video mentioned, Jesus was experiencing many emotions; one being afraid. Jesus was searching for comfort and guidance in the midst of his overwhelming feelings. Sometimes we do not know how to express or understand our emotions. Yet our emotions are trying to teach and tell. When we experience emotions, there are things we can do to help. Jesus teaches us that we can talk to God.
When you are in a hard situation and feel overwhelmed with emotion, you can always go to God, just like Jesus did. Know that God goes with us and is present in the midst of our big emotions. When you are feeling a big emotion, place your hands on your chest or heart and say, “When I feel (emotion), I can share with God; and when I am feeling (emotion), I know God will make me strong. Amen.”
For today’s activity, we’re going to make prayer hands to help us remember to always pray to God especially when we are experiencing big emotions. Follow the directions below to get started.
You’ll need:
- Construction paper (any color)
- Pencil, marker, or crayon
- Scissors
Instructions:
- Fold the construction paper in half.
- Place your hand on the paper with your pinky placed along the folded edge of the paper.
- Using a pencil, marker, or crayon, draw along the outline of your hand.
- Use the scissors to cut out the drawing.
- Unfold the drawing (should be two hands connected to each other).
- On one hand write, “Not My Will”. On the other hand write, “But Your Will”. Remember from the story Jesus said this repeatedly to God during his prayer.
- Color/decorate the hands to your liking.