Leader Guide

Teaching

Have the children sit on the floor in a circle, at least an arm’s length apart from each other. Ask one child preferably wearing pants or shorts to lie down in the middle.

We are going to review the Superbook story and create a web at the same time.

Hand the ball of yarn or string to one child, who must tell a favorite part of Roar! After speaking, he or she keeps hold of one end of the yarn and gently tosses the ball of yarn over the middle and above the child lying down to someone else across the circle. That child tells another portion of the story, keeps hold of some yarn, and tosses the ball of yarn over the middle to yet another child across the circle. The process of tossing the yarn and storytelling continues until everyone has had an opportunity to contribute, with the last toss of the yarn to the leader.

Look at the tangled web we have created. Our world is tangled like this web, and sometimes we get caught in the middle. Our SuperTruth is: “God will help me stand up for what is right.” Ask the children to pull tightly on their yarn as the child in the middle tries to stand up.

It’s hard to follow God’s ways when we are tangled up in the worldly web! Untangle everyone from the web as you ask: Can you tell me some examples of how the world wants to tie us down and keep us from doing what God wants us to do?

If they saw the full video last time, ask: Do you remember when Chris would not stand up to the bully in the skateboard park? What do you think held Chris back from doing anything at first? He was afraid of the bully; he didn’t want to attract attention to himself; he wanted the bully to like him; he didn’t want the bully to pick on him next.

What changed Chris’ mind? Seeing Daniel do the right thing.

Let’s say the SuperTruth together: “God will help me stand up for what is right.”

Daniel trusted God so much that he continued to pray, even after he heard about the king’s new law. Do you think he was scared?

Is it possible to be scared, yet still have courage to do the right thing? Yes.

Name some times when people might be afraid to pray today. In a restaurant, at work, at school, in front of friends.

Why? People want to be liked; they don’t want to be embarrassed or teased.

In some parts of the world today, it’s against the law to pray, read the Bible, or go to church. This is called persecution or being persecuted. Even though these Christians are in danger, many secretly get together to pray! Why do you think they would risk so much to go to a prayer meeting? They love God so much, they understand how wonderful it is to have their sins forgiven, they know that they will go to heaven someday, and they will get strength when they pray together.

We can always pray by ourselves, but listen to what Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:19–20:

“If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, My Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as My followers, I am there among them.”

If you were a persecuted Christian, what would this scripture mean to you? Read the passage again as the children think. As persecuted Christians meet to pray, study the Bible, and worship, Jesus will be with them and give them strength to face hard times.

We may not face terrible persecution, but sometimes we need courage to do the right thing—especially if everyone else is doing the wrong thing. How can we get courage? Pray, read the Bible.

It is very important to pray every day—like Daniel! This gives us spiritual “muscle” to do the right thing.

Part of our SuperVerse today says,

Trust Him, and He will help you.

God promises to help us face any situation. You may wonder ahead of time, could I be brave enough to do the right thing? But if you trust God, He will always help you do the right thing.

Discipleship Challenge/Practical Application

Last time, we made wristbands to remind us to pray not just at mealtimes or bedtime, but throughout the day. Did any of you remember to pray like that as you went about your day?

What happened when you prayed? Allow time for children to share testimonies.