Why do we pray? Why do we teach students of all ages to pray? The answer may seem self-evident, but I’ve been thinking intentionally about it lately. Research can provide a list of the personal health benefits of prayer, but I hope that’s not the reason we pray. I hope the fact that He delights in prayer (Proverbs 15:8) factors in. I breathe because I am alive; I pray because I am His.
This month’s video digs into the topic with refreshing testimonies of prayer and practical ideas for training others to pray. Let me encourage you: make prayer the pivotal moment of your lesson rather than an afterthought as you rush to end your class. Build to a time in God’s presence where He can whisper to students how to apply the Bible lesson you’ve just taught.
Teacher Training with Lee Ann Alexander and Angie Clark
Resources and Links
Teaching to Transform Hearts: This book makes the case for reviving the teaching ministry of the church. It challenges us to assess our current teaching methods and effectiveness. And it gives us a wealth of strategies for breathing new life into the classrooms of our churches. As we do so, we follow Jesus’ foundational call to “go therefore and make disciples . . . teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20, NKJV).
More Than Grasshoppers: Who are you? This age-old question haunts people of every walk of life as we seek to understand our identity and purpose. This book answers that question in a fresh, engaging approach. Theological topics such as being made in the image of God, navigating flesh and spirit tensions, and living out holiness in a healthy body image and in our social media are tackled in an easy-to-read, non-technical format. This book will help you discover your identity as an Apostolic child of God. By seeing ourselves as Jesus sees us—loved by Him, made in His image, empowered by the Holy Ghost, and equipped with spiritual gifts—we can triumphantly live out the purpose He has for our lives.
7 Essentials of Kid’s Prayer by Angie Clark – This book encompasses both the dynamic and practical elements that keep the prayer wheels turning. Find out how to train children to hear God’s voice, stay full of the Holy Spirit, worship with power, pray the Word, put Kingdom priorities first, respond to the needs of others, and stay protected.