Hymns and Prayers
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this lesson is to introduce the kindergartners to hymns and prayers of the Coptic Orthodox Church.
INTRODUCTION - 10 Minutes
Sing "Shere ne Maria" from the Divine Liturgy, before the reading of Acts. Accommodate the childrens' experience and ability when introducing hymns.
HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes
Memory Verse - "Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; Sing to His name, for it is good." Psalm 134: 3
CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 15 Minutes
"In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:9-15
- This passage illustrates the importance of this prayer that we use so often. Because the Lord Himself taught this prayer to us it is very special and we love to pray it as much as possible. We pray the Lord's Prayer when we wake up, before we eat or work, before we sleep, and all church services.
Read and explain Psalm 118:97: "How I love Your law, O Lord; It is my meditation the whole day long."
- This verse emphasizes the importance of being in communication all day with the Lord. Through the Arrow Prayer, whether it is the traditional "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, a sinner" or quick prayers of thanks and praise to our Lord, we can pray to our Heavenly Father all day.
ACTIVITY - 10 Minutes
- Color and cut out "The Lord's Prayer" mini booklets. Once the children color and write their names in their book, cut around the dotted line on the outside. Fold in half vertically along the centerline, so you can still read the words. Cut along the dotted portion of line in the center. Fold each half along with solid lines, so you end up with a fan fold. Then fold in half and crease all your folds. Then unfold everything. Fold in half lengthwise so you can see a long strip of images on both sides. Hold each end of the booklet and push together so the title page and back page are in place.
The mini book is missing the line from the conclusion: "Through Christ Jesus our Lord..." Please have the kindergarteners add this into their mini books*.* Explain that Our Lord Jesus tells us that if we ask for something in His name, He will do it for us. John 14:14 and 16:23
RESOURCES
- His Holiness Pope Shenouda sermon on Thy will be Done
- Fr Shenouda Melaka sermon on The Lord's Prayer
PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK
Practice saying the Lord's Prayer with your children during your prayer routines. Let your child hear your Arrow Prayers to the Lord and encourage your child to thank the Lord all day through Arrow Prayers, as well.