Free Children's Sermons

Lent and Prayer

February 26, 2012

Mark 1:9–15

Props: A 5 3/8" by 4 1/4" piece of heavy paper (a regular size sheet cut into quarters) with the following on it: The words “First Week in Lent” across the top; a picture of praying hands or a person praying; the word “Prayer” written across the bottom. Make one for each child.

Our Bible story today tells us that after Jesus was baptized, God’s Spirit sent him into the wilderness for 40 days. The wilderness is a very dry place where things do not grow very well. It is not a comfortable place to be. While he was there Jesus did not eat. He was also visited by the devil who tried to tempt Jesus, to get him to do some things he shouldn’t do. Jesus must have spent a lot of time praying to God for the strength and wisdom not to listen to the devil.

Today is the first Sunday in Lent. As I tell you about Lent, listen very carefully because I am going to ask you questions as we go along. Lent starts 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays. It lasts 40 days because that’s how long Jesus spent in the wilderness. This is the first Sunday of what season? (Lent) Why does it last 40 days? (Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness.)

The wilderness was an uncomfortable place to be. To remind us that Jesus was in such a place, during Lent we sometimes do things that are not easy, things that take some extra effort.

During Lent we try to spend time thinking about ways we can become better people and try especially hard not to be tempted to do things we should not do. This reminds us that Jesus was tempted by the devil while he was in the wilderness. What does it mean to be tempted?(To want to do things we shouldn’t do)

Jesus used prayer to help him be strong and not be tempted to do the things the devil wanted him to do. We also try to spend more time praying during Lent than we usually do. (If you have special midweek Lenten services or other Lenten activities, this would be a good time to mention them.) What can we do to help us not be tempted to do things we should not do?(Pray)

(Hand out the prepared slips of paper.)I want you to take these slips of paper home with you today. (Read what it says on the slip.) Put your slip where it will remind you to spend extra time praying this week. Let’s especially pray when we are tempted to do what we shouldn’t. Be sure to do the activities in today’s Children’s Worship Bulletin. It will help you learn more about Jesus’ experience in the wilderness and about Lent.

Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, we know you were with Jesus in the wilderness. Be with us too this week as we pray for strength. Amen.