Lent is a season often associated with sober contemplation and reflection. It is a beautiful and wonderful time to consider service and prepare hearts for the rest of the year, and for whatever God has in store for our lives. Whether or not your church tradition honors Lent, it can be a good time of personal thought and of remembrance of the life and ministry of Jesus. These two crafts are meant to serve as positive visual cues that remind families to pause and think about prayer and service.
Into the Wilderness…but Never Alone!
Craft Ideas for the Temptation of Christ and Lenten Preparation
Verses or Captions to Consider…
The Spirit immediately drove him out into the wilderness. 13 And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. And he was with the wild animals, and the angels were ministering to him. -Mark 1:12-13
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. -Jeremiah 29:11
The heart of man plans his way,
but the Lord establishes his steps -Proverbs 16:9
Prepare Hearts… a Lenten Lifestyle
40 Days of Preparation: Lent Ideas
Pray…Prepare…Consider… Lenten Contemplations
More Teaching Ideas for this Bible Passage
- Watch the video demonstration of this children’s sermon and related craft ideas
- Compare our full Mark 1:9-15 Sunday School Lesson
- Compare the children’s sermon on Mark 1:9-15 from rfour.org
Craft one: “Lenten Reminder Decoration”
You will need:
- Scissors
- Construction paper
- Paper plates
- Markers or decorating materials
- Glue and/or tape
- Popsicle sticks
Procedure:
- Use markers and/or cut pieces of paper to mark themes of Lent on the paper plate (“prayer, Jesus, thought, Scripture, service, fasting, sacrifice”, etc).
- Place a circle or heart and a cross in the center of the paper plate, or use popsicle sticks to form the shape of a cross.
- Add extra decorations, verses, or color as desired.
- If you would like to hang the craft, attach a string or pipe cleaner to the back side.
- Hang your Lenten reminder in a spot you are likely to see often. Remember to pray!
Craft Two: “Daily Ideas for Lent”
You will need:
- Container (empty tissue box, coffee can, etc.)
- Scissors
- Construction paper or cardstock
- Glue and/or tape
- Decorative materials (markers, crayons, stickers)
- Verses or captions
Procedure:
1. Decorate the container with paper, markers, stickers, gems, or other elements.
2. Cut pieces of construction paper or cardstock (ideally 40), or use notecards.
3. Write verses, prayers, and ideas for service and contemplation on each slip of paper.
4. Place the Lenten ideas inside the container. If desired, cut a slit for easy access.
5. Place an envelope on the outside of the container to place “used” ideas and remember what has been done throughout the season. Select a new thought or verse for each day of Lent.