Mini-series: Kings and Queens

Method

Each session: 1) welcome with music (10 min), 2) the king’s story (15 min), 3) game or activity (15 min), 4) verse and prayer (10 min). Use big pictures; 7 to 10-year-olds are still very visual.

Sessions (4)

1. 1. Saul: when the heart drifts away

   1 Samuel 15:22

   Aim: Show that looks can deceive. Saul was tall and handsome, but he disobeyed. God looks at the heart.

   Activity: "Quick obedience" game: the teacher gives commands (clap, stamp, crouch). Whoever follows every one wins. Link it: obeying God = listening and doing.

   Reflection: Saul was the first king. He started well, but he decided to do things his own way. As a result, he lost the throne. God wants obedience, not a show.

   Prayer: Lord, I want a heart that listens to you. Help me obey even when it is hard. In Jesus’ name, amen.

2. 2. David: the shepherd who became king

   1 Samuel 16:7

   Aim: God chooses by the heart, not by size. David was the forgotten youngest son, and he became king.

   Activity: "Which heart would God choose?" activity: 4 cards with profiles (rich / famous / strong / humble and faithful). The children choose. Reveal: God chose David, the last one.

   Reflection: David played the harp, was a shepherd and was anointed in secret. Later he defeated Goliath, not because of his size but because of his faith. Every child here can be a David.

   Prayer: Father, thank you for choosing me even though I am small. I will trust you like David did. Amen.

3. 3. Solomon: wisdom is worth more than riches

   1 Kings 3:9

   Aim: When God offered him ONE wish, Solomon asked for wisdom. God gave him wisdom, riches and honour.

   Activity: "What would you ask for?" game: each child writes 1 thing on a piece of paper and reads it out. Compare with Solomon. Talk: why is wisdom worth more than everything else?

   Reflection: Wisdom is knowing how to USE what you have in God’s way. Solomon built the Temple, judged fairly and wrote Proverbs.

   Prayer: Lord, give me wisdom to choose well, to help my friends, obey my parents and live for you. Amen.

4. 4. Josiah: the boy king who changed a country

   2 Kings 22:2

   Aim: Josiah became king at 8 years old. He heard God’s Word, wept and changed everything. Age does not matter.

   Activity: "Josiah mission" activity: each child picks one thing at home to change this week (praying before bed, helping mum, reading the Bible). They write it on a card to take home.

   Reflection: Josiah showed that a child can lead change. Finish by applauding each child: "You are a Josiah in your family."

   Prayer: Lord, even as a child I can change things for you. Give me courage like Josiah. Amen.

What you need

• Bible (1 per child or 1 per group)
• Card and markers for the activities
• Tablet or phone for music (a kids’ worship song)
• A simple snack for the welcome

Memory verses

• "The Lord looks at the heart."

  1 Samuel 16:7

• "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."

  Proverbs 9:10