5th Week of Easter, Monday

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

"Peace I leave with you;
my peace I give to you.
Not as the world gives
do I give it to you,
says the Lord, alleluia."

(Communion Antiphon)

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

"Peace". What does this word mean to you?

Maybe it makes you think of peace and quiet.
Or no fighting.
Or something else.

Jesus says He gives us peace.

What kind of peace do you think He gives us?

He says He doesn't give it in the same way as the world does. 
What do you think He means by that?

Do you think Jesus gives a very special kind of peace?

I wonder what kind of peace it is.

Could it be peace in our hearts?

The peace that comes from knowing we are always being looked after?

What do you think?

Thank you, Jesus, for giving us Your peace. Thank you for making sure we are always looked after.

(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."