Discussion Starters
Use these daily in the car, at dinner or at bedtime, or plan a longer family time, and talk about all the questions at once.
I Wonder...
Sunday - What questions do you have about today's Bible lesson? or What do you remember from today's Bible lesson?
Monday - God was very specific about what materials would make the ark. Acacia wood was durable (would last a long time) and very valuable. Gold is valuable, too. Why do you think God chose the materials for the Ark of the Covenant?
Tuesday - The ark was placed in the holy of holies, the deepest part of the temple, where only the priest was allowed to enter. We believe that we can meet God when we go to church. We also believe that God is always with us. When have you felt God's presence with you? (Note: you might talk about when you have felt God's presence or give some examples.)
Wednesday - The ark was a chest that carried important items of faith, such as the covenant between God and the people and the 10 commandments. Are there things in our home that remind of you God of our faith? Where do you keep them? How do you take care of them?
Thursday - The ark was a powerful reminder that God's presence was with the people. What reminds you that God is with you? What does it mean to you that God is always with you?
Friday - Why do you think that the top of the ark, which was like a throne for God, was called the "mercy seat"? (Note: you may need to look up and define mercy!)
Saturday - One of the items kept in the ark of the covenant was the 10 commandments. Read them or summarize them (Exodus 20:1-17). Which of these commandments do you think are the most important? Are there any that you think aren't needed?
Supplemental Activity Ideas
Draw the Ark: Read the description of the ark in this week's scripture. Using only the description from the Bible, invite each member of the family to draw the ark as they see it in their imagination. Then use google images to look up how scholars and artists envision the ark. Talk about the similarities and differences of your pictures. (Bonus: Share your ark pictures on our Facebook Group page!)
Make an Altar Box - Cover a shoebox or similar box with construction paper and decorate it. Put items inside that your family can use when you gather for worship or for family devotional time. Items might include a candle and a lighter, a Bible, a children's storybook Bible, a hymnal, a special cloth to cover a table, a spiral to use as a prayer journal, a cross, pictures or items that remind you of God, a jar or container to collect blessings or joys inside, an offering basic where you can put money that you will be donating to church or to charity, etc. Bring this box out whenever your family gathers for worship, family devotional time or prayer time.
Spiritual Discipline or Prayer Technique
Start a practice of blessing one another this week. Hold another person's hand as you say, "You are a blessing from God. You are a blessing to me." And then that person will hold the hand of another family and repeat the same blessing until all family members have been blessed. Practice saying this blessing every night at bedtime.
