SHELLFISH PRAYERS

 SELF CENTERED PRAYER LIFE

SUNDAY SCHOOL 

Kim the Sunday school teacher holds a Lobster on a plate to her elementary kids class, saying, "When I pass this shellfish to you, it will be your time to pray."

Some of the students smile and giggle.

Kim continues, "How many of you have asked your father for money?"

Sally raises her hand, "I asked my dad for one hundred dollars, so I could have money to spend at the store."

Kim questions, "Did he give you the money?"

Sally replies, "No."

Kim speaks, "When we ask God the Father for things, are you holding the shellfish?  "Even when you do ask God, you do not receive anything. That is because you ask for the wrong reason. You just want to use these things to make yourselves happy."  

(James 4:3  EASY English Bible)

Bob speaks, "I asked my Dad if he would give me his car.  I want to drive to see my friends."

Kim adds, "God knows your needs before you even pray.  When you ask your dad, he's not always going to give you everything you want.  He knows what's best for you and he may say, no, or maybe you'll have to wait later until your 16 to drive his car."

Ann speaks, "I asked my papa for a $1,000 prepaid credit card, so I could always have money to spend everywhere."

Kim remarks, "Shellfish prayers are selfish prayers when everything we ask if about, 'Me, Myself, and I.'  "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.  Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."  (Philippians 2:3-4  NLT - New Living Translations)

Tom speaks, "I quess we need to pray for other kids too."

Marie adds, "Pray for moma and papa too."

Kim concludes, "Who would like to hold the shellfish when you pray?"

All the children shout, "NO!"

Kim continues, "It's OK to pray for you own needs, but remember to pray for other people too.  And don't forget you're talking to your Father in heaven who knows what's best for you.  Are you praying for God's will to be done in your life?  Are you thanking Jesus for the good things he's done for you?  And are you asking for the Holy Spirit to help you each day?"

Sally smiles, "Do you have paper plates so we can eat the Lobster?"