Thursday: Compassion

Pray: Begin by making the sign of the cross and calling upon God’s name.

From God to us, from death to life, from me to you …
in the name of the Father, and of the Son + and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Holy God, you love us, and because of this, you sent your Holy Spirit into our world to be our helper. Thank you for this, and for all of the ways you bless us. In the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.

Listen: Pay close attention as the Bible story is read in the form of a rhyme.

While sailing on a choppy sea,
With cold winds blowing gustily,
A ship was battered in the squall.
But on this ship rode faithful Paul.

Although he was a captive, too,
Paul prayed while stormy gale winds blew.
And to the frightened men on board
He said, “Take heart and trust the Lord!”

Then after fourteen days and nights
Of raging winds and scary sights,
The ship was wrecked against a reef.
But all were saved, with great relief!

Engage: Talk about the Bible by having parents respond to children’s questions.

Child: Have you ever been on a ship at sea, or even a boat on a big lake? What did you like the most—and the least—about that?

Child: The poem tells us that Paul prayed while stormy gale winds blew. Have you ever prayed during a storm? When?

Affirm: Pray for God to put his Word into action in your daily life.

Holy God, you are bigger than the ocean, and more powerful than the most frightening storm. Help us to remember that with you, we have nothing to fear. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Have each person in the family bless one another with these words.

May you trust God to guide you. Amen.