New City Catechism, Week 38 (Question 38)

Q: What is prayer?

Children’s answer

A: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God.

Adult/older children’s answer

A: Prayer is pouring out our hearts to God in praise, petition, confession of sin, and thanksgiving.

Video explanation:

Song to assist with memorization:

Relevant Scripture to read:

Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Children’s Activity (printable pdfs)

Younger Kids (pages 6 and 7)

There are no resources for older kids currently available for this lesson.

Special thanks to Del Rey Church for sharing their New City Catechism kid resources with us!

Devotional questions for individual/family/group reflection and discussion:

1. What does the phrase “pouring out our hearts” evoke - how have you seen your prayer life reflect this truth?

2. Can you think of a time that prayer helped you to feel less burdened?

3. Pastor Chris Hutchinson said - “Pray your prayers like the man who believe, despite his disbelief. If you cannot pray what you should, pray what you can.” - How can you apply this to any current struggles you are having with prayer?

4. What is on your heart today? What sins/failures/worries are weighing you down? Take some time to pour these things out to the Lord, knowing that He stands ready to hear.

For an additional “deeper” dive into this question and answer, check out this video from Dr. Michael Allen (which a few of the above questions are based on):