Unit 13, Session 3
Dear families,
What is the boldest request you’ve ever made to the Lord? Have you ever experienced God answer your prayers in a uniquely powerful way? In this week’s Bible story, we see how God answered Elijah’s prayers.
King Ahab led the people to worship Baal. The prophet Elijah condemned Ahab for leading the people astray and instructed him to gather all the people and prophets of Baal for an epic showdown. The test was simple: both Elijah and the prophets of Baal would offer sacrifices to see if Baal would respond or if God would respond.
The prophets of Baal cried out, danced, and prayed all day with no response or hint of fire on their altar. When Elijah’s turn came, he prepared the bull on the altar but took his trust in the Lord a step further by asking for water to be poured on top, saturating it completely. Elijah prayed, “LORD, let it be known that you are God in Israel, and I am your servant. Answer so that this people will know that you, the LORD, are God.”
Immediately, fire fell from heaven and completely consumed the offering along with the wood, the stones, and even the water! After the showdown at the altar, Jezebel sought to kill Elijah, and Elijah fled. This time, Elijah’s prayer was one of weariness and desperation. Again, God proved faithful to Elijah and answered his prayer. The Lord spoke to Elijah in a whisper and encouraged him, reminding him that the Lord would save those who remained faithful to Him.
The people of Israel knew that the Lord is the one true God when He answered Elijah’s prayer and sent fire down from heaven. In the same way, people would know that Jesus is God’s Son when the Holy Spirit came down like a dove when Jesus was baptized. Jesus is the Son of God and gave His life up for us.
Remember that God hears and answers the prayers of those who belong to Him. Thank the Lord for His faithfulness to listen and respond to our prayers. Remind the children in your care that through Jesus, we can boldly take our requests to God!
Check out The Gospel Project At Home for resources designed to help you lead a family worship experience as well as suggestions for morning and evening prayer times and family activities.
FAMILY TALKING POINTS
CHRIST CONNECTION
This is the big idea of how this week’s Bible story points to Jesus.
- Babies & Toddlers: God is the only true God who sent Jesus to die for our sins.
- Younger Preschool: God sent fire to show everyone He is the real God. When Jesus came, the Holy Spirit came like a dove to show that Jesus is God’s Son.
- Older Preschool: The fire came down to show the people of Israel that the LORD is God. When Jesus came to earth, the Holy Spirit came down like a dove to show that Jesus is God’s Son.
- Kids: God sent fire down from heaven to prove that He alone is Lord. God sent the Holy Spirit like flames of fire on Jesus’ disciples to empower them to tell others that Jesus is God’s Son who saves people from sin.
BIG PICTURE QUESTION & ANSWER
This is an important biblical truth that your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Younger Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
- Older Preschool: How many gods are there? There is one true God.
- Kids: How many gods are there? There is one true God who alone deserves worship.
KEY PASSAGE
This is a Bible verse that relates to what your child will encounter each week of this unit.
- Babies & Toddlers: Know the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
- Younger Preschool: May all people know the Lord is God. There is no other!
- 1 Kings 8:60
- Older Preschool: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
- Kids: May all the peoples of the earth know that the Lord is God. There is no other! 1 Kings 8:60
** Next week: The Reign of Ahab (1 Kings 20-22; 2 Kings 1)
Imago Dei Church Kids Ministry 