This lesson teaches children that Jesus is with us in everything we do, and that we can pray, speak kindly, and show love to our friends every day. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is always listening to us, so we can pray, be kind with our words, and love the people who help us serve Jesus.
Memory Verse
Colossians 4:2
Continue steadfastly in prayer, watching therein with thanksgiving…
(WEB)
Teach the children to fold their hands together for “continue steadfastly in prayer,” then open their hands wide and lift them up for “with thanksgiving.” Do the motions three times, then have everyone say the verse together while doing them.
The Story: Colossians 4 for Kids
Paul was writing a letter to the friends in the church at Colossae. He was in prison, but he still cared about them very much. He wanted them to know how to live for Jesus while they were at home, at work, and with their neighbors.
Paul told the masters, the people who were in charge of workers, to be fair and kind to the people who worked for them. He reminded them that they also had a Master in heaven who was watching. Paul also asked the church to keep praying, and to pray for him too, that God would open a door for him to tell others about Jesus.
Paul wanted his friends to be wise in how they treated people who did not yet know Jesus. He said their words should always be kind and gentle, so that they would know how to answer each person well. Paul told them, “Let your words be full of grace.” Kind words can help others see Jesus.
Paul sent his friends Tychicus and Onesimus to bring the church news and to comfort their hearts. He sent greetings from his friends who were with him, like Aristarchus, Mark, Luke, and Demas. Paul said Epaphras was always praying hard for the church, so that they would stand strong and do what God wanted.
At the very end, Paul asked the church to share his letter with the church at Laodicea, and to read their letter too. He also told Archippus to finish the work God had given him. Paul ended by remembering his chains and blessing them with grace. He wanted them to remember that God’s love was with them.
Read It Together
Colossians 4:5-6
5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.
(WEB)
Point out how Paul says to be wise with people and to let our words be kind and helpful. Ask the children what kind words sound like at home or at school, and make a list together on a board.
Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, salutes you, always striving for you in his prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God.
(WEB)
Show the children that Epaphras was praying for his friends to stand strong in God’s will. Explain that praying for others is a loving thing we can do, even when we cannot be right next to them.
Colossians 4:17
Tell Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you fulfill it.”
(WEB)
Point out that Paul gave Archippus a job from God and asked him to finish it. Talk about how each child has something God wants them to do, like helping at home or caring for a friend.
Talk About It
- What is one person you can pray for this week, and what would you like to ask God for them?
- How can your words make someone feel happy or loved today?
- When someone is unkind to you, what is one kind thing you could say or do back?
- Who are some people who have helped you learn about Jesus, and how did they show you His love?
- What is one job God has given you to do at home, at school, or at church?
Activity Ideas
Prayer Hands Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and a pencil or crayons. Ask them to trace one of their hands and draw a prayer request inside the outline, such as a friend or family member. Let them share their drawing with the group and then tape them to a wall as a prayer reminder. Pray over the drawings together at the end.
Kind Words Toss Game
Gather a soft ball or a rolled-up pair of socks. Have the children stand in a circle, and when they catch the ball, they must say one kind thing about the person next to them before tossing it back. Keep the game moving, and let each child play at least once. Talk about how kind words are like a gift we can share.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
Find an empty jar or a plastic cup, and some slips of paper. Ask each child to write or draw one person they want to pray for this week and place the slip inside the jar. Encourage them to take one paper out each day and pray for that person. Explain that the jar helps them remember to keep praying steadily.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Colossians 4 shows that the Christian life includes steady prayer, wise and gracious speech, and deep care for fellow believers. Paul ties faithful everyday living to our awareness that we serve a Master in heaven. The chapter also shows the value of partnership in ministry, as Paul names many co-workers who supported him.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always answer prayers in the exact way they ask. Instead, emphasize that God hears us and is faithful, and that prayer is a way to trust Him and love others.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Jesus, thank You for listening to us when we pray. Help us to speak kind and gentle words to our friends and family. Teach us to love the people around us and to do the jobs You give us. Help us to keep praying every day. Amen.
