This month's memory verse

Acts 1:14

All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. 

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Shadow Tag (with a twist!)

Key Verse | Acts 5:15

so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.

Acts 5:12-16

The Apostles Heal Many

12The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. 13But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them. 14Yet more and more people believed and were brought to the Lord—crowds of both men and women. 15As a result of the apostles’ work, sick people were brought out into the streets on beds and mats so that Peter’s shadow might fall across some of them as he went by. 16Crowds came from the villages around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those possessed by evil* spirits, and they were all healed.

Footnotes

5:16 Greek unclean.

Shadow Tag!

If it’s sunny, head outside. Take turns trying to step on each other’s shadows. After a few minutes, gather together and talk about this:

Peter didn’t have magic powers in his shadow. God was the one healing people. Peter was simply walking in obedience and faith.

Now grab a flashlight (or stay outside in the sun).

Talk about how shadows only exist when there is light. No light = no shadow.

Read John 8:12

Discuss:

  • If Jesus is our light, what should be “shining” from our lives?
  • Can people “see” Jesus in the way we act?
  • What would it look like to reflect his love at school or practice this week?

Pray: 

The early church believed God could really move. They brought the sick. They showed up expectantly. They trusted him.

Let’s practice praying bold prayers together.

Use these prompts:

  • Thank God that he is powerful and still works today.
  • Pray for someone you know who is sick or hurting.
  • Ask God to help you be brave in talking about Jesus.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to help your family shine his light.
  • Thank Jesus that he cares about our bodies and our hearts.

After each person prays, sit quietly for 20 seconds and ask, “God, is there anything you want us to notice or do?”

Remind your kids: We pray boldly, not because we are powerful, but because God is.

Family Challenge:

Pick one way your family can “shine” this week (encouraging a neighbor, praying for someone sick, writing a kind note, inviting someone to church, etc.).