Title: Fasting Fun: A Hungry Heart for God!
Introduction:
Hello, kids! Today, we’re going to have some fun talking about something very special: fasting! You might be wondering, “What is fasting, and why would anyone want to go without food?” Well, fasting is not just about being hungry; it’s about growing closer to God and showing Him that we love Him very much. Let’s dive in!
What is Fasting?
Fasting is when we choose to go without food for a short time to spend more time with God. It’s like when we skip dessert to save room for our favorite dinner. When we fast, we set aside our usual meals to make room for something very important—our relationship with God!
Why Do We Fast?
- To Show God We Love Him: When we fast, we tell God, “You’re more important to me than food! I want to focus on You.”
- To Pray More: Instead of taking time to eat, we can spend that time talking to God and praying. It’s like having a special one-on-one time with Him!
- To Grow Spiritually: Fasting helps us to think about what God wants us to do. It can help us learn more about His love and plans for us.
Bible Stories about Fasting:
Let’s think about some people in the Bible who fasted:
- Moses: He fasted for 40 days and nights to be with God on the mountain (Exodus 34:28). Wow, that’s a long time!
- Jesus: He fasted in the wilderness for 40 days before starting His ministry (Matthew 4:1-2). He spent that time praying and getting ready for the work God had for Him.
- Esther: When Esther needed to save her people, she fasted and prayed, asking God for help (Esther 4:16).
Activity:
Let’s create a “Fasting Fun Journal.” Each time you fast—whether it’s skipping dessert for a day or just choosing to spend less time on games and more time with God—you can write down what you prayed about and how you felt. You can even draw pictures of what you did to connect with God!
Discussion:
Let’s talk! What are some things we can fast from? Here are some ideas:
- Skipping snacks to pray more.
- Choosing to spend less time on screens to read the Bible.
- Giving up something you really like for a short time to help you remember to pray.
Conclusion:
Kids, fasting is a fun way to show God that we have a hungry heart for Him! It’s like telling God, “I love You so much that I want to spend this time with You.” Remember, it’s not about the food we give up, but about the time we give to God. Let’s pray together and ask God to help us have a hungry heart for Him!
Prayer:
Dear God, thank You for loving us so much. Help us to understand fasting and to know it’s about spending time with You. Give us hearts that are hungry for You! We love You! Amen!
📖 Scripture References:
Matthew 6:16-18 – "When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do… But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting…"
Isaiah 58:6-7 – "Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?"
Joel 2:12-13 – "Even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning. Rend your heart and not your garments…"
Luke 4:1-2 – "Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days…"
Psalm 63:1 – "O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you, in a dry and parched land where there is no water."
Esther 4:16 – "Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day…"
Matthew 5:6 – "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled."
Acts 13:2-3 – "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’"
1 Corinthians 9:27 – "No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize."
James 4:8 – "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
🎵 Suggested Songs:
"I Have Decided to Follow Jesus" – A simple and engaging song that encourages commitment to faith and can be easily learned by young children.
"Jesus Loves Me" – A classic children’s song that reinforces the love of Jesus, perfect for teaching kids about a relationship with God.
"This Little Light of Mine" – An uplifting song that encourages children to shine their light for Jesus, emphasizing the importance of sharing their faith.
"Father Abraham" – A fun, energetic song that gets kids moving while teaching them about faith and God’s promises, making it a great fit for the theme of a hungry heart for God.
❓ Discussion & Quiz Questions:
What is fasting, and why do people choose to fast as part of their faith in God?
Can you name one way that fasting can help us grow closer to God?
During a fast, how can we fill our hearts with God’s love when we might be feeling hungry?
Have you ever experienced a time when you gave up something for a little while? How did that help you focus on what’s really important?
Which Bible character do you think had the most faith while fasting, and what did they learn from their experience?
If you could choose one special prayer or way to connect with God during a fast, what would it be and why?
