Trigger
Craft
Game
Creative Snack
Object Lesson
Prayer

TRIGGER

Material
  • Clock or watch
 
Steps
  • Begin by asking: "Have you ever waited for something really exciting? Like a birthday gift or a special visit?"
  • Share briefly: "Anna waited many years in the Temple for the Messiah — Jesus! She never gave up hoping and praying." 

Discussion
"What are some things we wait for patiently?" Encourage children to share.

CRAFT

Material
  • Small cloth or paper strip
  • Stickers: hearts, stars or crosses
  • Sissors
  • Crayons

Instructions
  1. Provide each child with a small cloth or paper strip.
  2. Help them decorate it with symbols of prayer: hearts, stars, or crosses using stickers or markers.

Discussion
"Anna prayed and waited patiently. We can pray too, just like she did."

GAME

Material
  • None
 
How to play
  1. Play a game where children walk slowly and quietly in a circle, pretending to wait patiently.
  2. When you say, "Hurry up!" they pretend to rush, then go back to slow walking.

Debrief
Talk about how Anna waited patiently for many years, and God kept His promise.

CREATIVE SNACK

Material
  • Cookies or crackers

Step up
  • Prepare small cookies or crackers shaped like stars or crowns.

Steps
  1. Serve small cookies or crackers shaped like stars or crowns.
  2. Say: "Anna waited for Jesus — the King — just like these stars or crowns remind us of His kingship."

OBJECT LESSON

Material
  • Flashlight or candle

Steps
  • Use a small flashlight or candle.
  • Explain: "Anna was like a light in the temple, shining with faith and hope until she saw Jesus."

Discuss
Talk about how we can be lights by showing kindness and praying for others.

Dear God, thank You for Anna, who waited patiently and trusted in You. Help us to be patient and to trust that You will keep Your promises. Help us be lights to others and always pray like Anna did. Thank You for sending Jesus, our Savior. In Jesus' name, amen.