Leader Guide

Bible Activity

Tags:
  • Lord’s Prayer Page
  • Bible or the Superbook Bible App 
  • Whiteboard and marker; or chalkboard and chalk
  • Eraser

Make a copy of the Lord’s Prayer Page for each child plus extras.

On the top of the board write:

What did Jesus pray for?    

How can we connect it to the Lord’s Prayer?

Our Perfect Model: Look up verses to discuss prayers of Jesus.

Jesus didn’t just teach the disciples how to pray; He prayed! While in the world, Jesus prayed in public. He also often withdrew from the crowds to spend time alone with God. Sometimes His disciples looked for Him and found Him in prayer with His Father. The verses we will look up and discuss are some examples of just a few of the times that Jesus prayed. Not all the examples will have an obvious answer to both questions. In those cases, we will need to think a little deeper and share our thoughts.

Give Bibles to children who do not have one.

Note: The suggested answers are from the New Living Translation. If children are using different translations, their answers will vary. Encourage deeper thought and consider all answers without saying they are right and wrong. There will often be more than one answer and more than are listed here!  

I will say a verse reference and write it on the board for you to look up. Then, we will read the verse(s) aloud and find the answers to the questions on the board, together.    

Be ready to assist children who are not familiar with using the Bible, or pair them with experienced users.  

Luke 23:33–34: 

33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on His right and one on His left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice.”

Jesus prayed this on the cross.

1. What did Jesus pray for? For those who persecuted and crucified Him. His enemies.

2. How can we connect it to the Lord’s Prayer? Forgiving those who have sinned against us.

Matthew 26:26–27:

26 As they were eating, Jesus took some bread and blessed it. Then He broke it in pieces and gave it to the disciples, saying, “Take this and eat it, for this is My body.” 27 And He took a cup of wine and gave thanks to God for it. He gave it to them and said, “Each of you drink from it.” 

1. What did Jesus pray for? He was thanking God and blessing the meal. 

2. How can we connect it to the Lord’s Prayer? Give us this day our daily bread. Your will be done—Jesus’ submission to God’s will.  

Matthew 26:36–39:

36 Then Jesus went with them to the olive grove called Gethsemane, and He said, “Sit here while I go over there to pray.” 37 He took Peter and Zebedee’s two sons, James and John, and He became anguished and distressed. 38 He told them, “My soul is crushed with grief to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” 39 He went on a little farther and bowed with His face to the ground, praying, “My Father! If it is possible, let this cup of suffering be taken away from Me. Yet I want Your will to be done, not Mine.”

Jesus prayed this in the Garden of Gethsemane, shortly before He was arrested and crucified.

1. What did Jesus pray for? God’s will; that if possible, the suffering He would face on the cross could be taken away.

2. How can we connect it to the Lord’s Prayer? Your will be done.  

Luke 22:31–32:

31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. 32 But I have pleaded in prayer for you, Simon, that your faith should not fail. So when you have repented and turned to Me again, strengthen your brothers.” 

1. What did Jesus pray for? Simon Peter, his faith wouldn’t fail from Satan’s attack or trial.

2. How can we connect it to the Lord’s Prayer? And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

John 17:15–21:   

15 “I’m not asking You to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. 16 They do not belong to this world any more than I do. 17 Make them holy by Your truth; teach them Your word, which is truth. 18 Just as You sent Me into the world, I am sending them into the world. 19 And I give Myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by Your truth. 20 I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in Me through their message. 21 I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one—as You are in Me, Father, and I am in You. And may they be in Us so that the world will believe You sent Me.”

1. What did Jesus pray for? Safety, protection from Satan, the evil one. Make believers holy and learn the truth, unity among believers, and for people to be added to the kingdom. 

2. How can we connect it to the Lord’s Prayer? And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Verse 13). Your kingdom come. Your will be done (Verse 10).

Conclusion: Jesus taught His disciples how to pray through the prayers that He Himself prayed. Let us not only learn about prayer but also be known as God’s children who pray!    

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