9th Week of Ordinary Time, Friday (Cycle II)

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

"Your words gladden the heart, O Lord, they give light to the eyes."

(Gospel Acclamation)

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

Do you remember where we find the words of the Lord? Do you remember the name of the very special book that has so many of these words?

Yes, the Bible. God wanted to make sure we wouldn't forget His wonderful words, so He got people to write them down in the many books of the Bible, and gave us the Church to make sure we always understood His words properly.

"Your words gladden the heart". "Gladden" means to make happy. God's words make us happy.

"They give light to the eyes." God's words help us see. What do they help us see?

Perhaps they help us see the wonder of life, the best way to live, the wonder of the life to come. No wonder they "gladden the heart"!

Thank you, Lord, for giving us Your words, which give light to our eyes and gladden our hearts. Thank you for making sure we are always able to understand what you want us to know.

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."