Family Devotion Idea: Rocks Cry Out

*About twice a month, we try to post the outline of a family devotion that you and your kids can do together. Carve out some time with your kids for a fun and creative discussion this week!

Teaching Goal:
All creation praises God.

Scripture:
Luke 19:40 “I tell you," Jesus replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise--the fruit of lips that confess His name.”

Materials:
24 round, flat stones approximately 2 inches in diameter
Sharpie permanent marker

Lesson and Discussion:

*Words that are written in bold are when you, the parent, are speaking. Feel free to use your own words.

ACTIVITY #1: As a family, go to a river bed or rock pile and find 24 round, flat stones. The flatter the stones the better.

"The Triumphant Entry" is a phrase used to describe the day that Jesus came back to Jerusalem. He rode into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey while a crowd of people yelled "Hosanna" and "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!" There were some people in the crowd that didn't like Jesus. They didn't believe that Jesus was the Son of God. They told Jesus to make the people stop shouting praises. Listen to what Jesus said, Read Luke 19:40. He said that if the people kept quiet then the rocks would cry out.

There are several places in the Bible that talk about creation praising God. What do you think the rocks would say? They would probably say what we are supposed to say when we praise God. Make a list of their answers. Here are some ideas:
Hosanna
Lord
Glory
Honor
Holy
Halleluiah
Prince of Peace
King of Kings
Righteous
Creator
Savior
Thank you

ACTIVITY #2: We have twenty four rocks. We are going to write 11 words of praise on two rocks each. On the last two rocks we will write "Alpha and Omega" which means God is the first and the last.

After you write the words on the 24 rocks, turn them over and mix them up. Take turns playing the matching game. Try to turn over two rocks with the same word. Players get one point for each match with the exception of 2 points for matching the "Alpha" rock with the "Omega" rock. The player with the most points wins.

If you liked this devotion idea, there are hundreds more available from Family Time Training. See the link on the right side of this page for more information.