5th Week of Easter, Saturday

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

"Cry out with joy to the Lord, all the earth."

(Response to the Psalm )

(Read the quote, then each line slowly, with pauses to allow the children (and us!) to reflect on the questions.)

When you feel joyful, what do you like to do?

Do you like to run, or shout, or jump, or clap your hands?

Many people feel like shouting for joy when they feel joyful. The feeling of joyfulness gets so big inside them that it wants to come out in a burst. It might be words, or a song, or simply a noise.

Sometimes when we think of all that God has done for us and how much He loves us, we feel joyful like this - we might cry out with joy to the Lord.

Other times we don't want to make any noise, but it is like our heart is singing with joy to the Lord.

Let's be quiet for a few moments and think of the great love of God, and see how we want to tell Him of our joy.

Thank you, Lord, for loving us so much. Thank you for filling us with Your joy.

(Allow any spontaneous prayers, perhaps leading by example. 3-6 year olds relate most naturally to God through prayers of praise and thanksgiving; 6+ will have started thinking about their needs and the needs of those around them in prayers of intercession. Some children may also just want quiet time to speak with God in their hearts.)

(Sing a simple hymn or chant if your children like singing. Or even if they don't ;) This can also be done at the beginning. )

"In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."