Key/Memory verse: Younger children: Verses 1 and 9 Older children: Try to memorize as much as possible.
PURPOSE
See Bible Background.
Objectives
See Bible Background.
Objectives for Prayer/Worship
To be aware of God's presence in nature and our place in it
To praise God
To seek the wonder of God
PREPARATION
Read Bible Background
Materials List
Bibles Candle or battery operated candle CD/tape of instrumental or quiet music, preferably hymns CD/tape of nature sounds Chalkboard/dry erase board/newsprint Markers Matches Song Sheet with "All Things Bright and Beautiful" (Presbyterian Hymnal #267) Table, small for worship center
Advance Preparation Set up a small table near the front of the room for the worship center. Arrange chairs in a semi-circle. Place candle on the table.
Prepare song sheet, or use hymnals.
PRESENTATION
Open - Introduction
As the children gather, light a candle to set the mood. Play quiet music, such as hymns played on a guitar. Be sure the children are quiet, so they can hear the music.
Tell the children we will hear a Psalm of wonder and praise. Distribute Bibles and invite them to find Psalm 8. Read responsively. Divide the group in half, or alternate boys/girls reading the passage. Have all read verse 9 together.
Dig - Main Content
What are some things we can lovingly do to take care of our homes? The earth? The sky? (Use responses to form the closing prayer)
Say: We are now going to listen to the beautiful sounds of God's creation. There is so much noise in our world, we miss these sounds. I am going to play some sounds. You must be very quiet! Close your eyes, if you want and try to picture what is making the sound. This is NOT a guessing game! When the sound ends, there will be a moment of silence, then we will all say, "We praise you, God." (You may choose to say something like, "We thank you, God" or "We hear you, O God").
Invite the children to get into a comfortable position to listen. They may lie on the floor, stay in their seats, or assume another position.
Select a variety of sounds - rain, wind, birds, fire, thunder, laughter, crying. Play one sound, have a moment of silence, then say the response.
Reflect - Closure
When all of the sounds have been played, have the children return to their seats.
Ask:
Did you recognize all the sounds? (if not, tell them what the sounds were) Were you surprised by any of them? Were you able to picture what was making the sound? How can you be more aware of the sounds in God's creation?
At this point, an offering may be collected for Heifer Project or another ministry.
Closing Prayer: Use responses offered at the beginning.
Gather into a circle and close by singing "All Things Bright and Beautiful."
Extinguish candle.
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
Adaptations - Younger Children
May prefer to do the chorus only of "All Things Bright and Beautiful." At the time of listening, it may be best to have them remain in their seats. If there are non-readers, read the scripture to them.
Adaptations - Older children
May choose "How Great Thou Art" for the closing hymn.
SOURCES
"All Things Bright and Beautiful," Presbyterian Hymnal #267. Louisville, KY: Westminster/John Knox Press, 1990.
CD's of instrumental music and nature sounds available at most music stores or online.
Spiritual Formation Bible, page 704. New International Version. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, MI, 1999.
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