Prayer and Obedience

OBJECTIVE

The objective of the Orthodox Spirituality Module is to teach the fundamentals of what it means to be an Orthodox Christian. In first grade, the lessons focus on obedience in the children's lives, prayer, church, and spirituality. Obedience helps grow the spiritual lives of people, therefore children need to understand the importance of it in regards to their spiritual lives. In this particular lesson, students will learn a story from the Bible that represents obedience and talk about what it means to obey and the importance of it.

INTRODUCTION - 10 Minutes

Write the memory verse below on the board. Read it aloud to the students, then have them read it to you. Explain the meaning of the verse to the children.

Review making the sign of the cross. Show children how to stand during prayer, and discuss what we should and should not do during prayer.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

Memory Verse

"Pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5:16-17)

CONTENT (MAIN POINTS) - 10 Minutes

Jesus Prays in the Garden - Matthew 26:36-46

Our Lord Jesus Christ went to a place called Gethsemane. He said to the disciples, "Sit here while I go and pray over there" (Matthew 26:36). He told Peter and the two sons of Zebedee to stay and watch Him. He walked further and prayed, "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will" (Matthew 26:39) (Explain what this means.)

When Our Lord Jesus Christ came back he found the disciples sleeping, instead of praying. He went a second time and prayed, then a third time, and the disciples felt very tired and were not praying.

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

Talk about this and how even Our Lord Jesus Christ prayed and the importance of it. List other important points on a board or easel for the children.

Also, discuss how sometimes we are like Peter and do not obey or pray with our families or even in church.

• How can we improve on this?
• What can we do to stay focused and obedient during prayer? (Expand on this)

Review the verse with the children and review the meaning of it.

ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes

Servants can set up materials prior to the lesson so children can start beading their bracelets right away.**

Materials: Beads, Yarn or Pipe Cleaners, Small crosses for bracelets (optional)

Children will make beaded prayer bracelets. Help children begin making their bracelets. You can add a small cross to the bracelets if you wish. After children have completed their bracelets, teach them how to use it and how it is a constant reminder to pray. Introduce the Jesus Prayer and how to use it with the bracelet.

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Today we talked about prayer and obedience. We talked about how to pray, the importance of praying, and the story of Our Lord Jesus Christ praying in Gethsemane. Review these points with your child and ask your child about the prayer bracelets he/she made in class. Review how to pray with the prayer bracelets and the Jesus Prayer. Encourage your child to use the bracelet from now on this week.