We talk an awfully lot in church – and we’ve learned quite a few lessons – about listening for the voice of the Lord. Here is an activity to help teach your youth Sunday school lessons on hearing God’s word. (Teacher words in bold.)
How many of you feel you have ever heard it?
Let children describe times they think that perhaps God spoke to them.
Let’s talk a little about the Voice of the Lord and what it is we’re listening for:
– It’s most often a voice that goes off noticeably “in your heart.” In other words, you don’t hear it aloud, but yet, it is clear.
– It often comes when we have prayed and asked to hear it. However, we may not hear it right away. We may have to listen hard and sit quietly for a while.
– It is a comforting voice. One way to tell if it’s your imagination is if the voice sounds scary,it’s probably your imagination.
If kids want to get into a discussion on the difference between the imagination and the voice of God,encourage it. Kids are often closer to believing they will hear the voice of the Lord than we adults are, and they may be able to distinguish for each other. Help out where necessary. Some things you can stress:
If you ask God for something, like a win in your next game, He sometimes does not give you what you want. Sometimes we should be praying according to His will: For example, you should be praying for extra attention so you can play your best.
Some people hear the voice of God more clearly than others. That has nothing to do with how much He loves us – He loves us all the same. Perhaps it has to do with our level of faith – our willingness to believe He will speak.
Tell students you are going to bow your heads and pray about a personal matter, something they would like to receive extra wisdom about. To discourage laughter once the prayer starts, you might try to take them down to the chapel if it is available and thereby make it seem more special and serious.
Some examples would be:
What can I do to get along better with my sister or brother?
What special thing can I do to help my mom?
What can I do to get better grades in school?
How can I find a certain class more fun?
Can I do something to help out in my community?
Tell students to pick one question,something they’re curious about. Make sure everyone has one. Have everyone bow heads.
Tell everyone to pose their question to God. Sit for five minutes in silence. Every minute or so say softly,
If your mind drifts off, that’s okay”¦just bring it back around”¦focus on the Voice of God.
After you say, “Amen,” ask the children to share what they may have heard. Help them decipher anything that confused them. Tell them to repeat that exercise at home, often.
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