We bow before God
Children's sermon
Object:
a pot with a fresh plant stuck in it
Good morning! I brought this plant with me this morning to
show you why we do some of the things we do. Have you ever
wondered why we have Bible readings and a sermon and Sunday
school? We do that so that each of us can grow in our faith, our
belief in God, and our love. In our attendance and learning, we
become stronger in our beliefs.
If we did not keep on growing in our faith and love, we would be like this poor plant here. This plant looks good right now, doesn't it? (Let them answer.) But let me show you something. (At this time, lift the plant from the pot, showing that it has no roots, but is simply stuck into the potting soil.) This plant will soon die because it has no roots.
When a plant has good roots, it does well. When it has no roots or a poor root system, it doesn't do as well. Plants need roots to grow and live.
When Paul wrote to the congregation at Ephesus, he said that he prayed that their roots would be strong -- that they "are being rooted and grounded in love."
Our love for God and others is what happens to those of us who are Christians. Worship and Sunday school, as well as our families, help keep us well rooted and grounded in God's love. That's one reason I'm so glad you are here this morning. My prayer for you is that you also grow in God's love.
Dear God: Help each of us grow in love for you and for one another. Amen.
Alternate object lesson: This passage is not only a prayer for the Ephesians, it is also a passage of glory and honor to God, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father..." (v. 14). The bended knee is an expression of honor and glory to God. So are folded hands, bowed head, standing, and so forth. Show how God deserves our respect. If your church has kneelers, this would be a great time to explain to your children their purpose.
If we did not keep on growing in our faith and love, we would be like this poor plant here. This plant looks good right now, doesn't it? (Let them answer.) But let me show you something. (At this time, lift the plant from the pot, showing that it has no roots, but is simply stuck into the potting soil.) This plant will soon die because it has no roots.
When a plant has good roots, it does well. When it has no roots or a poor root system, it doesn't do as well. Plants need roots to grow and live.
When Paul wrote to the congregation at Ephesus, he said that he prayed that their roots would be strong -- that they "are being rooted and grounded in love."
Our love for God and others is what happens to those of us who are Christians. Worship and Sunday school, as well as our families, help keep us well rooted and grounded in God's love. That's one reason I'm so glad you are here this morning. My prayer for you is that you also grow in God's love.
Dear God: Help each of us grow in love for you and for one another. Amen.
Alternate object lesson: This passage is not only a prayer for the Ephesians, it is also a passage of glory and honor to God, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father..." (v. 14). The bended knee is an expression of honor and glory to God. So are folded hands, bowed head, standing, and so forth. Show how God deserves our respect. If your church has kneelers, this would be a great time to explain to your children their purpose.
