A prayer object lesson teaches children the importance of talking to God. By praying, we grow closer to our friend Jesus. He is always listening! And nothing is too small or big to bring to Jesus in prayer.
Enjoy using this simple but powerful prayer object lesson. It will work in your children’s ministry classrooms, at children’s church, and in small groups.
Prayer Object Lesson for Children
Supplies Needed
- 2 pieces of bread
- Sandwich ingredients (peanut butter, jelly, lunch meat, cheese, mustard, mayonnaise)
- Plate
- Plastic knives or spoons
Object Lesson
Explain to children that you’re going to make a sandwich. First you put a piece of bread on the plate. Then you add ingredients.
The crazier you can make the sandwich, the better. For example, add peanut butter, ham, and mustard. Most kids will express dislike for your combination. Finally, add the top piece of bread. If you’re brave, take a bite of your sandwich!
Tell the children if they were to make a sandwich, they would all start and end with a piece of bread, but the stuff in the middle would be different. Praying is just like a sandwich. We all start prayer in similar ways, like “Dear God.” And we usually end prayers the same way: “In Jesus’ name, Amen.” But we can put anything in the middle because we can talk to God about anything!
Finally, let children practice praying using the sandwich model. I love to watch kids realize they can pray simply by saying “Dear God,” (something in the middle), “In Jesus’ name, Amen!”
Pro Tip: For a snack option, you can hand out finger sandwiches. Or let children make cheese and cracker sandwiches. (Use caution with any food allergies.)
*Object lesson from “Spiritual Formation Prayer Curriculum” by Daryl Dale
This prayer object lesson originally appeared here.
