Preteen Bible Lesson: God Wants Us to Pray for Each Other

Prayer is a pretty abstract concept to grasp. For preteens, though, who are moving from concrete thinking to abstract thinking, it is a great topic to dive into. Some kids this age may wonder why we pray if our all-knowing, all-powerful God knows what we’re going to say before we even say it. Or they may think that prayer is individualistic verbal thank-you cards and lists of requests. But it is so much more than that!

Help kids realize that prayer is a way to talk with God and spend time together. When we pray, not only does God listen, but God also shows up in powerful ways. Use this lesson to help kids learn that God wants us to pray with and for each other.

Scripture: James 5:13-18; Matthew 18:19-20; Psalm 65:1-5

You’ll need:

Bibles (at least 2)
poster board (or whiteboard)
markers (or dry-erase markers)
bowl of water
small plastic cups
spoons
small towel

Discuss With Each Other

Set out the poster board and markers.

Say: We all have ideas about what prayer is, and maybe why or how we pray. For the next few minutes, let’s take turns writing at least two things you each think of that describe prayer.

Encourage kids to add to the collage of words and phrases. It’s okay if kids write the same things as other kids. After a couple of minutes, discuss with kids what they wrote. Give some of the kids an opportunity to share about what they wrote.

Form two groups, and give each group a Bible. Have one group read James 5:16 and the other group read Matthew 18:19-20. Give groups time to talk about what their verses say about prayer. Then have kids pair up with someone from the other group. Have partners share their Bible passage and any discoveries they made.

Afterward, allow kids to add to the collage using their new discoveries as an inspiration. If any kids propose a change, have them explain why they want to change something. Only add to the board, though; don’t take anything away. The purpose of this activity isn’t to have a correct definition written down, but to facilitate discussion about what kids think about prayer.

Ask:

What do you think about the claims made in these verses?
What sort of great power do you think prayer has?
What’s the point of praying with each other? praying for each other?

Pray for Each Other

Set out a bowl of water. Then give each pair a plastic cup and spoon. Have pairs think of things they’d like to pray for together. For each thing they come up with, have them put a spoonful of water into their cups. Call time before cups fill more than halfway.

Say: With each of you using just one index finger, work together to lift the cup so it’s above your heads.

If some water spills, that’s okay. Offer a small towel, and move on with the activity.

Ask:

What was this activity like for you?
In what ways is this activity like or unlike what happens when we pray for each other? with each other?

Say: Prayer isn’t just about me, myself, and God; God wants us to pray for each other and with each other. And God is faithful to answer our prayers.

Read aloud Psalm 65:1-5.

Pray: Dear God, sometimes we can feel you so close to us and sometimes it feels like you’re far away. We thank you, God, that no matter what’s going on in our lives we can talk to you and you hear us. God, thank you for the friends and family you’ve given us. We ask that you’d hear our prayers for them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

This lesson excerpt was taken from 13 Most Important Bible Lessons for Kids About Loving Each Other.

A kid-sized theology that really cements the fundamentals of faith into kids’ hearts and heads. Children’s ministry leaders are looking for an effective way to teach upper-elementary kids the foundational truths of the Christian faith, and this lesson book is it!

For even more lessons about prayer, check out this article or these ideas!