Devotions for Memorial Day - 1st - 4th Grade

FOR STARTERS: Take a few minutes to glance through family photo albums or videos. As you do, count special blessings that come to mind. For example, “I remember the blessing of a happy birthday party,” “the blessing of a vacation,” “the blessing of a dad who plays with me.”

READ THE BIBLE: Psalm 77:11-12 and Psalm 111:1-5

KEY VERSE: Psalm 107:1: “Give thanks to the LORD because he is good, because his mercy endures forever.”

TALK ABOUT IT: What characteristics or qualities of God can you thank him for? What has God done for you that you can thank him for? Have the children look for phrases or words in Psalm 111:1-5.

Talk about people and material blessings. Think of people who have helped you come to know God better and better. Think of friends to give thanks for. Think of people you don’t know but who have helped you anyway. (Government officials, police, firemen.) Think about war veterans who have given their lives to protect our country. Think of the things you need to live. (Food, water, air, clothing, shelter.) Think of the luxuries you enjoy. (Toys, vacations, television.) Think of the different talents and abilities you have. (Being smart, playing sports, singing.)

How do you think God feels when people give him thanks? (Happy that we are thankful.) When you give thanks to God, is it just speaking words to him? Or is there feeling behind it as well? If so, what kinds of feelings?

PRAYER POWER: Give thanks to God for all of the spiritual, people, and material blessings he has given your family.

Family Time Option
One day this week, try…
Pass out blank self-stick notes to all family members. (Perhaps each member is given a different color.) Challenge each to write blessings he is thankful for and stick them in various parts of the house to remind him of that blessing. For example, a note reading “I’m thankful for Sandy doing well in school” could be placed on her desk.