Beautiful Praise

Here's a book similar in theme to last week's repost of a favorite PBT God Book. This book is for audiences who are a little older. There are many other books at PBT about praise and thanksgiving. Simply type those words into the search engine or click on those particular search words at the bottom of the page. If you're on your phone, you'll need to click on the "web version." 

Picture Book: Sing Praise

Authors: Rhonda Gowler Greene

Illustrator: Janet Broxton

Summary: In this gorgeous book, rhyming verse encourages songs of thanksgiving and praise to God as demonstrated by all sorts of God's creatures and even celestial beings. Singing and ...

dancing are given priority as these pages remind us that God wants to be worshiped by all that God has created. 

Our beauty and worthiness lie in the simple fact that we are creatures of God giving voice (and dance) to the glory of our uniqueness and diversity. 

Our various abilities, beautiful faces, and playful natures are celebrated here. 

From jungles to oceans, 

bird-filled skies to farmland, 

creatures great and small are shown delighting in their createdness and praising the One who is responsible for their joy. 

The variety of song and movement is celebrated 

and will surely delight God as it should delight and inspire us humans. 

Our world, which I have lately heard is the first of God's scriptures, is the backdrop of this book's lesson in two of the easiest spiritual practices to learn.    

Praise and thanksgiving are natural expressions of our humanness and should be encouraged, expected, and never judged in our places of worship. 

Seasons are celebrated here 

as are the collective ways we praise God in community. 

One benefit of these pages is the way in which they offer hope and courage to us all to do that which we were meant to do: Be who you were created to be 

while giving back the praise and gratitude that is due our Creator.

Hanna’s Comments: This book is sure to be a future entry in the PBT Grab & Go list. Simply read it and have your audience engage in some silly imitating of various creatures in these pages who scripture says are offering praise and gratitude to God simply by being who and what God created them to be. You might want to have some nature sounds playing as folks enter and play a guessing game about what they are hearing. What a great lesson for all those who doubt their worthiness! Children (and adults) need to be reminded that God mostly wants to be worshiped, not feared, and certainly not ignored. 

Original Publisher & Date: Augsburg Fortress, 2005

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: The Psalms have many examples of praise to God and exhortations to do so. This book is primarily inspired by Psalms 140 and 150.

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of elementary aged children who are learning about how all of nature, alongside human beings, can and do worship God through praise and thanksgiving. 

This author has another beautiful book (illustrated by Anne Wilson this time). It's about the story of creation in Genesis. Both man and woman are made in God’s image. It uses a repeated rhyme form like The House the Jack Built but does not build too much text so preschoolers can be attentive. The days are not numbered but the Genesis sequence is there. It is a big book with bold illustrations that reflect the spherical nature of Earth. 

PBT Series: God Book #13

This is a repeat of a post from the first year of PBT when I offered 1 picture book a day for a year. Spring has sprung here in Alabama so animals and plants are singing God’s praise all about me! Most of the 700 or so books at PBT are secular, but I have over 80 God books! This series has the best of them. I include God Books because they are treasures that would be hard for you to find if you didn’t know about them already. They are generally about the nature of God so applications in ministry are obvious. This one is particularly beautiful and perfect for young children. Enjoy!

Picture Book: Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise

Author & Illustrator: Tomie de Paola

Summary: Here is the text of this beautiful book:

Sun and Moon, Stars and Comets in the Heavens.

Praise God.

Light and Darkness, Day and Night, 

Showers and Frost, Ice and snow.

Bless God.

Fire, Heat, Lightning and Clouds, 

Mountains, Hills, Seas, Rivers, and Fountains,

Praise God.

Fruitful Trees, Cedars, and all that Sprout upon the Earth,

Whales, Fish, and all Creatures that Move in the Waters,

Bless God.

Birds, Everything that Flies in the Air,

Dogs, Cats, All Animals and Creeping Things on Earth,

Praise God.

All People, Young and Old, Let Everything in Heaven and on Earth

Bless and Praise God.

Hanna’s Comments: In the Authors Note, de Paola explains that his book was inspired by two pieces of Old Testament scripture: The Canticle of the Three Young Men from the Book of Daniel and Psalm 148. He has purposefully made it like a children’s song. The illustrations are inspired by folk art designs of the Otomi people of Puebla, Mexico. When presenting this book, consider the question of non-human entities being able to praise God. Have fun with the movement and sounds in nature. Delight in all the diversity God displays on our great Earth. Most importantly, have your kiddos engage in lots of praising of God during your lesson. 

Original Publisher & Date: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Praise the Lord…Praise him, sun and moon… (Psalm 148); let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name (Hebrews 13:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when teaching them about worship and praise to God. Consider presenting the ideas of this book to older children to consider in a lesson on praise in nature.

PBT Series: God Book #9

Most of the books I feature at PBT are secular, but there are many books here that I call “God Books.” These are sacred picture books that aren’t so easy to find in libraries or bookstores. These may be the most valuable treasures I offer for ministry. This PBT series is a collection of re-posts of those God books. Want to see them all? Simply find the Search Word list at the bottom of the web version and click on "God Book." This treasure is both beautiful and full of potential for conversation about intercessory prayer. Consider it a God Book as well as a Grab & Go book (another PBT series) for there are lots of easy possibilities here!

Picture Book: Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer
Author: Tonya Bolden

Illustrator: Eric Valasquez
Summary: One evening in a noisy city, a young boy hurries out of bed because he’s forgotten to say his prayers. As he kneels and prays, he notices a beautiful moon shining in his window. Others in the city are experiencing the rays of the moon, but those people are in distress. Then the author weaves and directs an aspect of the boy’s prayer to each of the other parties. A woman tries to sleep on a park bench; the boy prays for those who are homeless. A businessman reads a news headline about war and is worried for his soldier daughter; the boy prays for war to end. Two adults stare at an empty cupboard; the boy prays for people to have food. This continues as the beautiful moon shines on them all.

Hanna’s Comments: I don’t usually offer what I call “nighttime” books since my primary purpose at PBT is to provide ideas for ministry which usually occurs in daylight hours. I had to make an exception for this book! Help even your youngest listeners understand that the moon is a symbol for God in this story. Then expand on that idea. Be sure to talk about the feelings each scenario evokes. Ask... How might God feel about these situations? What might God be doing in this city to alleviate some of this suffering? Also, talk about this boy’s prayer practices and how they are a comfort to him and hopefully a lifelong practice. Mention that he was not "in trouble" for forgetting to pray early in the story. Invite your children (or adults) to share their experiences with prayer practices. If you get silence, there's your opportunity to instruct on the power of silent prayer. Offer a simple prayer ritual and then build on this instruction in future experiences. Throughout share the importance of intercessory prayer (prayer for others) in your own spiritual journey.

Thought not a PBT God Book, there is another extraordinary book that shares much with the book above. Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper is a secular book about a grandfather who lovingly reassures his grandson "that ol' moon will always shine for you... on and on." Again, the moon is a beautiful metaphor for God, who is always present. The grandson tests this idea and finds it to be true.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams, 2014
Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up
Formats other than Book: Tablet
Scripture Connections: Love the Lord, your God with all your heart… (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Mark 12:30); when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears (Psalm 34:17); in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be known to God (Philippians 4:6)
Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a nighttime devotional at a church  family retreat or a camp program for children. OR Use this book as a tool to instruct children in the importance and comforting spiritual practice of intercessory prayer. 

waiting and waiting and waiting and waiting

On Monday I’ll begin featuring December holiday books. Today I suggest 4 secular books for Advent, a liturgical season in the Christian calendar which begins this Sunday and lasts to Christmas Eve. Advent is primarily about waiting for Jesus, the person Christians believe is promised in The Hebrew scriptures such as in The Book of Isaiah. The first 3 books can be read throughout the year. The last is about waiting for snow so I suggest late fall or winter. Consider age appropriateness by asking if your children are too young to understand the story or if there are too many words for their attention span. Any of these books could be appropriate for children, teens, or adults if presented skillfully, mining the wisdom that is here for all ages.

Picture Book: Waiting

Author & Illustrator: Kevin Henkes

Hanna's Comments: In a simple but powerful story of toys waiting on a windowsill, Kevin Henkes offers a book that will no doubt become a classic. Don’t be fooled by the child-like and even saccharine look of this book. There is so much depth here. Children will respond immediately, and adults will find their place on the window sill if you encourage them to consider questions such as...

How do the toys’ desires translate into human desires?
What are you waiting for?

How do you respond when a new person crowds the window sill?

Who/what is the source of your hope?

Original Publisher & Date: Greenwillow, 2015

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: I wait for the Lord, my soul waits, and in his word I hope (Psalm 130:5-6); The Lord will give you a sign. A young girl shall conceive and bear a son… (Isaiah 7:14); For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… (Isaiah 9:6); From you, O Bethlehem, shall come forth one…whose coming forth is from of old (Micah 5:2); Your king is coming to you (Zechariah 9:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults and encourage them to share what they are waiting for from God. 

The next 2 books have very similar plots. They both involve two animal characters waiting for something. In each case, one animal is in the know and the other animal is clueless and very impatient. Remind you of anyone? Both books end with the characters looking up to the sky.

Picture Book: Waiting Is Not Easy!

Author & Illustrator: Mo Willems

Hanna's Comments: Once again Willems offers a hilarious Elephant and Piggie dynamic. The emotional faces Willems can conjure with just a few drawn lines is incredible. Kids will crack up and adults will laugh as well. Everyone will relate.

Original Publisher & Date: Hyperion, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: And now, O Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in you. (Psalm 39:7); Still the vision awaits its appointed time… If it seems slow, wait for it… (Habakkuk 2:3); Be patient… (James 5:7); whatever is true...lovely, think on these things (Philippians 4:8)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children in your faith family and talk about the need for patience (a fruit of The Spirit) during Advent and at other times.

Picture Book: What Are You Waiting For?

Author: Scott Menchin

Illustrator: Matt Phelan

Hanna's Comments: This fun tale similarly offers a mysterious build to a beautiful climax (a full moon) and reminder to attend to our natural world. These 2 books about patient versus impatient waiting encapsulate the season for many parents and children. Let them encourage a spiritual dynamic to December’s conversations and plans by encouraging your audience at church, school, or home to imagine a world with no waiting or no beauty.

Original Publisher & Date: Roaring Brook, 2017

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

Formats other than Book: Tablet

Scripture Connections: Be still before the Lord and wait for God (Psalm 37:7); God has made everything beautiful in its time. (Ecclesiastes 3:11); O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you (Isaiah 33:2);  I will wait for the God of my salvation (Micah 7:7)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults in your faith family and encourage conversation about how others help us wait and see beauty from God at Advent and throughout the year.

Last, I offer a book that I struggled with. I found the illustrations hard to decipher, but the story is delightful. You might want to "storytell" this book about a community of animals in the woods who believe snow is coming but have no idea what snow is and what to expect.  

Picture Book: Waiting for Winter

Author & Illustrator: Sebastian Meschenmoser

Hanna's Comments: The animals hear that snow is coming so they delay hibernation and try to stay awake to see the mysterious stuff. They have been told it is white, wet, cold, and soft which leads to mistaken assumptions that an abandoned toothbrush, a can, and a sock are snow. Finally, snow comes and they understand and delight in it. Here you have a great connection to the concept of messiah and how Jesus surprised so many with his birth, his manner, his messages, and his ministry.

Original Publisher & Date: Kane Miller, 2009

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 5 and up, K and up

Formats other than Book: None at present

Scripture Connections: Wait for the Lord (Psalm 27:14); O my strength, I will watch for you, for you, O God, are my fortress. (Psalm 59:9)

Idea(s) for Application: Tell this story to a group of children or teens and connect it to who Jesus was expected to be versus who he became.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 353

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: The Trellis and the Seed: A Book of Encouragement for All Ages

Author: Jan Karon

Illustrator: Robert Gantt Steele

Summary: This story is from the point of view of a moonflower seed who has doubts about her potential. The seed has heard that she will become a vine and blossoms, but she doesn’t see how. Planted beside a white trellis by a “nice lady” who has faith the seed will transform, the seed waits and experiences changes described as a tickle and a kiss. Earth encourages the seed when she has doubts, saying that “God has planned something beautiful for you.” After struggling to the top of the trellis and sensing the blossoms of the many other plants, she becomes discouraged that she has no blossoms. Again Earth advises, “God’s timing for you is different.” When a full moon appears, the nice lady comes out to investigate the amazing new fragrance that comes from the seed’s many moonflower blossoms. The nice lady exclaims that she knew the seed would be “wonderfully different.”

Hanna’s Comments: Besides an informative lesson on the process of growing a climbing vine, this second offering of a PBT Dynamic Duo of books about seeds offers several metaphorical lessons on issues such as doubt, faith, vocation, patience, transformation, and personal potential. As the subtitle implies, both children and adults will enjoy this story. Scripture connections abound!

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Viking, 2003

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Audio cassette

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: babies/children, beauty, beginnings/morning, calling/call/vocation, care of creation, covenant/promises/vow, differences, doubt, eggs/seeds, encouragement, the environment/nature, faith/faithfulness, flowers/leaves/trees, gardening/planting/pruning/sowing, God’s presence, God’s nature, God’s will, growing up/growth, life, moon/space/stars/sun, nurturing, patience, prophesy/prophets, purpose, reflection, self-discovery, surprise, transformation, word of God

Scripture Connections:  Trust in the Lord with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6); the seed parables (Matthew 13); for nothing will be impossible with God (Luke 1:37); if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience (Romans 8:25); faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of children or adults when talking about spiritual issues of personal potential, self-doubt, faith, vocation, transformation, or patience (aka God’s timing versus our timing).   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 343

Picture Book: Let the Whole Earth Sing Praise

Author & Illustrator: Tomie de Paola

Summary: Here is the text of this beautiful book:

Sun and Moon, Stars and Comets in the Heavens.

Praise God.

Light and Darkness, Day and Night, 
Showers and Frost, Ice and snow.

Bless God.

Fire, Heat, Lightning and Clouds, 
Mountains, Hills, Seas, Rivers, and Fountains,

Praise God.

Fruitful Trees, Cedars, and all that Sprout upon the Earth,

Whales, Fish, and all Creatures that Move in the Waters,

Bless God.

Birds, Everything that Flies in the Air,

Dogs, Cats, All Animals and Creeping Things on Earth,

Praise God.

All People, Young and Old, Let Everything in Heaven and on Earth

Bless and Praise God.

Hanna’s Comments: In the Authors Note, Tomie de Paola explains that this book was inspired by two pieces of Old Testament scripture: The Canticle of the Three Young Men from the Book of Daniel and Psalm 148. He has purposefully made it like a children’s song. The illustrations are inspired by folk art designs of the Otomi people of Puebla, Mexico.  

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 2011

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 3 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book connects with: abundance/bounty, adoration, animals, awe, Bible/scripture, blessings, creation, diversity, the environment/nature, heaven/sky, humanity, moon/space/stars/sun, pleasing God/the Shema, prayer, response to God, unity, variety, weather, worship

Scripture Connections: Praise the Lord…Praise him, sun and moon… (Psalm 148); let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name (Hebrews 13:15)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to children when teaching them about worship and praise to God.  

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 323

Picture Book: And Away We Go

Author & Illustrator: Migy 

Summary:  Mr. Fox receives the hot air balloon he ordered so that he can fly to the moon. Elephant wants to come and suggests they pick-up pizza before leaving. Mr. Fox says, “Sure you can.” Thus begins a series of requests from various animals to ride in the balloon’s small basket up to the moon. Riders are many and often suggest items they should bring for their trip. When asked if they can join the fun, Mr. Fox often replies, “The more the merrier.” Each time a guest gets in, Mr. Fox yells, “Away we go!” Giraffe wants to pick up some milkshakes. Squirrel wants a 4-piece band. A group of rabbits bring some games. The alarmingly tight arrangement of animals and items hysterically defies the odds of gravity, but all seem to be having a grand time oblivious to the fraying ropes. Then a little bird asks to join the fun. The bird is the proverbial straw that snapped the balloon’s ropes. Thanks to more gravity-defying finagling, all animals land on the ground intact. “Away it goes!” Mr. Fox exclaims as his balloon soars to the moon. He is resigned to go to the moon another time. “It’s much more fun to be here with my friends.”

Hanna’s Comments: Be sure to read this book in a way that invites your audience to yell, “And Away We Go!” each time with Mr. Fox. My summary above can’t do justice to the fun of this story and these hilarious illustrations. The children will love the pictures so be sure to have multiple books if you have a big group. Spend time discussing the spiritual practice of hospitality that Mr. Fox demonstrates so well and how different the trip might have been had he gone alone or limited his guests. Yes, he might have arrived on the moon like he planned, but there would not have been near as much fun! Talk about the importance of relationships versus results or efficiency. I recently heard efficiency described as an unhealthy obsession. This book speaks to the joy of the journey. Also, note how diverse the community of travelers is here. You might want your young audience to talk about trips they have been on or celebrations they have been to that have had this kind of hospitable spirit. Those are the best memories. Talk about why this is true. Tie in scripture stories that involve feasts, celebrations or journeys that invoke a spirit of love and hospitality.

Original Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt & Co., 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish?  Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book connects with:  acceptance, adaptation/assimilation, adventure, celebration/party, chaos/disorder, communion/Eucharist, community, differences, diversity, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, gladness/happiness, hospitality, journeys/migrations/pilgrimages/quests, joy, kingdom of God/reign of God, moon/space/stars/sun, openness, sharing, tolerance, travel

Scripture Connections: Scriptures about feasts, celebrations or journeys that involve hospitality such as the Passover, the Wedding at Canaan, the Prodigal Son, Paul’s travels, and the practice of Holy Communion in the early Christian church.  

Idea(s) for Application: Use this book to supplement a lesson for children on the spiritual practice of hospitality or feasting, celebrations or journeys in our Holy Scriptures.   

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 278

Picture Book: Panda Bear, Panda Bear, What Do You See?

Author: Bill Martin Jr.

Illustrator: Eric Carle

Summary: What Panda Bear sees is a “bald eagle soaring by me.” The next page asks, “Bald Eagle, Bald Eagle, What do you see?” In like fashion and in delightful rhyme and meter, each animal sees a different species. A black panther sees “a dreaming child watching over me.” This child, who might be interpreted as the moon or our best hope for the future, lists all of the animals that have been seen in progression. The book ends with “all wild and free – that’s what I see.”

Hanna’s Comments:  This board book is the most recent in the Brown Bear and Friends series. The first book, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, was published in 1967. The author and illustrator have given this book a conservation emphasis by using only endangered species. The other 2 books are:
Baby Bear, Baby Bear, What Do You See? (North American animals)

Polar Bear, Polar Bear What Do You Hear? (zoo animals)

Each of these books celebrate God’s diverse creativity as demonstrated in the animal kingdom. How might this book encourage a theological or spiritual experience with toddlers and preschoolers? After reading the book to a small group, go back through Eric Carle’s gorgeous tissue paper animals and talk about how God created each beautiful animal to have different and specific attributes to survive. For instance, “Look at this spider monkey’s long arms and legs. God gave those to the spider monkey so that swinging from tree limbs is easy as can be.” You may have to do a little research about each species, but that can be easily done on the internet. At the end, be sure to talk about human bodies and how they too are beautiful and different and how they allow your young children to do amazing things.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Henry Holt & Company, 2006

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 2 and up, Toddler and up

# of Pages: 26

Available in Spanish? Yes

Formats other than Book: Audio download, Audio CD (of all 4 books listed above), video on Youtube.com, There is also a board game available based on this and the first book in the series.

PBT Category: Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: abilities, abundance/bounty, animals, attentiveness/observation/seeing, awe, babies/children, beauty, care of creation, creation, differences, diversity, Earth/world, the environment/nature, God’s care/providence, moon/space/stars/sun, variety

Scripture Connections: God created every living creature (Genesis 1:21); who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth (Job 35:11); the Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that God has made (Psalm 145:9); whoever is righteous has regard for the life of beasts (Proverbs 12:10)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book to a group of young children as described above in my comments emphasizing God’s diverse and ingenious creativity.

A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 274

Picture Book: Beautiful Moon: A Child’s Prayer                          

Author: Tonya Bolden

Illustrator: Eric Valasquez

Summary: One evening in a noisy city, a young boy hurries out of bed because he’s forgotten to say his prayers. As he kneels and prays, he notices a beautiful moon shining in his window. Others in the city are experiencing the rays of the moon, but those people are in distress. Then the author weaves and directs an aspect of the boy’s prayer to each of the other parties. A woman tries to sleep on a park bench; the boy prays for those who are homeless. A businessman reads a news headline about war and is worried for his soldier daughter; the boy prays for war to end. Two adults stare at an empty cupboard; the boy prays for people to have food. This continues as the beautiful moon shines on them all.

Hanna’s Comments: I don’t usually offer what I call “nighttime” books since my primary purpose at PBT is to provide ideas for ministry which usually occurs in daylight hours. I had to make an exception for this book! Help even your youngest listeners understand that the moon is a symbol for God in this story. Then expand on that idea. Talk about the feelings each scenario evokes. Ask... How might God feel about these situations? What might God be doing in this city to alleviate some of this suffering? Also, talk about this boy’s prayer practices and how they are a comfort to him and hopefully a lifelong practice. Mention that he was not "in trouble" early in the story for forgetting to pray. Invite your children (or adults) to share their experiences with prayer practices. If you get silence, there's your opportunity to instruct on the power of silent prayer. Offer a simple prayer ritual and then build on this instruction in future experiences. Throughout share the importance of intercessory prayer (prayer for others) in your own spiritual journey. 

Though not a PBT God Book, there is another extraordinary book that shares much with the book above. Max and the Tag-Along Moon by Floyd Cooper is a secular book about a grandfather who lovingly reassures his grandson "that ol' moon will always shine for you... on and on." Again, the moon is a beautiful metaphor for God who is always present. The grandson tests this idea and finds it to be true.

Publisher & Date of Publication: Abrams, 2014

Age & Grade Appropriateness: 4 and up, Pre and up

# of Pages: 32

Available in Spanish? Not at present

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: God Book, Fresh off the Press

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: anxiety/worry, babies/children, beauty, bonds/connections, darkness/evening/night, difficulties, Earth/world, faith/faithfulness, feasting/food/hunger/nutrition, God’s care/providence, God’s presence, heaven/sky, holiness, homelessness, hope, humility, intercession, light/morning, moon/space/stars/sun, neighborhood, poverty, prayer, reverence, righteousness, worship

Scripture Connections: Love the Lord, your God with all your heart… (Deuteronomy 6:5 and Mark 12:30); when the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears (Psalm 34:17); in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let you requests be known to God (Philippians 4:6)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a nighttime devotional at a church family retreat or a camp program for children. OR Use this book as a tool to instruct children in the importance and comforting spiritual practice of intercessory prayer.