2nd Week of Easter, Thursday

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

"Behold, I am with you always,
even to the end of the age, alleluia."

(Communion Antiphon)

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

Do you remember what we have been talking about for the last few days?

We have been talking about how Jesus came, died, and is risen, and will never leave us again.

Today we have another reminder of this: "Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

It seems like Jesus really wants us to know that He is always with us. He says, "even to the end of the age." This is another way of saying forever.

Why do you think Jesus wants us to know that He is with us always and will be with us forever?

Perhaps He wants us to know how much He loves us and that staying with us always is one way He shows us His love. 
Perhaps He wants us to know that we never need to be afraid because He is always there. 
Can you think of any other reasons He might keep telling us that He will be with us forever?

How does it make you feel to know that Jesus is always with us - always with you?

Thank you, Jesus, for being with us forever. Thank you that we know that You'll never leave us. Thank you for loving us so much!

(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."