I Will Be Reverent

Invite a child to give the opening prayer.

Show the picture on page 86. Tell the children that this family is at church and that they are being reverent. Invite the children to say “reverent.” Explain that being reverent means quietly thinking about Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. Point out things that the family in the picture is doing to show that they are reverent. Draw particular attention to the children in the picture.

Image

reverent family at church

Help the children understand that when we come to church we can show our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus by being reverent. Describe some of the ways we show reverence at church, and practice doing them with the children. For example:

• We talk with quiet voices. (practice talking quietly)

• We walk with quiet feet. (practice walking quietly)

• We sit quietly. (practice sitting quietly)

• We listen to our teachers. (cup hand around ear)

• We think about Jesus. (point to head)

Explain that another way we show reverence is by singing reverent songs. Sing or say the words to “I Will Try to Be Reverent” (Children’s Songbook, 28) and do the actions below. Invite the children to join you.

Compliment the children for being reverent. Explain that these things help us and those around us think about Heavenly Father and Jesus. Ask the children to say, “I will be reverent.” Invite them to be reverent today.

Tell the children that it’s time for the closing prayer. Ask, “How can you be reverent during the prayer?” Help them practice folding their arms, bowing their heads, and closing their eyes while you give the prayer. Remind the children that doing this helps us show Heavenly Father and Jesus that we love Them. Praise them for showing reverence.

• For the flip-book activity: Copy the illustration on page 87; color if desired. Cut along the solid line to make two flaps. Fold the flaps over to cover the drawing.

  Image

  coloring page, reverence flip book

  I close my eyes and bow my head

• For the coloring activity: Copy the illustration on page 87 for each child to color. Cut along the solid line to make flip books for the children.

  Image

  flip book diagram

Hold up the illustration you prepared, with the flaps covering the drawing. Tell the children that you will show them some pictures that show us how to be reverent during a prayer. Open the top flap and read the words on the inside of the flap. Do the same with the bottom flap. Repeat the activity; this time invite the children to practice bowing their heads, closing their eyes, and folding their arms.

Recite the following verse and invite the children to join you:

Let the children color a copy of the flip books you prepared for them.