Pray, Praise & Give Thanks: Jesus Teaches Us to Pray
Bulletin Notes
The following summaries are intended to provide a Sunday School link to parents and the congregation. These paragraphs can be copied from the Director CD using a word-processing program.
Ideas for using these summaries:
•	Print them in your congregation’s weekly bulletin or newsletter.
•	Email them as a weekly encouragement for student and parent Sunday School participation.
•	Email them as a review follow-up to Sunday School each week.
•	Email them as a way to stay in touch with students or families who are absent.
Lesson 1
“Daniel in the Lions’ Den” is today’s Sunday School lesson. Daniel called upon the one true God, who heard Daniel’s prayer and protected him in the lions’ den. God hears our prayers and protects us from sin, death, and the devil. Discuss with your children, “When are you tempted to not trust God?” “How does God answer our prayers today?”
Lesson 2
In today’s Sunday School lesson, “Jesus Heals the Centurion’s Servant,” we hear how the centurion prayed for his servant to be healed. God invites us to pray for our needs and the needs of others. Ask your children, “Whom could we pray for as a family?” “How does God heal illnesses today?”
Lesson 3
In today’s Sunday School lesson, “Peter and John Heal a Lame Man,” the lame man praised and thanked God. We pray, praise, and give thanks to God for who He is and what He has done for us through His Son, Jesus. Ask your children, “What can we praise and thank God for today?”  
Lesson 4
Today, the Sunday School classes learned about “Jesus Teaches His Disciples to Pray.” Jesus taught His disciples and followers the Lord’s Prayer to show them how to pray. God invites us to talk to Him using this same prayer today. As a family, discuss, “What is the first prayer you learned?” “When could we pray together as a family?”
Lesson 5
Today’s Sunday School lesson is “The Baptism of Jesus.” At Jesus’ Baptism, God the Father said Jesus was His beloved Son. God, our Father in heaven, who has made us His children through water and the Word, invites us to come to Him without fear and to ask for anything. Discuss with your children, “How can we celebrate our Baptism every day?” Share favorite memories of each child’s Baptism.
Lesson 6
In today’s Sunday School lesson, “Zacchaeus,” we see Zacchaeus joyfully respond to His Savior’s invitation, showing the Word of God at work in him. We keep God’s name holy and glorify God as we live according to His Word, letting His light shine through us. As a family, discuss, “How can we respond to Jesus’ invitation to spend time in His Word?” “How can we let the light of God shine through our lives?”
Lesson 7
The Sunday School lesson this week is “Paul and Silas in Prison.” Through the witness of Paul and Silas to the Philippian jailer and his family, the kingdom of God grew. We ask that God help us live according to His Word and use us to extend His kingdom of grace. As a family, you could discuss, “How can we share our faith with someone who has not heard the message of Jesus?” “Whom could you be praying for today?”
Lesson 8
“Job” is our Sunday School lesson today. Despite all the troubles the devil threw at Job, God was faithful and did not allow the devil to destroy Job’s faith. Amidst the troubles we experience in our lives, God strengthens us through His Word and keeps us in faith to life everlasting. As a family, consider discussing, “What troubles are you facing in life?” “Why is it sometimes difficult to trust in God when we are having problems?”
Lesson 9
In today’s Sunday School lesson, “God Provides Manna and Quail,” God provided for the children of Israel. We can trust God to provide all that we need. Ask your children, “How does God provide for our physical needs today?” “Whom does God use to provide for our needs?”
Lesson 10
Today’s Sunday School lesson is “Joseph Forgives His Brothers.” Despite their sins against him, Joseph forgave his brothers. Despite our sins, God forgives us for Jesus’ sake and helps us forgive others. Consider asking, “To whom do you need to offer forgiveness?” “Why is it difficult to forgive those we know well?”
Lesson 11
Today’s Bible story is “The Temptation of Jesus.” Jesus resisted the temptations of the devil and kept God’s Law for us because we cannot. Jesus strengthens us through His Word to resist temptation and assures us that He has won the victory over sin, death, and the devil for us. Talk about, “How does the Holy Spirit help you resist temptation?” 
Lesson 12
In Sunday School today, the children learned about “Three Men in a Fiery Furnace.” God rescued the three faithful young men from the fiery furnace. God rescues us from harm and helps us endure the troubles that He allows to come into our lives. Discuss, “What troubles have you faced in the past week?” “Whom does God send to help us when we have troubles?”  
Lesson 13
The Sunday School lesson for this week focuses on the story of “The Saints in Heaven.” The saints in heaven praise God for His power and glory and wisdom. God, who is all powerful, loving, and wise, will answer our prayers, as He has promised. Parents could discuss, “Where do we sing praises to God like the saints in heaven?” “How are the words of our songs of praise similar to theirs?”