Sing Thanks to God
Read Ephesians 5:15-20.
Today is the 12th Sunday of Pentecost. During Pentecost, we grow closer to God and closer to one another. In today’s second reading, from Ephesians, we are reminded to live as Jesus wants us to live. That means our lives should be filled with kindness and love.
Watch today’s video and learn more:
In Ephesians, we are reminded to live as Jesus wants us to live, with lives filled with kindness and love. It also encourages us to sing praises to God. When we worship God at church, our worship usually includes hymns or songs. These hymns or songs are a way of praising God – of telling God how much we love God and thanking God for all the blessings God gives us. We can sing hymns or songs of praise not just at church, but wherever we are.
In Ephesians, we are also encouraged to thank God at all times and for everything. God has created each one of us and all living things. God provides us with all that we have. God’s love for us is never ending. God is always with us. God sent a son, Jesus, who was born as a baby in Bethlehem, who grew up and taught people about God’s love. Jesus healed people. Jesus welcomed everyone, especially children. Jesus did amazing things. In fact, Jesus did the most amazing thing. After he died on a cross and his body was put in a tomb, Jesus rose from the dead. He is alive! When we are baptized, we are forgiven of our sins, made part of God’s family forever, and given the gift of eternal life – life that never ends, life forever with Jesus. That’s something we can give thanks for always!
Discuss
- What is a favorite hymn or song?
- How can you praise God when you are not at church?
- What is something you are thankful for?
Song
Praise Your Name. Go Fish Guys.
Activity
As we consider praising God through music this week, check out this video which has 4 simple musical instruments you can make with supplies you can find at home:
Activity
Take time each day this week and write down one thing each person in your family is thankful for that day. At the end of the week review all of the things you are thankful for and give thanks to God!
Closing Prayer
God, thank you for the gift of music. Thank you for everything you bless us with. Help us thank and praise you at all times. Amen.
Pastor Dan Fugate, Assistant to the Bishop for Discipleship in the Indiana-Kentucky Synod, ELCA, put this lesson together for Sunday School @ Home. There will be a new one for each Sunday while we are unable to gather together physically in our congregational buildings. Contact him at dfugate@iksynod.org.