The Night Jesus Prayed for You Preschool Lesson
Preschool lesson (ages 3–6, 20 minutes)
1. Welcome (3 min)
Sit in a circle, greet every child by name and show one thing from the story to touch.
2. The little story (5 min)
Teach the refrain first: “Jesus prayed for his friends – and for you.”
It was a special night. Jesus had eaten supper with his friends. He had washed their feet. He had told them many things. Soon Jesus would go to the cross.
Then Jesus lifted up his eyes to heaven. Can you look up, like Jesus? He began to pray to his Father, God. His friends were right there with him.
Jesus prayed, “Father, the time has come.” He prayed, “I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do.” Accomplished means finished. Jesus had done all that God gave him to do.
Then Jesus prayed for his friends. He said to God, “They were yours, and you have given them to me.” Jesus’ friends were like a gift from God! He said, “I pray for them.”
Jesus prayed, “Holy Father, keep them through your name. That they may be one, even as we are.” Keep means to hold them safe. One means close together, like one big family. Can you hold hands with someone?
Jesus wanted his friends to be glad. He prayed “that they may have my joy made full in themselves.” Made full means filled right up to the top! Can you show a great big smile?
Jesus prayed, “Keep them from the evil one.” He asked God to keep them safe from the devil. He prayed, “Your word is truth.” God’s word never tells a lie.
Jesus knew that his friends would go out into the world. They would tell people about him.
Then Jesus prayed for more people. “Not for these only do I pray. But for those also who will believe in me through their word.” That means everyone who hears about Jesus and believes. Even today! Jesus prayed for his friends – and for you.
Jesus prayed “that they may all be one.” He wanted all his people to love each other and stay close together. Then the world would know that God sent Jesus.
Jesus prayed that the world would know God’s love for his people. God loves them “even as you loved me,” Jesus prayed. God loves Jesus’ people as much as he loves Jesus! Jesus prayed for his friends – and for you.
Jesus prayed, “Father, I desire that they be with me where I am.” Desire means to want very much. Jesus wants his people to be with him, forever.
Jesus said that God loved him even before the world was made. Before the sun, before the stars, God loved his Son.
Jesus prayed about God’s love. “That the love with which you loved me may be in them.” Can you hug yourself tight? That is love, right inside! Jesus prayed for his friends – and for you.
Then Jesus went out with his friends. They crossed a little brook called Kidron. A brook is a little stream. They went into a garden there.
Jesus loves his people, and he prays for them – even tonight. Jesus prayed for his friends – and for you.
3. Talk together (3 min)
- How do you feel when you know someone prays for you?
- Who would you like to pray for, like Jesus prayed for his friends?
4. Move (3 min)
Refrain Freeze: move around the room; when you say the refrain, everyone freezes and says it together.
5. Make (4 min)
Draw Jesus praying for his friends – and draw yourself, too!
6. Verse and prayer (2 min)
“That they may all be one” — John 17:21 (that they may all → point around to everyone; be one → hold hands together)
Dear Jesus, thank you that you pray for me. Please keep me close to you. Amen.
Lesson for older kids (ages 6–10)
Big idea: Jesus prays for you
Memory verse: “Not for these only do I pray, but for those also who will believe in me through their word.” — John 17:20 · WEB
The Bible story
On the very last night before the cross, Jesus lifted His eyes to Heaven and prayed a beautiful prayer for His friends and for you.
Talk about it
- When did Jesus pray this special prayer? — The night before the cross
- What had Jesus and His friends just finished doing? — Eating supper together
- What did Jesus do with His eyes when He began to pray? — Lifted them to Heaven
- Who was Jesus talking to in His prayer? — His Father, God
- What did Jesus say about the work God gave Him? — He had finished it
- Who did Jesus pray for first? — Himself
Where is Jesus in this story?
This story shows us the kind and loving heart of Jesus. On the night before He gave everything for us, He was not thinking about Himself, He was praying for us. Jesus is like a bridge that brings us close to God, and He still speaks to His Father on our behalf today. That is God's rescuing love, reaching all the way from Heaven to hold your hand.
What God wants to tell us
God shows us something amazing in this story: you are so loved that Jesus prayed for you, even before you were born. When you feel small, lonely, or unsure, you can remember that the strongest, kindest One of all is speaking to God about you. You never have to face anything by yourself, because God is always listening and always near.
Prayer
Dear God, thank You that Jesus prayed for me, even before I was born. Help me remember that You are always listening and always close. Wrap me in Your love tonight and every day. Amen.
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