Lesson: Acts 13:3 (Ages 9-11)

📖 Acts 13:3 – Ages 9-11

Explanation

In Acts 13:3, it talks about how some people in the Bible fasted, prayed, and laid hands on others before sending them off. Let me break it down for you in a way that's easy to understand.

Imagine you have a big test coming up, and you really want to do well. Fasting is like when you give up something important to you, like sweets or TV, to show God that you are serious about your prayers. It's like saying, "God, I really need your help with this test, and I'm willing to give up something I love to show you how much I trust you."

Praying is when you talk to God, just like you would talk to a friend. You can tell Him your hopes, fears, and dreams. When we pray, we are asking God for His guidance and help.

Laying hands on someone is a way to show that you care for them and that you believe God is with them. It's like giving them a big hug filled with love and support. When the people in Acts laid hands on others, they were asking God to protect and guide them on their journey.

Sending someone off means to say goodbye and wish them well on their journey. It's like when your friend moves away, and you give them a big hug and tell them you'll miss them but that you believe great things are waiting for them.

So, in Acts 13:3, the people were showing their trust in God by fasting, praying, and laying hands on others before sending them off on an important mission. It reminds us that when we trust in God and seek His guidance, He will always be with us on our journey, just like He was with those people in the Bible.

Kid's Story

Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a young squirrel named Sammy who loved to explore new places. One day, the older squirrels decided it was time for Sammy to go on his own adventure. Before he left, they gathered around him, fasted from acorns, prayed for his safety, and laid their paws on his back to bless him.

As Sammy scampered off into the unknown forest, he remembered the special moment with his squirrel family. Whenever he felt scared or lonely, he closed his eyes, said a little prayer, and felt their love surrounding him.

Just like Sammy, when we face new challenges or adventures, we can remember the power of prayer, the support of our loved ones, and the strength we receive when others pray for us.

Prayer Prompt

Dear God, thank you for teaching us the power of prayer and fasting, like the disciples did in Acts 13:3. Help us to remember to seek you in prayer and trust in your guidance as we go about our days. Amen.

Discussion Questions

1. Why do you think the people in Acts 13:3 fasted and prayed before sending others off on a special mission?
2. How do you think laying hands on someone shows support and encouragement?
3. Have you ever prayed for someone before they went on a journey or a special task? How did it make you feel?
4. What do you think it means to be sent out on a mission in the name of Jesus?
5. How can we show support for others who are going out to share the good news of Jesus, even if we can't physically lay hands on them?

Life Application

In Acts 13:3, we see that the early Christians fasted, prayed, and laid hands on others before sending them out for a special mission. Children can apply this message in their lives by first seeking God in prayer before embarking on important tasks or decisions. They can fast from things like snacks or screen time to focus more on praying and hearing from God. Additionally, children can lay hands on their friends or family members to pray for them and show love and support. This verse teaches children the importance of seeking God's guidance and support in all they do, and how prayer and fasting can be powerful tools in their daily lives.

Craft or Activity

One fun activity you can do with the children to help them understand and remember the message of Acts 13:3 is to have them create their own "Sending Out" ceremony.

First, explain the context of Acts 13:3 to the children. Tell them that in the Bible, the believers fasted, prayed, and laid hands on Paul and Barnabas before sending them out on a special mission. Emphasize the importance of prayer and support from the community when sending someone out to do God’s work.

Next, have the children choose a friend or family member to “send out” on a mini-mission. This could be something simple like volunteering at a local charity or helping a neighbor in need.

Then, guide the children through a “Sending Out” ceremony where they fast (abstain from a favorite snack for a short time), pray for the person, and lay hands on them (place their hands on the person’s shoulders) to bless and support them in their mission.

Encourage the children to think about how they can continue to support and pray for the person they sent out even after the ceremony is over. This hands-on activity will help them understand the importance of prayer, support, and sending others out to do God’s work.

Memory Verse or Rhyme

When God's work they had to start,
They fasted, prayed with all their heart.
Laid hands on them, sent them off,
To spread His love, their hearts did soften.

Songs or Videos

There are many great Christian songs for kids that relate to Acts 13:3. One popular song is "Go" by Hillsong Kids, which encourages children to go and spread the love of Jesus to others. Another song is "Send Me Out" by Steve Fee, which also inspires kids to go and share God's love with others. Both of these songs tie in well with the message of Acts 13:3, where the believers fasted, prayed, and sent off missionaries to share the gospel.

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