The teenage brain is full of questions – What do I wear? Will I pass this test? Do I have friends? and the list goes on and on…

But, one question that shouldn’t require a lot of thought is – What should I pray?

This lesson takes a look at The Lord’s Prayer and reminds us that when we pray ‘Thy will be done’, we will never go wrong.

-Nick Diliberto, Ministry to Youth

Looking for youth ministry curriculum? Check out the…

UNAFRAID – A new 4-week youth ministry series about facing and overcoming fear. In this series, students will learn how faith in Jesus empowers them.

YOUTH GROUP LESSON ON THE LORD’S PRAYER

DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS LESSON

Bible: Matthew 6:9-13

Bottom line: The prayer that never fails is ‘Thy will be done’.

Supplies: None

OPENING GAME: FINISH MY SENTENCE

Today’s game is going to test your ability to finish each other’s sentences.

First, let’s make a big circle.

Now, I will choose a well-known song and we will try to go around the circle saying the words to the song – or singing them, which honestly, might be easier.

But, here’s where it gets tricky: You can only say a total of 5 words of the song and then it pass to the next person in the circle.

If they can’t finish the next 5 words, they sit down, but you can still get back in the game, even if you are sitting down.

If it is someone’s turn and they can’t finish the song – you can finish it.

If you do it correctly – you stand up and join the circle again!

Let’s practice with one you will know: Let’s sing “Happy Birthday” to get the game going.

Song ideas: 

  • “The Star-Spangled Banner”
  • “Jesus Loves Me”
  • “The Itsy Bitsy Spider”
  • Any popular song that’s appropriate (Disney always works)
  • Popular cartoon songs
  • After playing a few rounds, have students return to their seats.

TEACH

Have you ever wished there was a ‘perfect prayer’?

You know – you say these special words and prayers are answered.

What kinds of things do you think could be in a prayer like this?

Well, it might be surprising to know that Jesus has saved us the work of trying to figure it out by creating a prayer like this – The Lord’s Prayer.

You know, the prayer that hopefully we could play the ‘Finish My Sentence’ game with and know all the words.

Let’s try it, but we won’t go around the circle, just blurt out the words if you know it – I will start: ‘Our Father, who art in… ‘

Give the youth a chance to finish the prayer, but don’t force anyone to take a turn, as some youth might not know the prayer.

The disciples basically asked Jesus to share a perfect prayer and he gave them this example.

But what does it mean?

Let’s figure it out together.

Divide the youth into 5 groups.

Give each group a phrase from The Lord’s Prayer with this challenge: Create a meme or Instagram photo, or even a drama skit, to explain your phrase in a creative way.

Team Groups

Group 1: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Group 2: Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Group 3: Give us today our daily bread.

Group 4: And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Group 5: And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

Starting with Group 1, have groups take turns sharing their creative expression of the Lord’s Prayer.

Say: Let’s take a look at part of this prayer – ‘Thy will be done’.

Think about it: If you pray and seek to do what God would do, or in other words ‘do His will’ – THAT is a prayer that never fails.

When we pray to do things the way God would have us do them, our prayers are answered, no matter what.

So, everyday ask yourself this question: What would God do in each situation that I face?

The more you ask that question, and ask God to help you answer the question, the closer you get to his will.

Think of a tough situation you are facing.

Maybe a decision you need to make?

Family or friend issues.

A worry.

Now, ask God to just do his will in the situation.

Think of how simple that is: God what do you want me to do here? And for God to just help you take each step as He would.

Let’s stand in a circle again and close by saying The Lord’s Prayer.

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

  1. Which part of the Lord’s Prayer do you relate to the best?
  2. Invite youth to share a situation in their lives that they thought of during the lesson. How would praying ‘Thy will be done’ change how they look at the situation?
  3. Why do you think Jesus gave the disciples this prayer?

DOWNLOAD THE PDF OF THIS LESSON

End lesson.

Looking for youth ministry curriculum? Check out the…

UNAFRAID – A new 4-week youth ministry series about facing and overcoming fear. In this series, students will learn how faith in Jesus empowers them.

10 Replies to “YOUTH GROUP LESSON ON THE LORD’S PRAYER”

  1. Dee Carey
    • September 10, 2017

    Thank You!

    Reply 1 Response
    1. Becky Forkel
      • September 17, 2017

      You’re welcome! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Jerri Daniels
    • September 27, 2017

    Thank you for this awesome lesson. I can’t wait to use it!

    Reply
  3. Kelley Oglesby
    • April 8, 2018

    Our youth minister is leaving and our youth committee will be trying to keep the group growing and learning. I am up first and this site popped up on my search for free help. Thank you so much for putting these lessons out there!

    Reply 1 Response
    1. Kristy Preston
      • April 8, 2018

      We are so glad to be able to help you all on this journey Kelley!

      Reply
  4. Antasha Williams
    • June 15, 2018

    Look at God he answered my prayer I was planning on doing a Sunday school lesson with my youth group on prayer and look what pops up thank you

    Reply 1 Response
    1. Kristy Preston
      • June 16, 2018

      That’s so awesome to hear! I pray that this lesson really helps get the message through to your students. God Bless Antasha!

      Reply
  5. Peyton Ergle
    • January 4, 2020

    Thank you for this. I am one of the youth, and I have to teach on this tomorrow. This has deffintally helped me through the struggle of finding the right approach and keeping the youth into the lesson. So thank you for the help, and God bless.

    Reply 1 Response
    1. Kristy Preston
      • January 4, 2020

      Hi Peyton,
      Thank you for reaching out to us! We are happy you found this lesson useful within your ministry.

      Reply
  6. Olola
    • June 22, 2024

    God bless this ministry. Your various lessons have been helpful for me with the teenagers in my church.
    More grace!

    Reply

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