Preparation

Before the lesson photocopy one resource sheet for each pair of children.
Photocopy one worksheet for each child, although some children may not need one.
Make a tape recording for those children who experience difficulty reading.
Read Jesus' teaching on prayer - Luke 11:5-8 / 18:1-8
Read Psalm 34:1-11

Lesson

Ask children if there is anyone in the world whom they wish they could be more like. Who is it and why do they wish to be like that person?

Ask children if there is anyone whom their parents or teachers say they (the children) should be more like, e.g. siblings, class mates, themselves? And yet, are any of the people mentioned, perfect human beings?

Christians believe that Jesus is perfect and they should follow his example in everything they do. To find out how to pray, they look at how he prayed.

Distribute resource sheets and worksheets. Discuss correct responses.

Jesus not only taught his followers how to pray by praying himself, he also gave them advice.

Through role play recreate the parables of The Friend at Midnight (Luke 11:5-8) and The Persistent Widow (Luke 18:1-8).

(The latter could be translated into a parent / child relationship, where the child legitimately wants something, e.g. to go on a promised family outing)

You could also explore the theme of the parable of the Tax Collector and the Pharisee.

You could set it in the context of two job interviews. Children could play both parts or you could play either prospective employer or employee.

In the first interview, the employee greatly exaggerates his personal qualities. Whereas in the second, he is totally honest.

Which person would get the job? Do Christians believe they can lie to God?

What do the children think Jesus is trying to say through these parables?

Conclusion

Conclude lesson with a reading of Psalm 34:1-11