Week 387 · about 45 minutes
1 Chronicles 13
1 Chronicles 13 · Memory verse 1 Chronicles 13:3
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Queues the lesson plan, this story’s coloring page (1 Chronicles 13), the matching word search and answer key (1 Chronicles 13 word search), the memory-verse tracer, and a parent slip.
Five-minute object lesson
Prop: a folded cloth
Hold a folded cloth. Read 1 Chronicles 13 in about four minutes, stopping at 1 Chronicles 13:3: “Also, let us again bring the ark of our God back to us; for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.”” Ask, “What does this prop have to do with 1 Chronicles 13?” Let two children answer, then say the memory verse together.
Story script
1 Chronicles 13 is a real chapter from the Old Testament. It starts, “David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader.” That is not a motto invented for a poster. It is the first sentence a family hears when this page is opened at night.
Keep going a little further. The chapter also says, “David and all Israel played before God with all their might, even with songs, with harps, with stringed instruments, with tambourines, with cymbals, and with trumpets.” 1 Chronicles 13 opens with these words: “David consulted with the captains of thousands and of hundreds, even with every leader.” The line to keep is 1 Chronicles 13:3: “Also, let us again bring the ark of our God back to us; for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.”” Carry the word “bring” from that verse into the rest of the day.
The line worth learning out loud is 1 Chronicles 13:3: “Also, let us again bring the ark of our God back to us; for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.”” If the rest of the chapter feels crowded, hold that one sentence until the room is quiet.
What happens first in 1 Chronicles 13? Then try this: Read “Also, let us again bring the ark of our God back to us; for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.”” once more. What does it show you about God? You do not have to finish every verse. You can close the book after the memory verse and still have read the Bible together.
Group game
Walk the room as if you are moving through 1 Chronicles 13. Every time you freeze, a child says one word from 1 Chronicles 13:3. The last child says the whole verse.
Craft
On a US Letter sheet, draw one picture from 1 Chronicles 13 and write 1 Chronicles 13:3 under it. Send it home as tonight’s reminder, not as a decoration contest.
Memory verse
1 Chronicles 13:3
“Also, let us again bring the ark of our God back to us; for we didn’t seek it in the days of Saul.””
Take-home prayer
Father, thank you for 1 Chronicles 13. Help us remember 1 Chronicles 13:3 when we wake up, and teach us to notice you in an ordinary night. Amen.