For Such a Time as This - KidsSample

Day 3: Prayer is Powerful

"The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." – James 5:16 (NLT)

The Most Important Team Meeting in History!

Queen Esther faced the greatest and most daunting challenge of her entire life! She needed to save ALL the Jewish people in the kingdom, but to do so she would have to risk her own life, going to the king uninvited.

Esther knew she needed help. Not just any help, but GOD'S HELP! So she sent a message to her cousin Mordecai: "Go, gather all the Jews in the city. Fast and pray for me for three days and three nights. My servants and I will do the same. Then I will go to the king, even though it is against the law."

What does "fasting" mean?

Fasting is choosing not to eat for a period of time to focus even more on prayer. It's like saying to God, "This is SO important that I'm going to skip my meals to spend this time talking to you!" (Kids, always ask your parents' permission before fasting!)

Can you imagine that? Hundreds and hundreds of people praying AND fasting together for Esther! Fathers, mothers, children, grandparents, friends, everyone skipped meals and spent three whole days praying! It was like the largest prayer meeting in history up to that point!

And do you know what happened? It worked! After three days of prayer, Esther entered the throne room with confidence. The king greeted her with a smile and extended the golden scepter. She not only saved her own life, but she saved ALL her people!

All because the people prayed together! Prayer truly is powerful!

What Does This Mean for You?

Did you know that YOUR prayers are powerful? The Bible says that when God's people pray together, amazing things happen!

Just as Esther didn't face her problems alone, you don't have to face yours either. Here are some times to pray with others:

When Someone Is Sick: Ask your family to pray together for healing.

When You're Struggling: Problems at school or with friends? Ask your parents to pray with you!

When Your Family Faces Problems: Moving, financial hardship, or other challenges? Praying together strengthens the whole family!

When Friends Need Help: Is someone being bullied or going through hard times? Pray for them with your family or church group.

When Your Country Needs Help: Pray for leaders to make wise and fair decisions for everyone.

God loves it when His people pray together! Your voice matters, even as a child. When you join your prayers with others, you are building a strong team that God is happy to help!

Shall We Pray Together? (Just like Esther's people prayed!)

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you that my prayers matter to You, even as a child. Thank you that when I pray with my family, friends, and church, our prayers become even more powerful!

Help me remember to ask others to pray with me when I face something difficult or scary. Also help me to pray for my friends and family when they need Your help.

Jesus, I plead Your blood over my sins and the sins of my nation. God, end bloodshed and send revival to our country. God, give wisdom to our president, governors, and leaders to make good decisions that help people. Help families who don't have enough food or a home. Bless our schools, police officers, firefighters, and all who work to keep our communities safe.

Just as You helped Esther and saved Your people, please help us in the situations we face.

In Jesus' name, Amen.

Think About It!

Is there something in your life right now that you could ask your family, friends, or church to pray with you about?

Remember This Week...

Start a "Prayer Team" this week!

Here are some fun ways to pray with others:

1. Ask your family to pray together about something important.
2. Offer to pray with a friend who's struggling.
3. Share prayer requests with your Sunday School class.

Don't forget:

Your Prayers + The Prayers of Others = POWERFUL RESULTS!

Just as Esther discovered, God loves to answer when His people pray together!