Gather everyone in a comfortable spot and get settled in.
Note: This week’s lesson is a little different! The Gospel text from Matthew refers to how the story of Jonah has similarities to the story of the death and resurrection of Jesus. If you have younger learners at your house, you may want to read Matthew 12:38-42 yourself before reading from the Spark Story Bible (pg. 190) to have the complete framework for the lesson.
- Invite each member of your family to share their highs and lows for the day. You can use the words blessings and bummers instead. Someone might choose to pass or not have anything to share, and that’s ok.
- Read the Bible story that relates to the Gospel reading: Jonah and the Big Fish (Spark Story Bible pg. 190), or read the Gospel text, Matthew 12:38-42, on page 1086 in the Connect Bible.
- Talk about the Spark Bible story or Gospel text, taking turns offering what you heard that relates to high/lows or what felt important.
- Pray for one another’s highs and lows. These words can help you get started – “Dear Jesus, We know that we can come to you with our troubles and the things that make our hearts sad. Sometimes we feel like Jonah, with the winds blowing and waves rocking the boat. Help us remember what we learn from our Bible stories. Thank you for loving me every day and always being with me. Thank you for (blessings). Today, please help me with (bummers). Please help make good choices, today and every day. Amen.”
- Bless one another. Take turns making the sign of the cross on each other’s foreheads, saying simply, “God loves you and so do I.”
