1 Samuel 17 - David and Goliath
God gives us strength when we feel small and scared.
If you are meeting early in the day ask everyone to look in their bag and find today’s activity – chat about someone they know who is scared, what kind of card could they make for them?
If you are meeting later in the day ask people to talk about the cards they have made, who are they going to send them to?
Ask someone to read out today’s family activity Bible passage from Psalm 46:1-2.
Explain that while we are all together online today, we are going to think about a story from the Bible, where someone could have been very scared. I would have been if I was him! Let’s find out if he was…
Tell the story of David and Goliath using the PowerPoint slides or the video available in the Downloads box below.
Explain that you are going to think a bit more about this incredible story through this game:
Scavenger hunt:
Reading out the list below (all which are connected to the story) ask everyone to search for the items in their house and bring them to the screen*.
Chat together about all the different items and how they connect with the story.
- Something wooly – David was a shepherd
- Something that is too big for you – Saul’s armour was too big for David
- A sandwich – David’s Dad sent him to the battle to give his brothers bread and cheese
- Something 3 metres tall – this was the height of Goliath
- Something you could use as a sling – David used a sling to fight Goliath
- A helmet – Goliath had one on
- A bag you would take with you on a journey – David carried things to the battle
- Shoes you like to run in – David ran towards Goliath
- Something that gives you hope – David had hope because he knew God was with him
- One of God’s names – write it down – this is the God David trusted
*Encourage everyone to take care as they try to find the items!
Ask everyone what the soldiers in the story wanted to fight with? (swords, spears, armour). That is what people rely on, or trust in, in a battle. What did David do? He didn’t wear the armour or take the spear, he said he was going to trust in God.
What kind of things make us feel better when we are scared? (Other people, stories, cuddly toys, playing games?)
Tell the group what helps you.
Say that these are really good things to trust in when we are scared, they really help, but most importantly we have a God who is there when no one else is and has promised to never leave us.
Read Psalm 46:2, which is on the activity card, with these actions as your prayer…
The mountains may shake (do a whole-body shake)
when the waters rise (put your hands at your toes and bring them right up above your head)
But we will not be afraid.
Amen
Do this a few times so everyone gets it. Suggest that we all do it whenever we need to remember that God is with us, and we don’t need to be afraid.
Say goodbye to everyone and look forward to seeing them tomorrow.
