Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.
From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, open our ears to hear your Word, and our minds to understand it. Be with us now, and always. In the name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen.
Listen: Pay close attention as these verses from the Bible are read aloud.
[Paul and several other prisoners were sailing on a ship with some sailors when a storm hit]. The storm was so fierce that the next day they threw some of the ship’s cargo overboard. Then on the third day, with their bare hands they threw overboard some of the ship’s gear. For several days we could not see either the sun or the stars. A strong wind kept blowing, and we finally gave up all hope of being saved. (CEV)
Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.
Child: Why do you think the sailors threw their cargo off the ship during the storm? Does that decision make sense to you? Why or why not?
Child: Why would it be important for sailors to be able to see the sun or the stars in Paul’s day? How would modern sailors handle that problem?
Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.
Heavenly Father, sometimes things seem dark all around us, and it is hard to imagine how we’ll find our way forward. But you are our guide, leading us every step of the way. Help us to remember that in hard times. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.
May you trust God when you’re scared. Amen.