Elijah needs a Nap

Open with Prayer:
God, we thank you for this time together, for the technology that makes it possible, and the hearts that connect us. Be with us as we travel, join us in this journey, and help us see and hear you always. Amen.

Read: 1 Kings 19:4-8

Elijah went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a solitary broom tree. He asked that he might die: ‘It is enough; now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am no better than my ancestors.’ Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said to him, ‘Get up and eat.’ He looked, and there at his head was a cake baked on hot stones, and a jar of water. He ate and drank and lay down again. The angel of the Lord came a second time, touched him, and said, ‘Get up and eat, otherwise the journey will be too much for you.’ He got up and ate and drank; then he went in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb the mount of God.

• Have you ever felt like Elijah? Just needing to lay down, be alone, and sleep (or eat)?

• Have you ever been cranky or hangry? (Maybe it looked something like THIS?)

• Does it make you feel better to hear that people in Bible times would also get cranky?

• How does it feel to wake up from a nap? Especially a nap you really needed?

• Next time you feel cranky or upset, remember that God knows we need snacks and naps!

Finish with Prayer:

God, Thank you for helping Elijah rest and feel better, help us to remember to rest and refresh ourselves when we need it.

Thank you for providing us with: (something God has given you)

God today we thank you for: (something or someone you’re grateful for)

God today we need your help with: (something hard or difficult you need to do)

God today please be with: (someone who may be sick, sad, or hurt)

We ask all this in Jesus’ name.

Amen