Praying for Our NeighboursSample

“Who is my neighbour?” A man who had studied the teachings of Moses asked this question to Jesus. You might know this story from the Bible, but what do you think Jesus would say to you if you asked him this question? Or if I would ask you “Who is your neighbour?”

Last year, I asked this question to a group of children in South Africa. Some children were unsure, while others said that it was the person who lived in the house next door. I started to share a story inspired by the story of the Good Samaritan but with people whom they may know from their community. A shop owner was robbed and beaten up. He was from another country and not very popular in the community and people were afraid to help him or did not have the time. A businessman walked past him and did not stop to help him, and even the pastor did not help. A man experiencing homelessness saw him and felt sorry for him. He had a few coins and took the man into a taxi to the local clinic. “Who was the neighbour of the shop owner?” I asked the children. In choir, they all said, “the homeless man!” When I asked them why a girl answered that it was because he cared about him and helped him.

Discuss:

• Is there someone in your class, street or community that might need your help?

• How can you be a good neighbour to them and show him the love of Jesus?

Prayer:

God, help our family to show mercy to people in our neighbourhood. Please remind us to pray that they will get to know You as we show them Your love.