The Earth is the Lord’s
IN T HIS A C T IV IT Y, the participants explore what the
Scriptures say about water.
MAT ERIALS N EED ED
TIME REQUIRED: 30-40 MINUTES | INTENDED AUDIENCE: GRADES 9-12
» Five sheets of newsprint » Markers, one for each participant, plus one extra » A roll of masking tape » Bibles, one for each participant » Index cards, eight for each participant » Three or four rolls of clear tape Note: Using multiple sheets of newsprint, create a large mural on one of the walls in your meeting space. On the top of the mural, write the following: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”
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Activity Steps B E GIN BY A S K ING the participants to share their responses to the following questions:
» In what ways is water the basis for all life? » How do we as humans sometimes show a lack of respect for water? Allow for several responses before continuing. S H A R E T HE F O L L O WING K EY PO INT S:
» Water is the cradle and source of life, and one of the most potent bearers of cultural and religious meanings. Life, in all its forms, is impossible without water. Water is a precondition for life—a given, a gift. PA G E 1 O F 4
» Water is viewed by many faiths and cultures as a sacred element symbolizing life. To Christians, baptism with water symbolizes the cleansing of sins and the gift of eternal life in Christ. » The theme of water is integral to the telling of our story of faith. Water can symbolize many things for Christians: God’s care and concern, God’s provision, God’s Word, God’s salvation. Though there is no mystical or magical power in water, it stands as a symbol for these things.
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» In the Scriptures, we hear time and time again about the importance of water. DIV IDE T HE L A R GE GR O UP into small groups of four or five. Distribute a Bible, eight index
cards, and a marker to each participant. Now ask the small groups to conduct a Bible search to find Scripture verses that refer to water. Point out that there are more than 700 uses of the word “water” in the Bible, so they should not have too difficult a time locating a few. If you like, you can designate certain books of the Bible for each small group to explore. Tell the small groups that as their members find relevant Scripture passages, they should note them in large print on their index cards, one passage to each card. Then on the backs of the cards, they should offer brief summaries of the verses. Each group member should to try to come up with four (no more) different Scripture passages so that each small group has between 16 and 20 different passages when all the members are done. The group members may want to share their passage cites aloud as they write them down so the other members are aware of the cites that have already been listed. Share the following examples with the participants to get them going: » In Genesis 1:20, we read of the first mention of life, and this life comes from water. » In Isaiah 43:19, the hopes of the prophets were expressed through the promise that rivers will spring up in the desert.
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» In Revelations 22:1, it is revealed that in a new heaven and a new earth there will be a “river of the water of life, as clear as crystal.” INV IT E T H E S M A LL GR O UPS to report their findings to the large group by mentioning the
Scripture passages they found and providing a quick summary of each. As they do so, ask them to tape their index cards onto the mural you have created on the wall, with the Scripture citations facing out. NO W A S K T H E S MA LL GR O UPS to take some time to discuss what they have learned about
the scarcity and sanctity of water. As they share, they should note each learning on an index card. Tell the groups to come up with no more than three learnings for each group member. INV IT E T H E S M A LL GR O UPS to report back to the large group their learnings as noted on
their index cards. As they do so, ask them to tape the cards onto the mural.
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W H IL E T HE Y A R E ST ILL IN T HEIR SMA LL GR O UPS, ask that each participant take his
or her final index card and write a prayer that focuses on the issue of water. It can be a prayer of thanksgiving for the water we have, a prayer for those who do not have water, a prayer for safe water, and so forth. The prayer does not have to be lengthy or fancy; simple and heartfelt is fine. C O N C L UDE T HE A C T IV IT Y by gathering the prayer cards and then inviting the participants
to pray with you. Use a few of the prayers noted on the cards.
Permission to reproduce is granted. Š 2011 World Vision, Inc.
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dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. Motivated by our faith in Jesus Christ, World Vision serves alongside the poor and oppressed as a demonstration of God’s unconditional love for all people. We see a world where each child experiences “fullness of life” as described in John 10:10. And we know this can be achieved only by addressing the problems of poverty and injustice in a holistic way. That’s how World Vision is unique: We bring 60 years of experience in three key areas needed to help children and families thrive: emergency relief, long-term development, and advocacy. And we bring all of our skills across many areas of expertise to each community we work in, enabling us to care for children’s physical, social, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Partnering with World Vision provides tangible ways to honor God and put faith into action. By working, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling to overcome poverty. To find out more about how you can help, visit www.worldvision.org.
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