Leader Guide

Match Game

Six Match Card Pages
Optional: marker
Scissors
Masking tape or painters tape
Six sheets of cardstock
Bible or the Superbook Bible App

Make one copy of each of the six Match Card Pages, double-sided if possible.

Cut apart the 24 individual cards.

If using single-sided copies: write a different number from 1–24 on the back of each card in random order. The numbers should be upside-down to the words on reverse so when the card is flipped up along its top edge, the word will be right-side-up.

Tape the top edge of each card on the wall; numbered sides showing, four rows of six cards.

All Kinds: Play a game to learn more about prayer that pleases God.

In the SuperVerse, Jesus told us to pray for God to send workers into His harvest. We can pray in confidence knowing that this is God’s will because of Jesus’ specific instructions. In addition to the Lord’s Prayer, the Bible gives us other instructions on prayers that are pleasing to God. In this game, you will match different ways that we can pray in harmony with God’s will.

Divide the children into two teams; they do not need to be even. Have teams sit together so everyone can see the cards on display. A different player gets two guesses on each team’s turn. The player will choose a card number, and the leader will flip that card up along its taped edge to reveal the different ways that we can pray in harmony with God’s will. The same player will then select a second card number to try to match the first card. If the two cards match, the leader carefully peels the cards from the board and gives them to the team. If time permits, read the associated verse and discuss the practical application. If the cards don’t match, they are flipped back down again. Whether the cards match or not, play continues with the other team taking a turn. Play until all pairs are removed from the board. The team with the most pairs wins.

Optional Scripture Discussion:

For each match, read the verse on the list. Briefly discuss the verse and the practical application to prayer.

Humble Prayer

Luke 18:13:

“But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’”

Private Prayer

Matthew 6:6:

“But when you pray, go away by yourself, shut the door behind you, and pray to your Father in private. Then your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.”

Lifted Hands Prayer

1 Timothy 2:8:

In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.

Believing Prayer

Mark 11:24:

“I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

Enemies Prayer

Matthew 5:44:

“But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Continuous Prayers

Romans 12:12

Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Thankful Prayers

Colossians 4:2:

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Earnest Prayer

James 5:16b:

The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.

Spirit Prayer

Ephesians 6:18a:

Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion.

Persistent Prayer

Ephesians 6:18b:

Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.