Thank You, God

To help the children express thanks to God for his gifts of creation

The children will reflect on the many gifts God has given them and acknowledge them in a prayer of thanks.

• Old magazines
• Scissors

• Tell the children that they are going to do an activity that will conclude with a group prayer of thanks to God for his wonderful gifts.
• Have a few magazines and pairs of scissors at each of several tables or desks. Assign a group of children to each place.
• Ask the children to share the magazines and browse to find pictures they like of something in God's creation--nature, animals, or people. Each child should cut out one picture.
• Invite the children to join you in a circle on the floor after they have their pictures and have thrown away any scraps.
• Start by showing the children your picture and beginning the prayer. (Example: Thank you, God, for the beautiful birds I see out my kitchen window. They make me feel bright and happy, just as they are.)
• Put your picture in the middle of the circle. Have the child next to you show his or her picture, add a prayer, and place the picture in the circle.
• Continue around the circle until all the children have added their prayers and pictures.
• Conclude by having the children join you in saying together, Thank you, God!

Nature Smart, People Smart

Before the session, find a picture of something you like in God's creation.

Have available magazines with many nature pictures, such as Ranger Rick and Zoobooks.

Make sure pictures of people reflect racial diversity.