Teaching Kids to Bring Their Emotions to Jesus

BIBLE: 

Let’s hear from the Bible. I am going to read a verse from Philippians 4:6-7 (everybody say Philippians 4) This is what Paul writes in his letter to the people of the town called Phillipi:

I don’t worry about anything, but I pray and ask God for everything I need, always giving thanks for what I have. And because I belong to Christ Jesus, God’s peace will stand guard over all my thoughts and feelings. 

• Q: What does Paul never do? Why? (A: worry, he prays instead)

• Q: And what does he always do? (A: always giving thanks)

• Q: What will stand guard over feelings? (A: peace)

  God wants to help you to come alive fully. You can pray and ask Him to help you open up your emotions and feelings. Jesus gives you peace that will stand guard and protect your feelings.

  
  

• CHALLENGE:

  Your challenge for this week: Notice how you feel, using a "feelings wheel" found online

  Like this: act out how you would do this.

  
  
  
  

• MINISTRY / RESPONSE:

  
  

  SETTING:

• Have kids go into groups of 3-4 + a leader in age groups

• Spread out across the room

• Play some soaking music

  ACTIVATION:

  Pray in groups that peace will guard emotions and thoughts

“Dear Jesus,

Thank you for your peace,

And that you are above my emotions.

I trust you more than I trust my feelings!”

In big group, all together share stories

Let’s think about a time when we wanted to express an emotion but then we prayed and asked God to help us instead.