The PRAYER SANDWICH

Using the Lord’s Prayer, children will see four parts to praying that we call A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) and will construct a “Prayer Sandwich” to demonstrate all the components of the prayer model.

Scripture: Matthew 6:9-13

9 “This, then, is how you should pray:

“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,but deliver us from evil, for Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Verses 9 &13b- ADORATION (we give God the Glory for who God is)

Verse 12 – CONFESSION (we tell God things we are sorry for and ask for forgiveness)

Verse 10 – THANKSGIVING (we thank God for who God is and what God has done for us)

Verse 11 & 13a- SUPPLICATION (we ask for things that we need – not want)

Materials needed: Large loaf of French bread, tomato slices, turkey, lettuce, cheese, paper plates, napkins, water and the A.C.T.S. handout (see attached)

WE GATHER/WE WONDER

Have the ACTS Handout on the tables as the students arrive. Talk to them about the four parts of “Prayer” (see above). Remind them that “Praying” is really just talking to God. They should be encouraged to write a prayer using each component of the ACTS Acrostic. Lead in by asking a few “wonder” questions:

  1. Why should we pray?
  2. How should we pray? Do we need to use big words? Is there more than one way to pray? (talk about praying at meals, before bedtime, while walking outside, in church, in the car, singing a praise song etc. Standing up, sitting down, laying on the floor, etc.)
  3. What kinds of things do you pray about?
  4. Are your prayers important to God?
  5. When do you pray?

WE THINK AND CREATE

Today we will construct a “prayer sandwich” to demonstrate all of the components of the prayer model together. As the sandwich is assembled, have the students think of examples of prayers for each of the components of prayer. Ask, before you begin to assemble the sandwich, who wants to pray during Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Have several children pray at each point (not just one) if possible.

Bottom piece of bread:Dear God

Tomato (which is red like the color of love):Adoration

Turkey(which is white, like having our sins forgiven):Confession
Lettuce (which is green, like new life we have in Jesus):Thanksgiving

Cheese (which is yellow, like the glory of God for our needs): Supplication

Top piece of bread:Amen

WE REFLECT

While the children are eating their sandwich have them go to a quiet place and write down some of their own prayer thoughts on the Handout.

PRAY and DISMISS

Bring the children back together and lead them in saying the Lord’s Prayer.