Prayer

Optional: Read Mark 2:1-12 about how Jesus healed the man who was paralyzed; or, if time permits, have the children take turns reading one verse each. Be prepared to assist any children with special needs.

What would it be like if you were paralyzed—you couldn’t walk—and you didn’t have a wheelchair or a car?

Why do you think the man’s friends carried him to Jesus? They loved him, they wanted to help him, and they believed Jesus could cure him, they heard that Jesus performed miracles.

How might the paralyzed man’s story have been different if he didn’t have caring friends who were willing to help him? He wouldn’t know Jesus, have his sins forgiven, or been healed.

Your friends may be able to walk, but do they have other needs?

I’m sure that all of us have friends who need to know Jesus.

Let’s pray: Dear Lord, right now we are taking some time to pray for our friends who need to know You. Allow a few moments for children to pray silently. Please remind us to pray for them throughout the week, and show us how to talk to them about You or how to invite them to church. In Your name we pray, Amen.