Playdate With God
A devotional for children and families
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Part 8
Jesus Wants Us to Pray
The Memory Verse
Never stop praying. (1 Thess. 5:17 NLT)
The Song
Sing the memory verse to the tune of “Frère Jacques (Are You Sleeping?)”
Ne-/ver / sto-/op
Ne-/ver / sto-/op
Pra-/ay-/ing.
Pra-/ay-/ing.
Ne-/ev-/ver-/er / sto-/op
Ne-/ev-/ver-/er / sto-/op
Pra-/ay-/ing.
Pra-/ay-/ing.
Chapter 29
We Can Pray Anytime
The Game: Don’t Laugh Contest
The goal of this game is to not laugh. Choose one person who will be it. This person tries to make everyone laugh. Everyone else tries not to laugh. Allow each family member to be it.
The Message
It’s easy to laugh. When something is funny, it’s hard to hold a laugh inside you. God wants prayer to be just as easy for us as laughter is. We can pray with our families. We can pray before we eat. We can pray when we are alone in our rooms. We can pray on our knees. We can also pray while we are playing and having a good time. It’s easy. Just say, “Dear Jesus, this is great! I’m having fun. Thank you!” It’s that simple.
Additional Bible Reading
Colossians 4:2; Romans 12:12
Chapter 30
God Can Hear Our Prayers
The Game: Piggyback Rides
In this game, parents take turns giving piggyback rides. Give your child a ride throughout your home. Allow each child to have a turn.
The Message
Remember when we took our trip to ____________ (fill in the blank). We walked a lot that day. Everyone was tired. Each of you wanted a piggyback ride. But I only have one back! Do you know that when you pray God hears you and answers all of your prayers? Unlike mommy or daddy, God can help all of us at the same time. We don’t even have to stand in line.
Additional Bible Reading
Psalm 50:15; 91:15; Jeremiah 29:12
Chapter 31
Don’t Stop Praying
The Game: Sardines
In this game, choose only one person to hide. The rest of the group counts slowly together to ten. Then everyone searches for the hidden person. When someone finds this hidden person, she quietly hides with him. As other players find those who are hiding, they join them. The game continues until everyone finds the hiding spot.
The Message
The Bible says we shouldn’t give up when we pray. We should keep asking! This is the opposite of what your parents say, isn’t it? Have you ever been told, “Don’t ask for that again?” Jesus isn’t like our parents. He wants us to keep asking Him. As we ask Him and get to know Him, He teaches us more and more about Himself. He answers our prayers in a way that helps us to live the best life possible.
Additional Bible Reading
Jeremiah 29:13; Luke 11:5–10; 18:1–8
Chapter 32
Jesus Can Hear Us Anytime
The Game: Three Legged Walk
In this game, put your family members in pairs. Tie one person’s leg to the other person’s. Then have the pair walk through your home. Allow everyone to have a turn at being tied together.
The Message
Can you imagine anyone being closer to you than your family? What would it be like if you were tied to your parent, brother, or sister for the rest of your life? Do you think it would be nice to have them with you all the time? We have a friend who is closer than any brother, sister, or parent. It’s Jesus. We can talk to Him anytime. It’s even faster than a phone call or a text message.
Additional Bible Reading
Proverbs 18:24; Jeremiah 33:3; Hebrews 13:5
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
Are you a caring parent looking to help your child experience God in a relevant way? Are you interested in interacting more with you child during your family worship time? If your answer is yes, this devotional book is perfect for you and your family. Playdate with God was written to help your child learn about God through play. Each short devotional thought is paired with a game. You will enjoy the interactive nature of these devotions. You won’t need any extra materials like glue sticks and scissors. Reference scriptures support each devotional thought, allowing for additional study. Moreover, each topic has a scripture memory verse that can be sung to a tune that you already know to increase your child’s retention of scripture. While using this book you will:
Create lifelong memories with your child while learning about God.
Learn about God’s endless love in a fun and interactive way.
Motivate your family to want to spend more time together.
Enjoy worship in a whole new way. Play!
About the Author
Dr. Kelly D. Holder is a clinical psychologist who has a passion for helping people learn how to live their best lives. Kelly has written devotionals, which have been published in Help! I’m a Parent: Christian Parenting in the Real World (Review and Herald Publishing, 2014). She serves her church as a children’s ministry leader. Kelly’s most prized task is her job as a mother of three lively young children. Kelly and her husband, Sheldon, live with their children in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.