The Parent Weekly for May 19th, God listens to our prayers (part 2)
Just for parents
The baby is crying. The phone is ringing. Dinner is on the stove. Homework is met with protests and groans. Getting through the everyday routines of family life can be stressful enough, let alone when added difficulties such as an illness or job loss comes your way. During the most challenging times, it’s easy to be surrounded by people and still feel overwhelmed and alone.
Fortunately, as believers, we know that we never have to face obstacles on our own, because God is with us. Throughout Scripture, we see time and again that God is a constant presence in the lives of His people. Through His gift of the Holy Spirit, we can be certain that He will remain with us wherever we go.
Sometimes one of the most comforting things you can do during a time of trial is to look back and reflect on how God has walked with you through difficult circumstances in the past.
This week as you prepare your children to remember and celebrate God’s presence in their lives, meditate on the times you’ve seen God’s active presence in your own life. Allow God to bless you as you remember His goodness and mercy, and celebrate His constant watch over you!
What we learned today
Big Idea: God listens to our prayers (part 2)
Acts 12v1–19. King Herod imprisoned Peter, putting him under heavy guard while he awaited his trial. Peter’s friends gathered to pray for him. God heard their prayers and sent an angel to free Peter from prison.
Where we’re headed next time
Big Idea: Remember & Celebrate
God is with Us
Did you know?
Several times a year, the Israelites gathered together for a festival to remember and celebrate God.
In Leviticus 23, the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘These are my appointed feasts … which you are to proclaim as sacred assemblies.’” These seven festivals are: Passover, Feast of Unleavened Bread, Festival of First Fruits, Feast of Harvest, Feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Tabernacles (or Booths). In addition, the Israelites would gather weekly to celebrate the Sabbath. These were times to remember what God had done for His people and to celebrate His goodness. They were times for the entire faith community to gather together without the burden of work to simply worship and celebrate. During the feasts, the Israelites ate, danced, sang, played instruments, prayed, and offered sacrifices to God.
The Feast of Passover was fulfilled by the death of the Messiah.
The Feast of Unleavened Bread was fulfilled by His sinless sacrifice.
The Festival of First Fruits was fulfilled by the resurrection of the Messiah.
The Feast of Harvest began with a great harvest of three thousand souls by the coming of the promised Holy Spirit, who continues to harvest souls today.
The Feast of Trumpets will announce Christ’s return.
The Day of Atonement will usher in His judgment of the nations. And finally…
The Feast of Tabernacles begins the journey to our new home in a new heaven and new earth.
Connect as a family
Your child may enjoy playing in forts or tents. Build a fort inside using blankets and pillows. Explain that God is with us both inside and outside the play structure. God is with us wherever we go!
Go for a walk with your child. As you walk, pay special attention to the way the wind moves the leaves in the trees. Even though we can’t see the wind, we know it’s there because we can see how it moves the trees. Remind your child that God is with us. Even though we can’t always see Him, we can see the effects of His presence in our lives.
Blessing
Blessings are often used in the Bible. A blessing can be a prayer of commission, a portion of Scripture, or words to encourage and guide.
Open a Bible and read Psalm 46v7a: “The Lord Almighty is with us.”
A blessing to pray over your child; (child’s name), may you know that God is with you, always and forever.
