Prayer (5 Minutes)
- Have each family member complete this sentence in prayer: "Dear God, thank you for choosing me to be part of your family. I want to serve you by _______." This helps children understand that just as Jesus chose His disciples, He chooses us to serve Him too.
Song (5 Minutes)
Catechism (5 minutes)
Have everyone read aloud simultaneously or allow everyone to try to answer before revealing the answer.
Q38: What is prayer?
A: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God. (Psalm 62:8)
A: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God. (Psalm 62:8)
Questions from: https://newcitycatechism.com/. Go there to start from beginning or to read more.
Scripture (5 Minutes)
Mark 3:13–19 (NLT)
Afterward Jesus went up on a mountain and called out the ones he wanted to go with him. And they came to him. Then he appointed twelve of them and called them his apostles. They were to accompany him, and he would send them out to preach, giving them authority to cast out demons. These are the twelve he chose:
Simon (whom he named Peter),
James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”),
Andrew,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
Simon (the zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Simon (whom he named Peter),
James and John (the sons of Zebedee, but Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder”),
Andrew,
Philip,
Bartholomew,
Matthew,
Thomas,
James (son of Alphaeus),
Thaddaeus,
Simon (the zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who later betrayed him).
Portrayal of 12 Apostles
Discussion (5-10 Minutes)
You can lead through a teaching or use the following questions to start a discussion:
- How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus called them by name?
- What does it mean that Jesus "appointed" these men?
- Why do you think Jesus chose ordinary people like fishermen to be His disciples?
- How can we be like the disciples in following Jesus today?
Lent Challenge (5 minutes)
What is Lent?
Lent is a 40-day period before Easter when Christians prepare their hearts for celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, we use these 40 days to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and focusing on Jesus.
FAMILY ACTION STEP
Each week, discuss as a family what you could either GIVE UP or TAKE UP during Lent to grow closer to God. Work through the following as a family.
GIVE UP:
TAKE UP:
Lent is a 40-day period before Easter when Christians prepare their hearts for celebrating Jesus' death and resurrection. Just as Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness, we use these 40 days to draw closer to God through prayer, fasting, and focusing on Jesus.
FAMILY ACTION STEP
Each week, discuss as a family what you could either GIVE UP or TAKE UP during Lent to grow closer to God. Work through the following as a family.
GIVE UP:
- What takes up a lot of our time or attention?
- What might we pause or set aside to create more space for God?
- How could we use that extra time or attention to focus on Jesus?
TAKE UP:
- What new habit could help us grow closer to God?
- What act of service could we add to our daily routine?
- How could we be more intentional about our faith this week?
Closing Prayer (3 Minutes)
"Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for choosing ordinary people like us to do Your work. Just as You called the disciples to follow You, help us to hear Your voice and follow You faithfully. Give us courage to serve You wherever You send us, and help us to tell others about Jesus. In Jesus's name, Amen."