St. Shenouda
OBJECTIVE
Though monasticism is a path chosen by few, all of us can learn from those who choose it.
Through the stories of St. Shenouda and St. Sarah, we see examples of individuals who lead a life of prayer.
INTRODUCTION & HOOK - 10 Minutes
Last week, we talked about the stories of St. Pachomius and St. Theodore. These two saints showed us what true obedience looks like. St. Pachomius was given a command by an angel to build communal monasteries, where monks can all join together in a life of solitude. The saint built nine monasteries that flourished all because of his obedience. St. Theodore was a follower of St. Pachomius and he grew because of his obedience to the instruction given to him by the abbot. His continual and unwavering obedience resulted in his being entrusted to be the overseer of the monastery and he later became the head of multiple monasteries. These two saints taught us about obedience through the lives they lived.
This week we will be looking at the lives of St. Shenouda and St. Sarah. Through their examples, we will learn about a life full of prayer. Let us start by singing about our fathers and the lives they led.
HOLY SCRIPTURE - 2 Minutes
As we look at the stories of Saint Shenouda and Saint Sarah, keep this verse in mind.
Memory Verse
"Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you." (Jeremiah 29:12)
Meaning: The Lord is always listening to our prayers. Whenever we open our hearts and speak to him, His heart is already open and ready to receive our prayers.
CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 10 Minutes
Prayer is important in the lives of the monks. Earlier in today's lesson, we prayed together, singing, "My Fathers the Monks of the Desert." We said that we wish to live a life of prayer as they do. Prayer is at the center of monasticism. When we think of the monastic life, it is correct to imagine monks praying all day long. Even when they are not standing in church praying, they stand in their caves or their rooms, praying. They pray as they carry on their duties in the kitchen or on the monastery grounds. This is the life of prayer. This is where the stories of Saint Shenouda and Saint Sarah can be referenced. Saint Shenouda and Saint Sarah show us what it means to lead a life of prayer.
Their Stories:
St. Shenouda was born to Christian, godly parents. When he was nine, his father asked him to tend his sheep with the other shepherds. On the way back from the fields, he departed from the other shepherds so that he may pray. While praying, his fingers lit up like candles and a sweet aroma of incense surrounded him. One of the other shepherds witnessed this event and told the saint's father. His parents then took him to the monastery and he was received by his uncle, Anba Pigol. When they arrived, the monk took the child's hand and placed it on his own head to receive the blessings. One night an angel of the Lord appeared to Anba Pigol and said, "Rise up and go to St. Shenouda, you will find beside him the monastic Eskeem which was blessed by the Lord Himself. Pray and put it on Him for this child will be a great father for a great multitude." Anba Pigol did as the angel said. After his departure, the monks agreed to choose St. Shenouda as the new abbot of the monastery and he agreed. He cared and paid great attention to the monastery, and its monks. The monks increased in number under his care. He encouraged the monks to live a solitary life. Once he even spent five years secluded in prayer. The saint also served the people who surrounded and visited the monastery. He built churches for them and defended them before rulers. He reached a high degree of spirituality and engaged in conversation with Christ, frequently. He finished his good fight after an angelic spiritual life, and departed and went into everlasting comfort.
St. Sarah was born to wealthy Christian parents. They raised her with a Christian upbringing, taught her to read the bible, and shared with her the stories of monks. She was heavily influenced by these stories and desired the monastic life. The saint then went to a convent and dwelt there for many years until she put on the monastic garb. St. Sarah lived in a cave for years, fighting the good fight while being diligent in her prayers. She departed in peace to the eternal bliss when she was eighty-years old.
DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes
How do these two saints show us a life of prayer?
- Saint Shenouda prayed with his whole heart. In the story, there's mention of his fingers lighting up as candles and a sweet aroma of incense surrounding him as he prayed as a little boy. Years later, we find that he constantly encouraged the monks of the monastery to live a solitary life filled with prayer. He was an example to them as he also spent five years secluded in prayer. His prayer life brought him so close to Christ. The saint was even engaging in conversation with Christ. The Lord was appearing to him and they were talking like any one of us would talk to our friends.
- Saint Sarah was attracted to the monastic life. She fell in love with it through the stories she heard. This all resulted in her own choice to put on the monastic garb and live a life of prayer and solitude. She isolated herself and lived in a cave for years, praying without ceasing.
Other discussion topics:
Do we have to become monks/nuns in order to live a life of prayer?
- How can my life be filled with prayer while being in the world rather than in solitude?
LIFE APPLICATION - 5 Minutes
Though we do not live the lives that monks choose to, we can still take on a life of prayer. We have seen what that looks like in the lives of St. Shenouda and St. Sarah. Let us discuss what a life of prayer can be for us.
- We can set up times in the day for prayer.
- Morning Prayers, Night Prayers, & Prayers before we eat
- We can choose little prayers to say throughout the day.
- These can be our favorite bible verses or other short prayers from the psalms/Agpeya
ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes
Two Activities:
The Five Finger Prayer: Whenever children have a moment or moments of silence throughout the day, they can look at their hands and use them as a guide for prayer. This simple method can provide children with a guide to prayer. Have kids brainstorm ideas for each category/finger and discuss.
The Jesus Prayer: "My Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy upon me a sinner." - It can be prayed at any moment. Some monks repeat it all day long.
Materials: Paper (8.5x11), Markers/Crayons/Colored Pencils
- Talk about the Jesus Prayer.
- Hand out pieces of paper/coloring materials
- Have the kids write the prayer down and be creative (it can be put on their bedroom walls/school binders/etc)
SERVANT RESOURCES
PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK
Parents should continually remind their children to engage in prayer (whether that be the five-finger prayer or repeating the Jesus prayer). Parents should also be reminding their children to pray before eating, before starting their homework, or before getting on the road.