In this lesson, children learn that Jesus teaches us to pray, and that God loves to hear us ask him for what we need. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is our Father, and he loves to hear us pray. When we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, he always gives us good things.
Memory Verse
Luke 11:9
“I tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you.
(WEB)
Ask with your hands cupped in front of you, like you are holding something you want to receive. Then wave your hand toward your chest like you are pulling someone in, and finally make a gentle knocking motion on the table. Repeat the three motions with the verse so children remember ask, seek, and knock.
The Story: Luke 11 for Kids
One day Jesus finished praying in a quiet place. His disciples watched him and said, “Lord, teach us how to pray, just like John taught his followers.” Jesus was happy to help them. He told them to call God “Father” and to ask him for their daily bread, for forgiveness, and for help to stay away from trouble.
Then Jesus told a story about a man who had a visitor at midnight. The visitor had come from a long trip and had no bread to offer him. So the man went to a friend’s house and knocked on the door. His friend called out from inside, “Don’t bother me! The door is shut, and my children are already in bed.” But the man kept knocking and asking, so his friend got up and gave him all the bread he needed.
Jesus wanted the children to understand that God is even more ready to help than that friend. He said that everyone who asks receives, everyone who seeks finds, and everyone who knocks will have the door opened. Jesus asked, “If your child asks for bread, would you give a stone? If your child asks for a fish, would you give a snake?” Of course not. Good parents give good gifts to their children.
Jesus also talked about people who did not believe him, even after they saw him do amazing things. Some people wanted him to prove himself with another sign from heaven. Jesus told them that a house divided against itself falls, and that anyone who is not with him is against him. He also reminded everyone that he is greater than Solomon and Jonah, and that God’s wisdom is shining right in front of them.
Jesus used a lamp to explain how we should live. A lamp is put on a stand so that people can see, not hidden under a basket. When our eyes are focused on what is good, our whole life is filled with light. Jesus wanted his listeners to let their hearts be full of God’s light.
Read It Together
Luke 11:1-2
1 When he finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” 2 He said to them, “When you pray, say, ‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
(WEB)
Point out that the disciples noticed Jesus praying and asked him to teach them. Explain that prayer is something we can learn and talk about with Jesus, and that calling God “Father” shows how close he is to us.
Luke 11:11-13
11 “Which of you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, he won’t give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, he won’t give him a scorpion, will he? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”
(WEB)
Point out the example of a father giving good gifts. Help children see that if earthly parents love to give good things, God, who is perfectly good, loves to give even more to those who ask him.
Luke 11:27-28
27 It came to pass, as he said these things, a certain woman out of the multitude lifted up her voice, and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!” 28 But he said, “On the contrary, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it.”
(WEB)
Point out that Jesus said the truly blessed people are those who hear God’s word and keep it. Explain that listening to God and obeying him matters more than who your family is.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you would like to ask God for today?
- Why do you think Jesus told a story about a friend knocking at midnight?
- How does it feel to know that God loves to hear your prayers?
- What does it mean to keep asking, seeking, and knocking when we pray?
- What is one way you can listen to God’s word and keep it this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Door Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Have each child draw a door on the paper and decorate it with things they want to ask God for, such as a friend, a kind heart, or help with a hard day. Tape the finished doors to the wall as a reminder that God always hears and opens the door to prayer.
Ask, Seek, Knock Game
Hide a small toy or sticker around the room while the children wait outside or close their eyes. Have them move around the room and ask for help, look carefully to seek the item, and knock gently on a table or chair when they find it. Talk afterward about how Jesus said God answers our prayers when we keep trying.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask each family member to write one prayer request on a slip and place it in the jar. Each evening, pull one slip out and pray together for that request. This helps children see that God welcomes prayers every day and that persistence in prayer is a good thing.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that prayer is a relationship rooted in trust in a generous Father. Jesus teaches persistence in prayer, not because God needs to be convinced, but because asking deepens our dependence on him. The chapter also warns that outward religion without a heart that follows God can leave a person empty, and that Jesus is the true light for every life.
Avoid promising children that God will always give them exactly what they ask for in the way they imagine. The passage teaches that God gives good gifts, including the Holy Spirit, and that his answers may come in ways that are wiser than our requests. Keep the focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Father in heaven, thank you for teaching us how to pray. Help us keep asking, seeking, and knocking, knowing that you love to hear from us. Give us good gifts and help us listen to your word and keep it. Amen.
