Main Scripture - Matthew 5:1-11, The Beatitudes

Pray for those who are sad, that God will comfort them. No one likes it when they don’t feel happy, but Jesus said that the sad are blessed because they will be comforted by God.

Here are some great discussion starters:
- What did Jesus say about people who mourn?
- How can God grow our faith when we are sad?
- What should we do for friends who are feeling sad?

Parent Reflection:

Jesus said those who mourn will be comforted. He wants us to pray when we are sad, and to pray for those who are going through sad times. Ask God to strengthen someone you know who is going through a tough time. Ask him to comfort them and give them renewed faith.

Main scripture - Genesis 45:1-15

Thank God for your family and those who love you. Joseph thanked God for the chance to be reunited with his family, whom he loved.

Here are some great discussion starters:
- What did Joseph’s brothers do to him?
- Why was Joseph still thankful for his family?
- Why do we need to tell God we are thankful for our families?

Parent Reflection:
Take some time this week to thank God for your family - for the one you grew up in, and the one you have now. Share some of the reasons you are thankful.

Main Scripture - Acts 12:1-17, Peter’s Miraculous Escape

Pray for those who are hurt or suffering, that God will help them. When Peter was suffering in a prison cell, his friends prayed, and God answered their prayer.

Here are some great discussion starters:

- Why were the believers praying for Peter when he was in jail?

- How did God help Peter?

- Why do we need to pray for people who are hurting?

Parent Reflection:

God is the great healer. He wants us to pray for those who are hurting. That goes for broken hearts as well as broken bones. Make it a point to share some prayer requests with your kids, and pray together for the people you know who are hurting.

Main Scripture - 1 Kings 19:14-16 Elijah and Elisha

Thank God for giving you friends and people who make you laugh. When Elijah was feeling sad and alone, God brought a friend Elisha to lift his spirits.

Here are some great discussion starters:
- Why did Elijah need a friend?
- Who are some of your best friends?
-How can you be a good friend to your friends?

Parent Reflection:

God never meant for any of us to go through life alone. Good friends are a gift from God we should never take for granted. Thank God for the good friends you have had, and ask him to bless your children with great friends of their own. Pray that they will also be good friends in return.

Main Scripture - Luke 15:11-32, The Lost Son

Ask God to help you forgive those who make you angry. Like in the story of the lost son, when we are wronged we should be forgiving like the father, not having a bitter attitude like the older son.

Here are some great discussion starters:
Why did the father forgive the prodigal son?
- Why does God want us to forgive others?
- How can we pray to be more forgiving?

Parent Reflection:

As God has forgiven us, we need to forgive others. If there are hurts you are still carrying that you need to let go of, ask God to help you to forgive. If your kids have someone they need to forgive, pray with them for that strength to forgive.

Main Scripture - Psalm 36:5-11, Your Love O Lord

Praise God for the world and all the beautiful things that he has made. The beauty we see in the world around us reminds us of the incredible qualities of our God.

Here are some great discussion starters:
- Why did the writer of Psalm 36 talk about the beauty of nature?
- Why don’t we see and praise God as much as we should for his creation?
- What can we do to give God more of our praise?

Parent Reflection:

Nothing man has created can match the wonder of God’s creation. Whether you are an outdoor person or not, take some time with the kids to enjoy God’s amazing world, and praise him for giving us such a beautiful place to live.

Main Scripture - Luke 8:42b-48, Jesus Heals a Sick Woman

Pray for those who are sick, that God would make them feel better. Jesus is loving and has the power to bring us healing.

Here are some great discussion starters:
- Why did the woman need Jesus to heal her?
- What happened when she touched Jesus’ cloak?
- Why do we need to pray for the sick?

Parent Reflection:

Our God is a God of miracles. He is the great healer. When someone we know is ill, we need to pray for them. Make it a habit to pray for the sick with your kids so they will continue the habit as they get older.

Main Scripture - Luke 8:42b-48, Jesus Heals a Sick Woman