May 17, 2026 – Jesus Prays for His Followers

Jesus talks to God the Father and prays for His followers, showing us that knowing God and staying connected to Him is the most important thing in life. Core Teaching Theme: In this passage, Jesus prays to God and speaks about His mission and His followers. He shows that eternal life means knowing God and being in a relationship with Him. Jesus also prays for His disciples, asking God to protect and guide them. This lesson helps children understand that Jesus cares about them, prays for them, and wants them to stay close to God. It reminds them that they can also talk to God through prayer and grow in their relationship with Him. Lesson Length: 25–30 minutes total Leader Prep: 5 minutes Curiosity: 5 minutes Belief: 10 minutes Faith: 5 minutes

LEADER PREP

Leader Devotional & Invitation (for you, before teaching) In John 17:1–11, we are invited into a deeply personal moment between Jesus and God the Father. Jesus pauses before His journey to the cross to pray—not for Himself alone, but for His disciples and all who would follow Him. He speaks about knowing God as the very definition of eternal life. This reminds us that faith is not just about rules or routines, but about a living, growing relationship with God. As you reflect on this passage, consider your own relationship with God. Do you take time to talk with Him? Do you pause in the busyness of life to listen, to pray, and to rest in His presence? Jesus models for us that prayer is powerful and essential—it is how we stay connected to the Father. Before you teach, take a moment to reconnect with God personally, just as Jesus did. This passage also carries a beautiful truth: Jesus prays for His followers. That includes you. In the middle of your responsibilities, your joys, and even your struggles, Jesus is mindful of you and cares deeply about your life. You are not teaching these children alone—God is with you, guiding you, strengthening you, and working through you. As you prepare to lead, remember that your role is more than delivering a lesson. You are helping children begin a lifelong relationship with God. Your words, your presence, and your faith can shape how they understand prayer and connection with God. Let your teaching come from a place of authenticity—share not just information, but your heart for God. Step into this time with confidence and peace, knowing that God is already at work. Just as Jesus prayed for His disciples, trust that God will use you to plant seeds of faith that will grow in the hearts of these children. Leader Prayer Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me and for inviting me into a relationship with You. Thank You that Jesus prays for us and cares about every part of our lives. As I prepare to teach today, help me to feel Your presence and peace. Give me the right words to say and a heart that reflects Your love. Help the children understand that they can know You and talk to You anytime. Use this time to draw us all closer to You. Amen.

Bible Background (Understanding the Story)

In this passage, Jesus is praying to God the Father near the end of His time on earth. He is with His disciples, the group of followers who have been learning from Him and traveling with Him. This prayer happens just before Jesus is arrested and crucified, making it one of His final and most important conversations with God. Jesus talks about His mission—to show people who God is and to help them know Him. He explains that eternal life means knowing God and having a relationship with Him. Jesus also prays for His disciples, asking God to protect them and help them stay strong in their faith after He is gone. This passage matters because it shows us how much Jesus cares for His followers. It reminds us that prayer is how we connect with God and that knowing God is the most important thing in life. Children should understand that Jesus loves them, prays for them, and wants them to stay close to God through prayer and trust.

Key Vocabulary

Eternal Life – Living forever with God Glory – Honor and praise given to God

Pray – Talking to God

Disciples – People who follow Jesus Protect – To keep safe

Supply Checklist

Bible (for reference or reading aloud) Whiteboard or poster paper Markers or crayons Small index cards or paper for prayer activity Pencils or pens Optional: small basket or box (for collecting prayer cards) Prep Time Estimated Prep Time: 10–15 minutes Review the scripture, read through the lesson plan, gather supplies, and spend a few minutes in personal prayer before teaching.

Welcome Question (displayed): Who do you talk to when you really need help or want to share something important?

Before Kids Arrive

Write the welcome question on a board or display it on a screen. Arrange seating in a circle or semi-circle to encourage conversation. No supplies are needed for the activity—just space for kids to stand or sit together. Prayer Over the Space (Pray quietly before kids arrive): Dear God, thank You for each child who will walk into this room today. Help this be a place where they feel safe, loved, and excited to learn about You. Open their hearts to understand how much You care for them and how they can talk to You. Amen.

Leader Tip

Younger children (K–2) may give simple or one-word answers (“my mom,” “my friend”), while older children (3–5) may share more detailed responses. Affirm all answers and gently guide them toward the idea of talking to God.

As Kids Arrive (Leader Script)

“Hey everyone! I’m so glad you’re here today! Come on in and find a seat. I’ve got a question for you to think about: Who do you talk to when you really need help or want to share something important? Is it a parent? A friend? Maybe a teacher? “Who do you go to when you’re feeling sad?” (If kids are quiet, prompt:) “Who do you tell when something really exciting happens?” “Has anyone ever helped you feel better just by listening?” “That’s awesome. It’s really important to have someone we can talk to!”

At Start Time (Leader Script)

“Alright everyone, let’s come together! You all shared some really great answers about who you talk to. It feels good to know someone is listening, doesn’t it? When something big happens—good or bad—we want to tell someone who cares about us. Today, we’re going to learn something amazing—Jesus talks to God, and He even prays for us. That means we are never alone, and we always have someone we can talk to—God!” Curiosity Activity – Game or Object Lesson: “Pass the Message”

Leader Instruction

This activity helps children understand how important communication is and introduces the idea that talking and sharing messages matters—just like prayer is how we talk to God. Step-by-Step:

1. Have the children sit or stand in a circle.
2. Whisper a short, simple message to one child (example: “God loves you very much”).
3. That child whispers it to the next person, and so on around the circle.
4. The last child says the message out loud.
5. Compare it to the original message.
6. Repeat once more if time allows with a different phrase.

Encourage kids to whisper quietly and listen carefully. Leader Tips for Management: Keep the message short and simple to avoid frustration. Celebrate the effort, even if the message changes—keep it fun and light!

Transition (Leader Script)

“That was fun! Sometimes messages can get a little mixed up when we pass them along, right? But here’s the really cool part—when we talk to God, we don’t have to worry about our message getting mixed up. He hears us clearly every time. Let’s get ready to hear about a time when Jesus talked to God in a very special way.”

Leader Instruction

This is the time to help children hear and experience God’s Word. Focus on telling the story slowly and clearly so children can imagine what is happening. Emphasize that Jesus is praying and talking to God. Use a calm and gentle voice when sharing Jesus’ prayer Teaching Tips for Volunteers: Pause often to let children think and reflect Encourage simple participation (closing eyes, repeating phrases) Keep explanations simple—let the Scripture speak Make eye contact and invite children into the moment Prayer of Invitation (Leader Script): “Dear God, thank You for Your Word. Help us to listen, understand, and feel how much Jesus loves us. Open our hearts to hear You today. Amen.” Bible Time Rhyme (say with motions): “Open up the Bible wide (open hands like a book) God’s Word is our guide (point upward) Listen close and hear inside (cup hands around ears)” Storytelling (Leader Script): “Today, we hear a special moment where Jesus is talking to God. (soft voice) Jesus looked up toward heaven… (have children look up) …and He began to pray. He said, ‘Father, the time has come.’ (Pause) Jesus talked about His work—how He had shown people who God is. He said something very important: ‘Eternal life is knowing You, the only true God… and knowing Me.’ (Pause and look around) That means life with God isn’t just forever—it’s about knowing Him and being close to Him. (Invite children to place a hand on their heart) Then Jesus talked about His followers—the disciples. He said, ‘They belong to You… and I have been with them.’ (Pause)

Jesus cared about them. He loved them. And then… Jesus prayed for them. (softly) He asked God to protect them. He asked God to help them stay close to Him. (Pause) Think about that… Jesus was talking to God about the people He loved. Reflection Question: How do you think it feels to know Jesus is praying for His followers? (Pause for answers) Here’s something amazing… Jesus didn’t just care about His disciples—He cares about us too. (gesture to group) Just like He prayed for them… He wants us to know God and stay close to Him. (Pause) Jesus showed us that we can talk to God anytime… just like He did.”

Ask children to look up when Jesus prays

Engagement Tips: Have them place a hand on their heart when hearing “know God” Whisper together: “Jesus cares about me” Pause and let children answer simple reflection questions Connecting the Wonder Truth (Leader Script): “Jesus showed us something very important—He talks to God, and He cares about His people. And that includes YOU. Jesus prays for us and wants us to know God and stay close to Him. Let’s say this together: ‘Jesus prays for me and wants me close to God.’” Word of Wonder (Memory Verse): “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” — John 17:3 Motions: “Eternal life” – stretch arms wide “Know you” – point to head, then upward “Jesus Christ” – point upward “Whom you have sent” – extend hands outward Practice: Whisper the verse together Say it in a normal voice Say it with confidence and motions Optional Engagement Game: “Stay Close!” Game Have children spread out in the room. When the leader says “Stay close to God!” everyone takes one step closer to the leader. When the leader says “Talk to God!” children pause and pretend to pray. After a few rounds, remind them: “Just like in our game, Jesus wants us to stay close to God every day!”

Leader Instruction

This is the time to help children connect the Bible story to their everyday lives. Remind them that just like Jesus talked to God, they can talk to God too. Help them see that trusting God and staying close to Him is something we practice a little bit every day.

Encourage every child to share, even if their answers are simple. There are no “wrong” answers—this is about helping them think and grow. Affirm each response with kindness and enthusiasm so children feel safe to participate. Keep questions simple and give children time to think before answering. Tips for Volunteers: Affirm every response: “That’s a great thought!” or “I’m glad you shared that.” If a child is quiet, gently invite them without pressure. Share a short personal example of how you talk to God to model faith in action.

Discussion (Leader Script)

Younger (K–2):

1. What did Jesus do in our Bible story today?

(Guide: He prayed to God.)

1. Who was Jesus talking to when He prayed?

(Guide: God the Father.)

1. Does Jesus care about His followers?

(Guide: Yes, He prayed for them and loves them.)

1. Who can you talk to when you need help?

(Guide: God / Jesus / trusted adults like parents or teachers.)

1. What is one thing you might want to ask God for help with this week?

(Guide: Answers will vary—help them name something simple like being kind, not being afraid, or making good choices.)

Older (3–5):

1. Why do you think Jesus prayed for His followers instead of just telling them what to do?

1. How can remembering that Jesus cares about you change how you feel when something is hard?

1. What are some times when it’s hard to trust God, and why do you think that happens?

1. What is one real way you can stay close to God this week (prayer, reading Scripture, being kind, asking for help)?

Encourage honest answers and remind students that everyone is still learning how to trust God—this is something we grow in over time. Faith Practice Moment (Optional but Encouraged) Leader Script: “Let’s take a quiet moment to talk to God together. Place your hands over your heart or open your hands in your lap.”

Leader says → children repeat

“God, You are with me.” (Children repeat) “Jesus, You care about me.” (Children repeat) “Help me stay close to You.” (Children repeat) “Thank You for loving me.” (Children repeat) “Amen.”

Transition (Leader Script)

“Today we learned that Jesus prays for us and wants us to stay close to God. Trusting God is something we practice every day—just like we practiced now. Let’s keep thinking about who we are because of God’s love as we move into our next part.”

Craft Activity – “God Knows Me Heart” Supplies: (Index cards or small pieces of paper) (Crayons or markers) (Pencils)

Leader Instruction

This activity helps children understand that their identity is found in being known and loved by God. In John 17, Jesus prays for His followers, showing that He deeply cares about them and wants them to know God. This means each child is not forgotten—they are personally known by Jesus and included in His prayer.

As children create their hearts, they will reflect on the truth that Jesus prays for them and wants a relationship with them. This reinforces that their identity is not based on what they do, but on who they are—children who are loved, known, and cared for by God.

Younger Kids (K–2): Have children draw a large heart on their paper and decorate it with colors. Inside the heart, help them write their name and simple words like “God loves me” or “Jesus prays for me.”

Older Kids (3–5): Have children draw a heart and write their name inside. Around the heart, ask them to write 2–3 short phrases such as “God knows me,” “Jesus prays for me,” or “I can know God.” Encourage them to personalize it with something they want to thank God for or talk to Him about.

Pre-draw hearts on paper for younger kids to save time Classroom Management Tips: Encourage sharing but don’t force kids to read their paper aloud Keep the pace moving—set a gentle 3–4 minute timer for completion Instructions:

1. Give each child a piece of paper and crayons/markers.
2. Ask them to draw a large heart (or provide one already drawn).
3. Have them write their name inside the heart.
4. Guide them to add words or phrases that remind them God knows and loves them.
5. Allow a minute for decorating.
6. Invite a few volunteers to share if time allows.

Leader Script (Identity Connection): “Today we learned that Jesus prayed for His followers—and that includes us! That means Jesus knows your name, cares about you, and wants you to know God. Your heart reminds you that you are never alone. You are someone Jesus loves, someone He prays for, and someone who belongs to God.”

Review the Wonder Truth Jesus prays for us and wants us to know God and stay close to Him.

Restate the Wonder Truth Jesus cares about us so much that He talks to God about us, and He wants us to know God and stay close to Him every day.

Who does Jesus pray to, and who does He pray for? Closing Questions What does it mean to “know God”? How can you talk to God this week?

Closing Prayer

Dear God, Thank You for loving us and for sending Jesus, who prays for us. Help us to know You more each day and to stay close to You. Teach us how to talk to You in prayer and to trust You with everything in our lives. We love You, Lord. Amen. Optional Sending Activity “Prayer Moments” Challenge: Ask children to take one minute each day this week to talk to God. It can be in the morning, before bed, or anytime they need help. Encourage them to say one thing they’re thankful for, one thing they need help with, and one person they want to pray for.