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God Calls Abraham

Kids (ages 4-8) · Genesis 12:1-9; Genesis 15:1-6 · Standard ·35 minutes

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Objective: Children retell God’s call and promises to Abraham and say that the blessing was for all families.

Read: Genesis 12:1-9

Opening: Show a simple map or draw a starting point and ask: How would you feel beginning a journey when you do not know every stop?

Say:

Ask:

Do: Use the Journey and Promise Map to move a marker and place the promise symbols.

Close: Pray: God, help us trust Your words and use Your gifts for the good of others.

Materials: Bible; Journey and Promise Map or blank paper; Small marker

Standard outline · 35 minutes

  1. 4 minConnect. Use the opening prompt and invite two or three brief responses.
  2. 4 minContext. Introduce the passage setting, speaker or main characters, and genre in age-appropriate language.
  3. 8 minRead and observe. Read Genesis 12:1-9 and mark God’s call, God’s promises, Abram’s movement, and Abram’s worship. Ask: What did God ask Abram to leave? What promises appear in verses 2-3?
  4. 7 minDiscuss. Create four columns-Call, Promise, Response, Worship-and place passage details correctly. Ask: Who is included in the final purpose? How does Abram respond in the passage?
  5. 8 minActivity. Complete the Journey and Promise Map activity and review what it demonstrates. Activity: Journey and Promise Map. Printable: K1-L06-P01-journey-promise-map.
  6. 4 minRespond. Review the objective, repeat the take-home line, and pray.

Activity details

Journey and Promise Map · 8 min

Materials: Map sheet; Marker; Promise symbols

  1. Place the marker at Haran.
  2. Read the call and move toward Canaan.
  3. Place land, family, and blessing symbols.
  4. Add an “all families” circle around the map.

Low-resource option: Draw a route and symbols on the board.

Closing

Memory verse: Genesis 12:3

Prayer: Ask for trust and for God’s gifts to benefit others.

Take-home line: God called Abraham, made a promise, and planned blessing for all families.