Following Jesus and Praying the Psalms

Last week, the younger students heard the Gospel story of Jesus calling the first disciples from Matthew 4:12–23. The class had fun playing a “Follow Me” calling game where each child was called by name then we talked about simple ways we can follow Jesus every day—kind words, helping hands, sharing, and including others. We finished with a tin foil fish craft and a short closing prayer.

The older students began learning to pray with the Psalms as we prepare for Lent. We learned that the book of Psalms is full of both praise and lament and that God’s people have always used these words to speak honestly with God.We focused on Psalm 23 noticing where the Psalm names fear and where it offers comfort and trust. The students responded by painting an interpretation of Psalm 23 and closed with prayer to the Good Shepherd, asking God to stay near and guide us as Lent approaches.