Pentecost Sunday School Lesson (cont.)
The Holy Spirit Carries Our Burden
Say: We all feel sad or lonely or mad. Sometimes we’re so afraid or worried about something, we don’t even know how to pray about it. That’s why God gave us the Holy Spirit. The Bible says the Holy Spirit prays for us. He’s an intercessor, or someone who prays our prayers for us. Let’s look at a Bible verse to better understand what intercessor means.
Let’s read Romans 8:26. Help students find the verse in their Bibles. Then invite a willing child to read it aloud.
Say: The Holy Spirit help us. The Holy Spirit has all the right words when we don’t have any. Start putting the items back in the backpack. We try to carry everything on our own, but God gave us the gift of the Holy Spirit so we don’t have to. When the backpack is full, give each child a chance to try to lift it. Then have an adult come forward, put on the backpack, and stay near the group.
Say: This is what the Holy Spirit does for you. The Holy Spirit takes the troubles you have and lets God know about them. Then he says, “Here, let me help you with that” and walks right by our side, carrying the weight.
Have children form groups of three or four and discuss the following questions.
Ask:
- Talk about a time you really needed help—but didn’t get any.
- Talk about a time you really needed help—and someone helped you.
- Why might God want us to rely on the Holy Spirit and let him carry our troubles?
Miscommuni-can
This activity takes about 10 minutes.
You’ll need:
- 2 empty, clean cans
- 2 empty, clean cans with a hole in the center bottom
- a 15-foot length of string
Prep: Drill or punch a hole in the center bottom of two of the cans. Run the length of string between them. Tie a thick knot on both ends so the string won’t pull free from the cans. Sand away any rough, sharp edges.
Say: Let’s dig more into what an intercessor, like the Holy Spirit, does.
Have kids form a line against one wall, with the child in front holding an empty can (not connected by string). You’ll stand on the opposite end of the room with the other empty can.
Next instruct the child in front to take three steps away from the line and then put the can to his or her ear to listen to what you’ll say. When the child is ready, quietly say, “The Holy Spirit intercedes for us.” Then have the child pass the can. Repeat until each child has a turn to “listen.”
Ask:
- Okay, what did I say? Kids probably won’t be able to answer. Tell the group what you said.
- Why couldn’t you hear my message?
- How do you think God is able to hear you when you talk to him?
