Awana - Peace

Opening Illustration - Bring basketball

Who plays sports?

What is your favorite sport?

Transition- I love sports!

Story - Basketball Game, missing 1 free throw

It was my final game of my senior, our playoff game.

I was playing the best game of my life- 25 points, lots of rebounds, until...

I came up to the free throw game with two minutes left, my team down by two points

I was nervous, my palms were sweaty, I felt all the pressure

Have you ever been nervous?

I was so worried about missing those shots, only to end up missing.

Worried - Anxious

Though I don’t play in an important basketball game everyday, there are still things that I worry about

being left out

My family being safe

Not getting good enough grades

My family getting sick

Philippians 4:6-7 “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

The Bible Knowledge Commentary - John Walvoord (Philippians 4:6–7)

Four words are used here to describe a believer’s communion with God. Prayer (proseuchē) describes a believer’s approach to God. Petition (deēsei) emphasizes requesting an answer to a specific need. Thanksgiving (eucharistias) is an attitude of heart which should always accompany one’s prayers. Requests (aitēmata) speak of definite and specific things asked for.

When I’m worried, I will pray about it.

God is our refuge.