 We are about to start a church-wide 21 day fast. I wanted to get kids involved and find a good way to teach them about fasting in a kid-friendly way that didn't involved giving up food they need to grow! When I first did this last year, I did some research. I spent hours looking online, and not finding much AT ALL for teaching kids about fasting. The only thing I found was a fasting calendar.... then God put this idea on my heart as a fun and engaging way to teach kids about fasting.
This was a great way for kids to learn in a hands-on way that they can understand. I came up with a lesson, based on the object lesson of an empty cup- which represents us as we empty ourselves from the distractions that keep us from focusing on God, and the way God fills us up. He fills us with His love, His strength and grace, and His Spirit. The lesson was fun for the kids, but my favorite part was getting to give the kids their own Fasting Cups to take home. We don't just want kids to focus on what they are GIVING UP, but on what God can do to FILL them up. We didn't encourage kids to fast from meals, because their growing bodies need nutrients. Kids would get two cups: one that says "GIVE UP" and one that says "FILL UP." Each cup had slips of paper in them. They would do a drawing a few times a week; one drawing would tell them what they would give up for one day (TV, cell phone, sweets/junk food, etc.) and one cup would be something they could do to allow God to fill them up (Read a certain Scripture, memorize a verse, write a prayer, etc.). It was really cool to see the kids involved in the church-wide fast, and see their dedication. I had parents tell me that even when they started to "cheat" on their fast, their kids would remind them about fasting and the importance of it! The kids inspired me with their hearts for God. I love hearing stories of kids living out their faith at home. The fasting cups were just one simple tool to help kids connect with God at home and live out their faith. To purchase this resource, CLICK HERE to access the resource in my store. Lynne Howard
9 Comments
Christina Ewell
1/5/2016 04:56:48 pm
l love this idea. Thank you for sharing! We are beginning our 21 days of fasting with our church and I wanted to involve the children as well. This is a great idea. 1/3/2018 08:56:01 am
Hello! I am a children's leader and Sunday school teacher at my church in Seguin, Texas. I am very interested in the fasting lesson. Could you send it to me via email? Our church is starting our New Year fast tonight and I thought I might incorporate this into their lesson tonight.
Lynne
2/1/2018 04:35:24 am
Sorry about that! I had yo disable the store. I don’t have a computer right now, and I just had a baby. Once I get a computer and am working again, I will send you the lesson.
Debbie Burkhardt
1/6/2018 09:51:37 am
Is the Fasting for Kids lesson available in the store. (I can't find it.) Would like to use it for our children as out church begins a 21 day fast.
Lynne
2/1/2018 04:36:00 am
Debbie, Sorry about that! I had to disable the store. I don’t have a computer right now, and I just had a baby. Once I get a computer and am working again, I will send you the lesson.
Tammy Stum
2/4/2018 10:40:49 am
I would like to use the Fasting For Kids lesson. I can't find it. Could you please send it to me ?
Ann Hughes
5/29/2018 10:02:09 pm
Can you please send me the lesson on fasting for children? Thanks
Kolleen Mann
10/18/2018 03:35:17 pm
Can you send me the lesson? Leave a Reply. |
Children are a Gift 
Lynne Howardkidmin leader, mother, and servant of the Lord. These are the views of Lynne Howard, and are not necessarily the views and opinions of David C Cook or any church. Archives
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