Prayer

Look around the room and choose someone you don’t know very well to be your prayer partner today. If you have an odd number of children, allow three children to form a group.

Read Matthew 18:19–20: Jesus said,

“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.”

Have children discuss: Is it hard to pray in a restaurant or at school? What do you think you would have done if you were Daniel?

Give each pair of children a slip of paper with the name of a country where Christians are persecuted. Help them find the countries on the map or globe.

How many Bibles do you have in your house?

Many Christian families in these countries don’t even have one Bible in their house because it’s against the law to own one.

How many people saw you coming to church today?

What would it be like to have to sneak to a prayer meeting? Allow children time for discussion.

We played a noisy game earlier. Imagine what it would be like if you had to be very quiet when you gather with other Christians so no one can hear you singing or praying together!

Let’s take some time to pray for the Christians in these countries. Ask if anyone else would like to lead a short prayer while the partners pray silently.

Close in prayer: Father God, we are so glad that You are with us and that we can trust You, no matter what situation we may face. Help us to stand strong like Daniel. We pray for Christians who are being persecuted because they believe in You. Give them courage and strength. Please provide for all of their needs. Thank You that You hear us and that You always answer our prayers. In Jesus’ name, Amen.