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Every question

Every question in Powwow, all 373 nights. Nothing hidden, no surprises. Each night is one question, worded for every age at your table, and one verse.

Anytime98 nights

Noticing9

  • What's something good you saw today that nobody else here saw?

    Psalm 34:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What is the best thing you can see right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you see today that nobody else here saw?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you see today that you almost walked right past?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you see today that stuck with you for no clear reason?

  • What made you laugh the hardest today?

    Psalm 118:24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who made you laugh today?
    Ages 6-9
    What was the funniest thing that happened today?
    Ages 10-13
    What made you laugh today when you weren't supposed to?
    Ages 14-18
    Who cracked you up today without even trying?

  • What did your body do today that you are thankful for?

    Psalm 139:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was your body really good at today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did your body do today without you telling it to?
    Ages 10-13
    What did your body do well today that nobody gave it credit for?
    Ages 14-18
    What did your body handle today that you never once thought about?

  • What did somebody say to you that you still hear?

    Psalm 33:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What is the best thing anybody said to you today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did somebody say today that changed your day?
    Ages 10-13
    What did somebody say to you this week that you keep thinking about?
    Ages 14-18
    What did somebody say to you once that you still hear in your head?
    Deeper, whole family
    What should we say out loud in this house more often?

  • Which character in a story is the most like you?

    Ephesians 2:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What animal were you most like today?
    Ages 6-9
    What character in a story you love is most like you?
    Ages 10-13
    Which character do you wish you were more like?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would you cast as you in a movie about this family?

  • What's the first thing you remember about this morning?

    Genesis 1:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see first this morning?
    Ages 6-9
    What woke you up today?
    Ages 10-13
    What is the first thing you remember about today?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you remember about this morning before you were fully awake?
    Deeper, whole family
    What would make our mornings better for everybody?

  • What did you see in the sky this week that made you stop?

    Genesis 9:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see in the sky today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the coolest thing you saw in the sky this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What was in the sky this week that made you stop and look?
    Ages 14-18
    When did you last stop and really look at the sky?

  • How can you tell you're starting to get mad?

    Proverbs 14:29

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where in your body do you feel mad?
    Ages 6-9
    What does your body do right before you get mad?
    Ages 10-13
    If your anger were an animal, what animal would it be?
    Ages 14-18
    What usually happens right before you lose your temper?
    Deeper, whole family
    What time of day does this house get grumpiest?

  • What's the most beautiful sky or place you've ever seen?

    Psalm 19:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What is the prettiest thing you saw today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you notice outside this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What in nature could you look at for an hour?
    Ages 14-18
    What is the most beautiful thing you have seen in person?
    Deeper, whole family
    Where could we go together that would be worth the trouble?

Suffering8

  • What hard thing are you glad you stuck with?

    Exodus 15:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was a little bit hard today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you not want to do today?
    Ages 10-13
    What hard thing did you keep doing this week when you wanted to quit?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you good at now only because it used to be hard?
    Deeper, whole family
    What is one hard thing this family keeps putting off?

  • What made you a little nervous today?

    Psalm 56:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made your tummy feel funny today?
    Ages 6-9
    What made you nervous today, even a little?
    Ages 10-13
    What made you nervous today that you did not let anybody see?
    Ages 14-18
    What do most people find easy that makes you nervous?

  • What helps when you feel lonely?

    Psalm 25:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you feel better today?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps you feel better when you're lonely?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the best thing somebody can do when you're feeling lonely?
    Ages 14-18
    What actually helps when you feel lonely in a crowd?

  • When did a plan fall apart and turn out better?

    Proverbs 19:21

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What changed today that turned out fun?
    Ages 6-9
    When did our plans change and it turned out great?
    Ages 10-13
    What plan of yours fell apart and turned into something better?
    Ages 14-18
    What fell apart that you're now glad didn't work out?
    Deeper, whole family
    What should this family do the next time a plan falls apart?

  • When did messing up turn out to be good for you?

    Proverbs 24:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you try today that didn't work the first time?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you have to try more than once?
    Ages 10-13
    What mistake taught you something you're glad you know now?
    Ages 14-18
    What went badly that you would not undo now?
    Deeper, whole family
    What have we given up on that is worth one more try?

  • What hard thing taught you something you still use?

    Psalm 119:71

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What can you do today that was too hard last year?
    Ages 6-9
    What hard thing taught you something?
    Ages 10-13
    What did something hard teach you that easy would not have?
    Ages 14-18
    What hard thing turned out good for you, even though you'd never pick it?
    Deeper, whole family
    What could we do this week for somebody having a hard time?

  • What do you worry about that has never once actually happened?

    Matthew 6:34

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What feels big about tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you worried might happen tomorrow?
    Ages 10-13
    If tomorrow turns out hard, what would actually help?
    Ages 14-18
    What have you worried about all week that will probably never happen?

  • What did you try one more time when you wanted to quit?

    Luke 5:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you want to try again tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you quit that you could pick back up?
    Ages 10-13
    Peter fished all night and caught nothing. What would make you try one more time?
    Ages 14-18
    What is worth trying again even though failing made you feel stupid?

Doubt5

  • What do you still wonder about God?

    Jeremiah 33:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    If God was sitting right here, what would you ask him?
    Ages 6-9
    What question about God have you never asked out loud?
    Ages 10-13
    What about God does not add up to you?
    Ages 14-18
    If God answered one question tonight, which would you ask?

  • What's something you still can't figure out?

    Psalm 147:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What didn't make sense to you today?
    Ages 6-9
    What question did you ask today that nobody answered?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you still not understand that bugs you?
    Ages 14-18
    What do people act sure about with God that you are not sure about?

  • What about God is hardest for you to believe?

    Mark 9:24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you wonder about God today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something about God that's hard to believe?
    Ages 10-13
    When have you felt like the dad who said, "Help my unbelief"?
    Ages 14-18
    What's one thing you believe and doubt at the same time?

  • What bad thing took a long time to turn into anything good?

    Genesis 50:20

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What felt bad today but got better later?
    Ages 6-9
    What bad thing turned into something good?
    Ages 10-13
    What's something bad that's still bad, even though some good came out of it?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it hard to believe God uses everything?

  • When did being right turn out to matter less than you thought?

    John 8:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What happened today when you and somebody both wanted to be right?
    Ages 6-9
    What happened when you let somebody else be right?
    Ages 10-13
    Which argument could you lose on purpose this week?
    Ages 14-18
    When does needing to be right cost you more than it's worth?

Belonging11

  • Who is always glad to see you walk in?

    Mark 10:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who was happy to see you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who lights up when you walk into a room?
    Ages 10-13
    Who is glad to see you even on your worst days?
    Ages 14-18
    Where do people seem really glad you showed up?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May the LORD bless you and keep you. May His face shine on you, and may He give you peace.’

    Numbers 6:24-26

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, before everybody scatters.

    Say each name, then: ‘You can lie down and sleep tonight, because God is the one keeping watch.’

    Psalm 4:8

  • Where do you feel most at home?

    Psalm 68:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where in this house did you feel cozy today?
    Ages 6-9
    Where were you today when you felt most like yourself?
    Ages 10-13
    Who are you most relaxed around?
    Ages 14-18
    Who can you totally be yourself around?
    Deeper, whole family
    What would we change so a guest could relax here?

  • When did you feel left out this week?

    John 6:37

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you feel left out today?
    Ages 6-9
    What happened this week that made you feel left out?
    Ages 10-13
    When did you feel outside the group this week?
    Ages 14-18
    When did you feel on the outside this week, even with friends around?

  • Blessing

    Say it slowly to each person here, using their name.

    Say each name, then: ‘May the God of hope fill you with joy and peace as you trust Him. May you overflow with hope.’

    Romans 15:13

  • Who knows you better than almost anybody?

    Psalm 139:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who knew what you wanted today without asking?
    Ages 6-9
    Who knew how you felt today without being told?
    Ages 10-13
    What do your closest friends know about you that other people miss?
    Ages 14-18
    Who really knows you, not just the version you show people?

  • What does our family do that no other family does?

    Joshua 24:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did we do today that only our family does?
    Ages 6-9
    What does our family do that other families do not?
    Ages 10-13
    What small ordinary thing makes this family feel like ours?
    Ages 14-18
    What does this family do that shows what we believe?

  • What would a guest learn about our family after one dinner here?

    Proverbs 15:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    If a friend walked in right now, what would they smell?
    Ages 6-9
    What would somebody learn about us after one day with our family?
    Ages 10-13
    What would a guest notice about us that we have stopped noticing?
    Ages 14-18
    After a week with us, what would somebody guess we believe?

  • Where do you feel like you have to act different to fit in?

    Galatians 1:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where did you have to be on your best behavior today?
    Ages 6-9
    Where do you feel like you have to be on your best behavior?
    Ages 10-13
    Where do you act like a slightly different person than you are here?
    Ages 14-18
    Whose approval do you find yourself working hardest to get?

  • Who needs to hear from you that they are still welcome?

    2 Corinthians 2:7-8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who needed a hug today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who has been having a hard week?
    Ages 10-13
    What should we do for somebody here the next time they are upset?
    Ages 14-18
    How can we show somebody they still belong after a bad day?
    Deeper, whole family
    What could we do this week so they know they still belong?

Gratitude11

  • What's the best thing you've eaten this week?

    John 6:35

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you eat today that made you go mmm?
    Ages 6-9
    Who made the best thing you have eaten this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the best thing you ate this week that wasn't dessert?
    Ages 14-18
    Who were you with for the best meal you've had this week?
    Deeper, whole family
    Who could we cook for this month?

  • What's one good thing here you'd never want to change?

    Genesis 1:31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What in this room do you love the most?
    Ages 6-9
    What about today would you not change?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you freeze exactly as it is right now?
    Ages 14-18
    What ordinary part of your life right now is actually really good?

  • Roundtable

    Each person names one thing from this week. Everyone answers, ‘His love lasts forever.’

    Psalm 136:1

  • What would you do with a whole free day?

    Psalm 23:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you play with all day tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    If tomorrow was free, what should we all do?
    Ages 10-13
    A whole free day, and no money to spend. What do you do?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you do with a free day and no phone?

  • Roundtable

    Go around. Name one time this month somebody loved you first.

    1 John 4:19

  • Roundtable

    Name one good thing you see in someone here.

    1 Thessalonians 5:11

  • What's something kind a friend did for you this week?

    1 Samuel 18:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What nice thing did a friend do for you today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did a friend do this week that made you feel good?
    Ages 10-13
    What small thing did a friend do that meant a lot?
    Ages 14-18
    Who showed up in your life right when you needed them?
    Deeper, whole family
    Which friend of this family could use a thank-you this week?

  • Which neighbor are you most glad lives near us?

    Acts 17:26

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Which neighbor would you like to wave to tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    Which neighbor would you like to know better?
    Ages 10-13
    What does a neighbor do that makes living here better?
    Ages 14-18
    Which neighbor would you miss most if we moved away?

  • Who gave you a second chance that you are still grateful for?

    John 8:10-11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who gave you another try today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did somebody let you try again after you got it wrong?
    Ages 10-13
    Who saw you at your worst and still gave you another chance?
    Ages 14-18
    How did somebody give you a second chance without making a big deal of it?

  • Who stayed with you through something hard?

    Ruth 1:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who stayed with you today when you needed them?
    Ages 6-9
    Who stayed when things were hard?
    Ages 10-13
    Who stuck with you through something hard and never got a thank-you?
    Ages 14-18
    Who deserves thanks for staying?

  • Which memory of this family would you keep?

    Deuteronomy 4:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did we do together today that you want to remember?
    Ages 6-9
    What is your favorite memory of us?
    Ages 10-13
    If you could keep only one memory, which would you pick?
    Ages 14-18
    If you kept one memory and lost all the rest, which one survives?

Jesus8

  • What's one thing Jesus did that you wish you'd seen in person?

    Mark 4:41

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    If you saw Jesus stop a storm tonight, what would you say?
    Ages 6-9
    Which story about Jesus would you want to have seen?
    Ages 10-13
    If you were in the boat when Jesus calmed the storm, what would you do?
    Ages 14-18
    Which thing Jesus did is hardest for you to picture actually happening?

  • What's one thing about this family that never changes?

    Hebrews 13:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did we do tonight that we do every night?
    Ages 6-9
    What has our family always done, as long as you can remember?
    Ages 10-13
    What about this family has stayed the same your whole life?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you bet is still true about you in twenty years?

  • What have you been wanting to tell God?

    Psalm 145:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you tell God about today?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you want to tell God about this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What have you been wanting to tell God, but haven't yet?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you not talk to God about?

  • Blessing

    Remind each other that God is near.

    Say each name, then: ‘The LORD your God is with you. He delights in you. May His love quiet you tonight.’

    Zephaniah 3:17

  • Blessing

    Ask God to make each person strong inside.

    Say each name, then: ‘May God make you strong on the inside by His Spirit, and may Jesus make His home in you as you trust Him.’

    Ephesians 3:16-17

  • When have you been welcomed back after you did not deserve it?

    Luke 15:22

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who hugged you today when you needed it?
    Ages 6-9
    Who welcomed you back after you'd messed up?
    Ages 10-13
    When did somebody take you back faster than you expected?
    Ages 14-18
    When were you welcomed back before you even finished saying sorry?

  • Blessing

    Ask God to make each person kind and patient.

    Say each name, then: ‘You are chosen by God, holy and loved. May He clothe you with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.’

    Colossians 3:12

  • What do you think Jesus is like as a friend?

    John 15:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    If Jesus sat with us tonight, what would you ask him?
    Ages 6-9
    What would it be like to be a friend of Jesus?
    Ages 10-13
    If Jesus turned up tonight, what would you show him?
    Ages 14-18
    What part of being Jesus's friend sounds best to you, honestly?
    Deeper, whole family
    What would somebody watching us guess we believe about Jesus?

Friendship12

  • Who carried something for you this week, big or small?

    Isaiah 40:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you today when something was too heavy?
    Ages 6-9
    Who carried something for you today?
    Ages 10-13
    Who took something off your plate today without being asked?
    Ages 14-18
    Who carried something for you this week without making a big deal of it?
    Deeper, whole family
    Who have we never thanked for carrying something?

  • Who taught you something this week without even trying?

    Deuteronomy 6:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you copy today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who taught you something without trying?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you learn from somebody this week just by watching them?
    Ages 14-18
    Whose habits have you picked up without noticing until later?

  • What makes somebody easy to trust?

    Proverbs 17:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who was easy to talk to today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did somebody do to earn your trust?
    Ages 10-13
    What does a friend do that makes them easy to trust?
    Ages 14-18
    When did you know a friend was really on your side?
    Deeper, whole family
    Who outside this house do we trust most?

  • Who made you feel welcome when you were new somewhere?

    Ruth 2:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who made you feel welcome today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who helped you feel welcome somewhere new?
    Ages 10-13
    Who made your first day somewhere feel easier?
    Ages 14-18
    Who made a new place feel less awkward for you?

  • How has one of your friendships changed?

    Isaiah 46:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you play with today that you didn't know before?
    Ages 6-9
    What happened when one of your friendships changed?
    Ages 10-13
    How is one of your friendships different from a year ago?
    Ages 14-18
    What friendship faded without anybody doing anything wrong?

  • Who helped you get back up after a fall, big or small?

    Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who would help you up if you fell down right now?
    Ages 6-9
    Who helped you get back up after a bad fall or a bad day?
    Ages 10-13
    Who helped you get back up when you were having a rough time?
    Ages 14-18
    Who picked you back up when you were really down, without you even asking?

  • What's something about you most people don't know?

    Matthew 10:30

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What can you show us right now that we haven't seen?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you good at that you do not show many people?
    Ages 10-13
    What part of you do people only see once they know you well?
    Ages 14-18
    What's the best part of you that most people never get to see?

  • Who do you go to when you need somebody to just listen?

    James 1:19-20

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who listened to you today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did somebody really listen to you today?
    Ages 10-13
    How can you tell somebody here is really listening?
    Ages 14-18
    Who can you talk to who listens without trying to fix it?

  • When did saying hi first turn into something good?

    John 1:46

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who could you say hello to first tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you say hi to somebody first?
    Ages 10-13
    What happened the last time you talked to somebody first?
    Ages 14-18
    When did a conversation you didn't have to start turn into something good?
    Deeper, whole family
    What does this family need somebody to go first on?

  • What makes it hard to wait until somebody finishes talking?

    Proverbs 18:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was hard about waiting your turn to talk today?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes you want to jump in before somebody's done talking?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you do while you wait for somebody to finish talking?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it so tempting to reply before somebody has finished?

  • What helps you calm down when you're really mad?

    Psalm 4:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helped your mad cool down today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you do the last time you got really angry?
    Ages 10-13
    What helps you calm down without acting like nothing happened?
    Ages 14-18
    What helps you let go of being angry before the day is over?

  • When did waiting turn out to be worth it?

    Ecclesiastes 7:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you have to wait for today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you have to be patient for today?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you trying to rush that probably needs more time?
    Ages 14-18
    What's taking longer than you want it to right now?
    Deeper, whole family
    What are we rushing that needs more time?

Work and calling6

  • What's something new you've learned how to do this year?

    Proverbs 9:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you learn how to do today?
    Ages 6-9
    What have you figured out how to do recently?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you finally figure out after being stuck?
    Ages 14-18
    What can you do now that would have surprised you at ten?

  • What would you like to try being in charge of?

    Psalm 47:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you like to be the boss of tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    If you were in charge of one thing at home, what would it be?
    Ages 10-13
    If you ran this family for one day, what would you change?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you love to be trusted to lead someday?
    Deeper, whole family
    What does this family need somebody to lead?

  • What are you good at that nobody makes a fuss about?

    Romans 12:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What were you really good at today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did somebody notice you were good at something?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you weirdly good at that never comes up?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you good at that doesn't show up on a report card?

  • What helps you rest when you're worn out?

    Genesis 2:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What will help you fall asleep tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    When do you get your best sleep?
    Ages 10-13
    What is your favorite thing to do to relax?
    Ages 14-18
    When in the week do you most need to stop?
    Deeper, whole family
    What would a real day off look like for this family?

  • What are you still working on getting better at?

    Psalm 138:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you practice today?
    Ages 6-9
    What have you gotten better at this year?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you okay being bad at while you learn?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you still working at that may never be finished?

  • Who gets helped by the work you do?

    Proverbs 16:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What job did you do today that helped somebody?
    Ages 6-9
    What job do you do that nobody has to remind you about?
    Ages 10-13
    Who would notice if you stopped doing your jobs around here?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you hope your work helps someday?
    Deeper, whole family
    What is our family actually for?

Repair7

  • What's one thing this family could start fresh tomorrow?

    Lamentations 3:22-23

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you want us to do tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What's one thing we could do differently starting tomorrow?
    Ages 10-13
    What should our family start fresh on tomorrow?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you want this family to try differently starting tomorrow?
    Deeper, whole family
    What could we change about our evenings this week?

  • What do you do when somebody gets you wrong?

    Proverbs 20:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you do today when somebody didn't understand you?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you do when somebody gets the wrong idea about you?
    Ages 10-13
    What keeps getting misunderstood about you?
    Ages 14-18
    When somebody keeps misreading you, what do you actually do about it?

  • What helps you make things right with somebody?

    Matthew 5:23-24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helped the last time you made up with somebody?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes saying sorry easier for you?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes an apology feel real to you, with no 'but' and no 'if'?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it so hard to go first when something needs fixing?

  • When did somebody admit to you that they were wrong?

    Genesis 3:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who said sorry to you today?
    Ages 6-9
    When has somebody admitted to you that they were wrong?
    Ages 10-13
    Adam blamed Eve straight away. When have you seen somebody own up instead?
    Ages 14-18
    When did somebody apologize to you without making a single excuse?

  • Roundtable

    Name one thing you need help making right.

    James 5:16

  • Who stuck with you after you let them down?

    John 21:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who still loved you today, even when you were grumpy?
    Ages 6-9
    Who saw you at your worst and stayed?
    Ages 10-13
    Who knows the real you, even after your worst?
    Ages 14-18
    Who trusted you again after you let them down?

  • What made the last time you said sorry so hard?

    Luke 18:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What does your tummy feel like when you say sorry?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes saying sorry hard, even when you know you were wrong?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes a real apology harder than a quick sorry?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it so hard to say "I was wrong" without adding "but"?
    Deeper, whole family
    What would make saying sorry easier in this house?

Forgiveness7

  • When was somebody good to you when you had not earned it?

    Romans 5:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who was kind to you today even when you were grumpy?
    Ages 6-9
    Who was kind to you today when you were having a bad moment?
    Ages 10-13
    Who was good to you when you did not deserve it?
    Ages 14-18
    Who was kind to you on a day you were not very nice?

  • What helps you let it go when somebody bugs you?

    Colossians 3:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helped you feel better after somebody bugged you today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you decide to let something go instead of staying mad?
    Ages 10-13
    What helps you stop replaying something that annoyed you?
    Ages 14-18
    What helps you actually let something go, instead of just saying it's fine?

  • What makes forgiving the same person again so hard?

    Matthew 18:21-22

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helps you stop being mad at somebody here?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes forgiving somebody hard, especially when they do it again?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you afraid might happen if you forgive somebody?
    Ages 14-18
    What feels unfair about forgiving somebody seventy-seven times?

  • What helps you trust somebody again after they let you down?

    Proverbs 4:23

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who made you feel safe today?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes somebody safe to be around?
    Ages 10-13
    What would somebody have to do to earn your trust back?
    Ages 14-18
    How can you forgive somebody and still be careful around them?

  • How does it feel to know you're forgiven?

    Micah 7:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What does your face do when somebody here forgives you?
    Ages 6-9
    How do you feel after somebody forgives you for something big?
    Ages 10-13
    What's it like when somebody never brings up your mistake again?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it hard to believe God has really forgiven you?

  • Roundtable

    Name one worry or grudge you want to let go of tonight.

    Psalm 32:5

  • What could you do to make things a little better with somebody?

    Romans 12:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you want to make up with tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    Who would you like to be friends with again?
    Ages 10-13
    What would change if one hard relationship got easier?
    Ages 14-18
    How do people argue and still stay close?
    Deeper, whole family
    What's one thing we could do to make peace with somebody?

The church6

  • Who at church are you always glad to see?

    Romans 12:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you see at church last time?
    Ages 6-9
    Who at church makes you smile when you see them?
    Ages 10-13
    Who at church do you look for first when we walk in?
    Ages 14-18
    Who at church makes you feel like you actually belong there?
    Deeper, whole family
    Who at church have we never thanked?

  • Who at church is best at making people feel welcome?

    James 2:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who said hi to you at church last time?
    Ages 6-9
    Who at church always makes you feel welcome?
    Ages 10-13
    What have you seen make a new person feel welcome?
    Ages 14-18
    Who at church makes everybody feel welcome, not just their friends?
    Deeper, whole family
    Who at church could we sit with on Sunday who usually sits alone?

  • When did somebody stop for you when it was easier not to?

    Luke 10:33-34

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who stopped what they were doing to help you today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did somebody stop what they were doing to help you?
    Ages 10-13
    Who stopped to help you when they could have kept going?
    Ages 14-18
    Who stopped for you when it cost them something?

  • Who do you want us to invite over this month?

    Luke 14:23

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who would you want in that empty seat tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    Who would you like to invite over for dinner?
    Ages 10-13
    Who would you invite over if you knew they would come?
    Ages 14-18
    Who might feel left out that we could invite over?
    Deeper, whole family
    What gets in the way of us having people over?

  • Roundtable

    Name one kind thing you will do for somebody this week.

    Hebrews 10:24-25

  • What job at church would you be good at?

    1 Peter 4:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What could you help with at church this Sunday?
    Ages 6-9
    What could we do together to help at church?
    Ages 10-13
    What could you help with at church without being asked?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you good at that our church could actually use?

Silly8

  • What creature looks like God made it just for fun?

    Psalm 104:26

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What animal is the silliest?
    Ages 6-9
    What animal looks like God made it just to be funny?
    Ages 10-13
    Which animal would win a contest for weirdest design?
    Ages 14-18
    What creature makes the best case that God has a sense of humor?
    Deeper, whole family
    What does it tell you about God that He made some things just for fun?

  • What did you name your first pet or favorite stuffed animal?

    Genesis 2:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you name a brand-new animal?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you name an animal nobody has ever seen?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the best name you could give a brand-new animal?
    Ages 14-18
    If you had Adam's job tonight, what's the first name you'd hand out?

  • What joke did you love as a kid that's still terrible?

    Proverbs 17:22

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What joke makes you giggle?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the funniest joke you know?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the worst joke you know that still works?
    Ages 14-18
    What joke is so bad it's good?

  • What song could still get you dancing in the kitchen?

    Psalm 150:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What dance can you show us right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What song makes you want to dance?
    Ages 10-13
    What song could get this whole family dancing?
    Ages 14-18
    What song would you dance to if nobody was filming?

  • What game did you make up as a kid?

    Zechariah 8:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What game can you make up right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What game could you invent using just this table?
    Ages 10-13
    What's one rule for a game you'd invent tonight?
    Ages 14-18
    What's the best game you ever made up?
    Deeper, whole family
    What should this family play more often?

  • When did a surprise make you laugh out loud?

    Genesis 21:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What surprise would make you laugh?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the funniest surprise you've ever had?
    Ages 10-13
    What surprised you so much you couldn't stop laughing?
    Ages 14-18
    When did something so unexpected happen that all you could do was laugh?

  • What's the silliest thing you've done to get a better look?

    Luke 19:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you climb to see better?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the funniest place you'd climb to see something?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the silliest thing you'd do to see your favorite person?
    Ages 14-18
    What's the most embarrassing thing you'd do to get a good view?

  • What's the strangest dream you still remember?

    Psalm 126:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you dream about last night?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the silliest dream you've ever had?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the weirdest dream you remember?
    Ages 14-18
    What dream was so strange you had to tell somebody?

Winter39 nights

Noticing4

  • What do you like most about winter?

    Psalm 147:16-17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you like about the cold today?
    Ages 6-9
    What is the best thing to do when it is cold out?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you like about winter that nobody else does?
    Ages 14-18
    What's one good thing about winter you'd miss if it never came?

  • What do you think about when you look up at the stars?

    Psalm 8:3-4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see up in the sky today?
    Ages 6-9
    Where were you when you saw the most stars ever?
    Ages 10-13
    How does a sky full of stars make you feel?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you think when you remember God made every star and knows you?

  • What do you think about when you can't sleep?

    Psalm 127:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What were you thinking about in bed last night?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps you fall asleep?
    Ages 10-13
    What keeps you up at night?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you think about right before you fall asleep?

  • When did you get a quiet, still moment today?

    Psalm 46:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you hear when we were all still just now?
    Ages 6-9
    Where's the quietest place you were today?
    Ages 10-13
    When are you ever still?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you reach for the second it gets quiet?

Suffering3

  • What helps you feel better on a sad day?

    Psalm 30:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you feel better the last time you were sad?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes a sad day better?
    Ages 10-13
    What helps you when you feel low for a while?
    Ages 14-18
    What helps on the days you feel low and can't say why?

  • What was the last thing that made you cry?

    John 11:35

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you cry this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the last thing that made you cry, big or small?
    Ages 10-13
    When did you last feel like crying but held it in?
    Ages 14-18
    What's something you cried about even though you knew it would be okay?

  • When did you need help because you couldn't do it yourself?

    2 Corinthians 12:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you need help with today?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you not very good at yet?
    Ages 10-13
    When did being bad at something end up helping you?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you wish you were stronger at?

Doubt3

  • What's something about how God works that you don't understand?

    Isaiah 55:8-9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What question about God do you have right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What about God is hard to understand?
    Ages 10-13
    What's something people say about God that doesn't add up to you?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you ask God to explain first?

  • When were you angry at God?

    Job 38:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you wish God would change right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What's happened that made you upset with God?
    Ages 10-13
    What's something you've wanted to tell God you're mad about?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you say to God if you were Job?

  • When were you scared and it felt like God was far away?

    Mark 4:38

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you feel scared this week?
    Ages 6-9
    When were you scared and it felt like God wasn't listening?
    Ages 10-13
    When did it feel like God was asleep while you were scared?
    Ages 14-18
    What does trusting God look like when you're scared the whole time?

Belonging8

  • What makes our house feel warm?

    Proverbs 24:3-4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where's the coziest spot in this room?
    Ages 6-9
    What is the coziest thing in our house?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes a home feel warm besides the heat?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes this house feel warm to come home to?

  • What's something your parents did that you're thankful for?

    Exodus 20:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did Mom or Dad do today that you liked?
    Ages 6-9
    What do your parents do for you that you're glad about?
    Ages 10-13
    What do your parents do that you'll thank them for someday?
    Ages 14-18
    What do your parents do right?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May God cover you like a bird covers her chicks. Under his wings you are safe.’

    Psalm 91:4

  • What does somebody in this family do that makes you feel loved?

    1 Corinthians 13:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who made you feel loved today?
    Ages 6-9
    What is a way to show love that doesn't cost money?
    Ages 10-13
    What does real love look like, besides cards and candy?
    Ages 14-18
    What is the most loving thing you have seen someone do?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and tell each person one thing you love about them.

    1 John 4:7

  • What do you like about how God made you?

    Psalm 139:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What can you do that makes everybody here smile?
    Ages 6-9
    What is one thing about you that nobody else has?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you like about how God made you that people might not notice?
    Ages 14-18
    What's something about yourself you've come around to liking?

  • What's something unfair you've seen that you'd change if you could?

    Amos 5:24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What happened today that didn't feel fair?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something unfair you saw happen to somebody else?
    Ages 10-13
    What would it take to stand up to something unfair, the way Dr. King did?
    Ages 14-18
    What is unfair in our world that you would want to change?

  • Who had good news this week that we can be happy about?

    Romans 12:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who was happy today?
    Ages 6-9
    What good thing happened to a friend this week?
    Ages 10-13
    How can you be happy for somebody when you are jealous?
    Ages 14-18
    Who is it hard for you to be happy for?

Gratitude3

  • What simple thing are you thankful for tonight?

    Psalm 4:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What little thing made you happy today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's one small thing from today you're glad about?
    Ages 10-13
    What small thing made this week better?
    Ages 14-18
    What simple thing gives you joy?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one good thing that happened this week, even if the week was hard.

    Psalm 92:1-3

  • What food reminds you of someone you love?

    Psalm 23:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who made something yummy for you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Whose cooking would you pick for your birthday dinner?
    Ages 10-13
    What dish always makes you think of one person?
    Ages 14-18
    Whose recipe would you most want to learn to make?

Jesus4

  • When did you feel loved just for being you?

    Mark 1:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who gave you a hug today just because?
    Ages 6-9
    Who loves you even on days you don't do anything special?
    Ages 10-13
    Who loves you the same on your bad days and your good ones?
    Ages 14-18
    When have you felt loved without having to earn it?

  • What good thing did you see somebody do today?

    Matthew 5:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you see do something nice today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you see somebody do today that made things better?
    Ages 10-13
    What did someone do today that made a room feel brighter?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you know whose faith shows in what they do, not what they say?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘Jesus loves you the way his Father loves him. May you always stay in his love.’

    John 15:9

  • Who did you talk to today that you don't usually talk to?

    John 4:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you talk to today that you don't know well?
    Ages 6-9
    Who's someone at school you've never really talked to?
    Ages 10-13
    Who do people avoid talking to?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would people be surprised to see you talk to?

Friendship4

  • Who could we check on this week?

    1 Thessalonians 5:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who looked like they needed a friend today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who looks lonely at recess or lunch?
    Ages 10-13
    Who could use some encouragement this week?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you know who's having a harder time than they let on?

  • What makes a friend easy to trust?

    Psalm 9:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you tell first when something good happens?
    Ages 6-9
    What does a friend do that makes you trust them?
    Ages 10-13
    How can you tell a friend will keep their word?
    Ages 14-18
    How do you keep a friend's trust?

  • Who gave something up so you could have more?

    John 15:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you share with somebody today?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you give up for a friend?
    Ages 10-13
    What does it look like to put a friend first?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you know who always puts other people first?

  • What kind words from somebody do you still remember?

    Proverbs 12:25

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did somebody say today that made you smile?
    Ages 6-9
    What can you say to cheer somebody up?
    Ages 10-13
    What's something nice someone said to you that you still think about?
    Ages 14-18
    What words have stuck with you from a friend?

Work and calling4

  • What's something you're trying to keep doing this year?

    Proverbs 21:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you try again today?
    Ages 6-9
    What goal do you have for this month?
    Ages 10-13
    What goal from New Year's is still going?
    Ages 14-18
    What helps you stick to something when it gets boring?

  • When did you say no even though it was hard?

    Daniel 1:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you say no to today?
    Ages 6-9
    When is it hard to say no to friends?
    Ages 10-13
    When did you say no even though everybody else said yes?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you never do even if everybody else did?

  • What did you make with your hands that you loved?

    Isaiah 64:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you make today?
    Ages 6-9
    What can you make that nobody else here can?
    Ages 10-13
    What have you made that you are proud of?
    Ages 14-18
    What have you made that felt most like you?

  • What's something you learned that you use all the time?

    Proverbs 22:29

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you learn from somebody today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something you learned at school that you've already used at home?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you learning this year that you will use later?
    Ages 14-18
    What have you learned outside of class that you use more than anything from class?

Repair2

  • What is the best way you have found to say "that hurt"?

    Matthew 18:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What could you say if somebody grabbed your toy right now?
    Ages 6-9
    How do you tell a friend they hurt you?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes it easier to tell a friend they hurt you?
    Ages 14-18
    How do you bring up a problem without starting a fight?

  • What helps make something right, besides saying sorry?

    Luke 19:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What could you do right now if you spilled someone's milk?
    Ages 6-9
    Besides saying sorry, what can you do when you break someone's thing?
    Ages 10-13
    What does it take to make something right, besides saying sorry?
    Ages 14-18
    What have you done to make something right?

Forgiveness2

  • What helps you make up after a fight with somebody you love?

    Genesis 45:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helps you make up after a fight?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes it easier to forgive a brother, sister or friend?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes it hard to forgive someone you see every day?
    Ages 14-18
    What would it take to forgive the way Joseph did?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and thank one person here for being patient with you.

    Psalm 103:8

The church2

  • What's the best part of going to church?

    Psalm 122:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who will you look for at church on Sunday?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes church worth going to on a cold morning?
    Ages 10-13
    What happens at church that couldn't happen if we stayed home?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you miss most if we stopped going to church?

  • What do you want our family to pray for this month?

    Matthew 18:20

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you want to pray for tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you like to pray about?
    Ages 10-13
    What's different about praying together instead of alone?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you want us to pray for together?

Lent and Easter44 nights

Noticing4

  • What would be hardest for you to give up for a week?

    Matthew 6:17-18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would be hard to go without at bedtime tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you miss most if you went without it for a week?
    Ages 10-13
    What would be hardest to give up quietly, without telling anyone?
    Ages 14-18
    What would be hardest to go a week without, if you're honest?

  • What do you love spending your time on most?

    Matthew 6:21

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you love doing most today?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you spend a whole day doing if you could?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you spend the most time on?
    Ages 14-18
    Where does your money and time go?

  • What's something new about you this year?

    2 Corinthians 5:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What can you do all by yourself now?
    Ages 6-9
    What can you do now that you couldn't do last year?
    Ages 10-13
    What is new about you this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What part of you do you hope God makes new?

  • What have you seen growing outside this week?

    Song of Songs 2:11-12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What flowers did you see today?
    Ages 6-9
    What is growing outside right now?
    Ages 10-13
    What is waking up after winter?
    Ages 14-18
    What feels alive in you right now?

Suffering4

  • When did you feel like nobody understood you?

    Isaiah 53:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you want somebody to hear today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you feel like nobody understood how you felt?
    Ages 10-13
    When did you feel like nobody got what you were going through?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you wish people understood about you?

  • Who did something hard for you because they love you?

    John 19:30

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you today even when they were tired?
    Ages 6-9
    Who did something really hard to help you?
    Ages 10-13
    Who gave up something big so you could have something good?
    Ages 14-18
    What's the most anyone has ever given up for you?

  • What sad thing do you want God to fix someday?

    Revelation 21:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you sad today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something broken you want God to fix?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you want God to fix someday?
    Ages 14-18
    What sad thing are you waiting for God to make right?

  • Who are you looking forward to seeing again?

    John 11:25

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you wish was at this table tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    Who do you miss that you can't wait to see again?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you miss most about someone you can't see right now?
    Ages 14-18
    Who are you hoping to see again because Jesus came back to life?

Doubt5

  • What did you pray for that didn't turn out the way you hoped?

    Mark 14:36

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you want to ask God for tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you ask God for that didn't happen?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you do when God says no?
    Ages 14-18
    What prayer are you still not sure God answered?

  • When did you feel really alone?

    Psalm 22:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helps when you feel all by yourself?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you feel alone, even with people all around?
    Ages 10-13
    When did you feel alone and wonder if God was even there?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you say to God if you felt totally alone?

  • What's the hardest thing you ever had to wait for?

    Luke 23:55-56

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's hard about waiting for tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the longest you ever had to wait for something good?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you do when it looks like the bad guys won?
    Ages 14-18
    When did it feel like hope was over?

  • What didn't you believe until you saw it with your own eyes?

    John 20:27

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see today that was hard to believe?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something you didn't believe until you saw it?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you have to see for yourself before you'd believe it?
    Ages 14-18
    What would help you believe more?

  • What do you still wonder about Jesus coming back to life?

    1 Corinthians 15:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you wonder about Easter morning?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the hardest part of Easter to picture?
    Ages 10-13
    What's hardest to believe about Jesus rising from the dead?
    Ages 14-18
    What questions do you have about the resurrection?

Belonging4

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one person you want to pray for, and one thing you want prayer for.

    Psalm 6:9

  • What's the best welcome home you've ever had?

    Luke 15:20

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who was happy to see you when you got home today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who gives you the best welcome when you come home?
    Ages 10-13
    Who is always glad to see you walk in, no matter what?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would run to meet you, even after you'd messed up?

  • Who says your name in a way you love?

    John 20:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who said your name nicely today?
    Ages 6-9
    Whose voice do you love hearing say your name?
    Ages 10-13
    How does it feel when somebody says your name kindly?
    Ages 14-18
    Who knows you by name and really sees you?

  • What's hard for you to share?

    Acts 2:44-45

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was hard to share today?
    Ages 6-9
    What toy or thing is hardest for you to share?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you own that you'd have a hard time sharing?
    Ages 14-18
    What would be hardest to share if we lived like the first church?

Gratitude3

  • Who did something for you in secret?

    Matthew 6:3-4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did something nice for you today that surprised you?
    Ages 6-9
    Who did something kind for you and never said it was them?
    Ages 10-13
    Whose help behind the scenes did you only find out about later?
    Ages 14-18
    Who has done things for you that you're only now starting to notice?

  • What are you hoping for right now?

    Psalm 71:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What are you excited for tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you hoping will happen soon?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you quietly hoping for this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you hoping for that only God could pull off?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one thing that feels new or alive this week.

    Psalm 104:30

Jesus8

  • What's the hardest thing for you to say no to?

    Matthew 4:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was hard to say no to today?
    Ages 6-9
    What snack or game is hardest for you to say no to?
    Ages 10-13
    What's hardest to say no to when you're tired or hungry?
    Ages 14-18
    What's hard to say no to, even when you know it isn't good for you?

  • What did you lose that you were really glad to find?

    Luke 15:5-6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you lose in this house and then find?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you lose and feel so happy to find again?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the best thing you ever lost and found again?
    Ages 14-18
    When have you felt like the lost one?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘We all wander off like sheep, and God laid all of it on Jesus, for you.’

    Isaiah 53:6

  • Who would you throw a parade for?

    Matthew 21:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you shout if Jesus walked in right now?
    Ages 6-9
    Who in your life deserves a parade?
    Ages 10-13
    Who would you line the street to cheer for?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would you keep cheering for, even if the crowd turned on them?

  • What's the best news you've ever heard?

    Matthew 28:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What good news did you hear today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the best news anyone ever told you?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the best news you ever got that you didn't believe at first?
    Ages 14-18
    What news changed everything for you the second you heard it?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘Christ is risen. You get to walk in new life, starting today.’

    Romans 6:4

  • When did it take you a minute to recognize someone you know?

    Luke 24:30-31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you see today that you didn't expect to see?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you walk right past someone you knew?
    Ages 10-13
    When did you not recognize someone until they said or did something?
    Ages 14-18
    When did you realize God was there after it was over?

  • What has someone trusted you to take care of while they were away?

    Acts 1:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you get to take care of today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did someone ask you to look after while they were gone?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the biggest thing anyone has left you in charge of?
    Ages 14-18
    What has Jesus left in your hands until he comes back?

Friendship3

  • When is it hardest to stand up for a friend?

    Luke 22:61-62

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who could you stick up for at school tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    When is it hard to stand up for a friend?
    Ages 10-13
    When is it hard to admit you're friends with someone?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it hard to stand up for a friend when everyone's watching?

  • What's the grossest job somebody in this house does?

    John 13:14-15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who cleaned up something yucky today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the yuckiest job somebody does for you?
    Ages 10-13
    What gross job does somebody here do that nobody thanks them for?
    Ages 14-18
    What job would you hate doing that someone here does for you anyway?

  • Who made you food when you really needed it?

    John 21:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who made your breakfast today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who made you food when you were sick?
    Ages 10-13
    Who brought you food on a day you really needed it?
    Ages 14-18
    Who feeds you when you need it most?

Work and calling2

  • What kept your hands busy today?

    Romans 12:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did your hands do today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you make, fix, or carry today?
    Ages 10-13
    What ordinary part of today would you never think of as worship?
    Ages 14-18
    What does God get from you on a normal Tuesday?

  • Where do you need God's help to be brave this week?

    Acts 1:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you need to be brave for tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What's coming up that you need to be brave for?
    Ages 10-13
    What's one place you need extra courage this week?
    Ages 14-18
    Where do you need courage this week?

Repair3

  • What's one small thing you want to do every day until Easter?

    Joel 2:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What could we do every night at bedtime until Easter?
    Ages 6-9
    What's one small thing you could do every day until Easter?
    Ages 10-13
    What could you give up or add for Lent?
    Ages 14-18
    What's one daily thing that would actually make these six weeks different?

  • What's the best fresh start you've ever had?

    Psalm 51:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you get to start over today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you get a do-over that made things better?
    Ages 10-13
    When did starting over turn out better than you expected?
    Ages 14-18
    When did a clean slate change how you saw yourself?

  • How can you tell someone still loves you after you mess up?

    John 21:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What happens after a time-out that shows you're still loved?
    Ages 6-9
    Who still hugs you even when you've been in trouble?
    Ages 10-13
    What did someone do that showed they still trusted you after a mistake?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you want to hear from someone you let down?

Forgiveness3

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘God is kind and forgiving, and he is full of love for you.’

    Psalm 86:5

  • What makes forgiving someone so hard?

    Luke 23:34

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What makes it hard to forgive someone who took your toy?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes it hard to forgive somebody?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes it hard to forgive someone who isn't even sorry?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes forgiving someone feel unfair?

  • When did someone go easy on you when they didn't have to?

    Ephesians 2:4-5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who didn't get mad at you today when they could have?
    Ages 6-9
    When did a grown-up go easy on you when you thought you'd be in trouble?
    Ages 10-13
    When did someone give you a break you didn't earn?
    Ages 14-18
    When did someone show you mercy?

The church5

  • What meal do you never want to forget?

    Luke 22:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's the best part of this dinner right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the best meal you remember eating with people you love?
    Ages 10-13
    What meal do you remember because of who was at the table?
    Ages 14-18
    What meal would you want people to remember you by?

  • Who are you hoping comes to know Jesus?

    Matthew 28:19-20

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you see today that you want to know Jesus?
    Ages 6-9
    Which friend would you like to know Jesus too?
    Ages 10-13
    Who in your life do you hope gets to know Jesus?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you hope comes to know Jesus, even if you never say a word?

  • What's the windiest day you've ever been out in?

    Acts 2:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did the wind feel like on your face today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the strongest wind you've ever felt?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the wildest thing you've ever seen the wind do?
    Ages 14-18
    When did a big wind make you feel small?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘God has poured his love into your heart and given you his Holy Spirit. That hope won't let you down.’

    Romans 5:5

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one fruit of the Spirit you see in somebody here: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.

    Galatians 5:22-23

Spring36 nights

Noticing3

  • What have you seen growing this spring?

    Genesis 8:22

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see growing outside today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's growing around our house that you keep checking on?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you waiting to see grow?
    Ages 14-18
    What in your life is growing slowly?

  • What rainy-day memory do you love?

    Zechariah 10:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you do the last time it rained?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you like to do on a rainy day?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you notice after it rains?
    Ages 14-18
    What's the best rainy day you can remember?

  • What spring sound makes you happy?

    Psalm 65:12-13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What sound did you hear outside today?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you hear outside at night now?
    Ages 10-13
    What sound tells you spring is really here?
    Ages 14-18
    What spring sound would you miss most if it went quiet?

Suffering4

  • What worry would you like to give God tonight?

    Matthew 6:28-29

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you worried today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something you worried about this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What worry keeps coming back, even when you try to drop it?
    Ages 14-18
    What worry would you hand to God tonight?

  • What sad thing turned out better than you thought it would?

    Psalm 126:5-6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you sad today that feels better now?
    Ages 6-9
    What sad thing turned happy?
    Ages 10-13
    What hard time ended better than you expected?
    Ages 14-18
    What hard stretch turned into something good you didn't see coming?

  • What change coming up makes you a little nervous?

    Genesis 28:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's coming up that feels a little scary?
    Ages 6-9
    What new thing makes you nervous?
    Ages 10-13
    What is coming up that you need courage for?
    Ages 14-18
    What change next year makes you nervous?

  • What's hard this week that you'd like Jesus to help with?

    John 16:33

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What is hard right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What hard thing would you like Jesus to help you with?
    Ages 10-13
    What's one hard thing where you could use some peace right now?
    Ages 14-18
    What's weighing on you right now?

Doubt3

  • What do you wonder about how God made the world?

    Ecclesiastes 11:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see today that made you wonder about God?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you wonder about how God made things?
    Ages 10-13
    What have you learned in science that makes you wonder about God?
    Ages 14-18
    What question about God and science do you have?

  • What's something unfair that really bugs you?

    Psalm 73:2-3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What felt unfair today?
    Ages 6-9
    What unfair thing happened this week that still bugs you?
    Ages 10-13
    What's something unfair you wish God would fix?
    Ages 14-18
    What unfair thing makes you question God?

  • When did you start to sink and get pulled up?

    Matthew 14:30-31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you today when you felt wobbly?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you feel scared and someone helped you right away?
    Ages 10-13
    What helped you hold on when you started to doubt?
    Ages 14-18
    Who pulled you up the last time you felt yourself sinking?

Belonging5

  • What keeps you steady when things get hard?

    Psalm 1:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helped you feel strong today?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps you stay strong when something's hard, like roots help a tree?
    Ages 10-13
    What keeps you strong when things are hard?
    Ages 14-18
    What are your roots, the things that hold you up when life gets hard?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May you be like a tree by the water, with deep roots and green leaves, not afraid when the heat comes.’

    Jeremiah 17:7-8

  • What's something you'd love to teach somebody younger than you?

    Proverbs 22:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What can you do now that you could show a baby?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you love to teach a little kid?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you want a younger kid to learn from you?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you hope a younger kid picks up from watching you?

  • Who turned out different than you first thought?

    1 Samuel 16:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who surprised you by being nice today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who seemed one way at first and turned out different?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes it so easy to judge someone by how they look?
    Ages 14-18
    What changed your mind about someone you had written off?

  • What makes our home feel like home to you?

    Psalm 23:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What is your favorite room at home?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes our home a good place?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you never want to change about our home?
    Ages 14-18
    What about this home do you want to carry with you wherever you go?

Gratitude5

  • Who has helped you grow?

    1 Corinthians 3:6-7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you learn something new today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who helps you grow?
    Ages 10-13
    Who planted something good in you?
    Ages 14-18
    Who is still watering your faith?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one thing you saw grow or bloom this week.

    Psalm 104:14-15

  • What did your mom teach you that you still use?

    Proverbs 31:28-29

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did Mom do today that you loved?
    Ages 6-9
    What does Mom do that nobody notices?
    Ages 10-13
    What did Mom teach you this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you thank Mom for?

  • Who gave up something big to keep other people safe?

    Psalm 46:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who's a brave helper we can thank God for tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What story do you know about someone who served to keep people safe?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you think it costs a person to serve so others stay safe?
    Ages 14-18
    Who gave something big for your freedom?

  • What animal are you most thankful God made?

    Psalm 145:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What animal made you smile today?
    Ages 6-9
    What animal do you think God had the most fun making?
    Ages 10-13
    What does a pet teach you about love?
    Ages 14-18
    What does taking care of something teach you?

Jesus4

  • What small thing turned into something big?

    Luke 13:18-19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who at this table was little once and is big now?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something that started tiny and got really big?
    Ages 10-13
    What small thing did you do that turned into something big?
    Ages 14-18
    What small choice turned out big for you?

  • Who's always glad to see you coming, like Jesus with the kids?

    Mark 10:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who gave you a big hug today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who always looks happy when you walk in?
    Ages 10-13
    Who makes time for you even when they're busy?
    Ages 14-18
    Who makes room for you when you feel like you're in the way?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘Jesus gives you his peace, not the kind the world gives. Don't let your heart be troubled, and don't be afraid.’

    John 14:27

  • When did a little bit turn out to be enough?

    John 6:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What could you share from your plate tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something small you have that you could share?
    Ages 10-13
    When did a small gift do more than you expected?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you have that seems too small to matter?

Friendship5

  • Who do you learn from just by being around them?

    Proverbs 13:20

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who taught you something today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who makes you wiser?
    Ages 10-13
    Which friend do you learn the most from?
    Ages 14-18
    Which friend do you come home from a little wiser?

  • Who near us could use a hand up right now?

    Psalm 145:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who could you help tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    Who do you know who could use some help this week?
    Ages 10-13
    Who around you is having a hard time and could use a friend?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you notice struggling that most people walk past?

  • What keeps you so busy you miss time with people?

    Luke 10:41-42

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What kept you busy today?
    Ages 6-9
    When do you get so busy you forget to sit with someone?
    Ages 10-13
    What busy thing keeps you from people?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you have to drop to slow down?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and tell somebody here one thing they are getting better at.

    2 Thessalonians 1:3

  • Who told you something hard that you needed to hear?

    Proverbs 27:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who told you the truth today?
    Ages 6-9
    Which friend tells you the truth even when it's hard?
    Ages 10-13
    Who tells you the truth when everyone else just says you're fine?
    Ages 14-18
    Who tells you what you need to hear?

Work and calling3

  • What do you help take care of outside?

    Genesis 2:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you help take care of today?
    Ages 6-9
    What plant or animal do you like taking care of?
    Ages 10-13
    What could our family do to take care of creation?
    Ages 14-18
    What part of God's world do you most want to protect?

  • What did you finish this year that you are proud of?

    Philippians 1:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you finish today that made you proud?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you proud of from this school year?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you get better at this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you finish this year that you didn't think you would?

  • What's something you've been trusted to take care of?

    Matthew 25:21

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you get to be in charge of today?
    Ages 6-9
    What does somebody trust you to take care of?
    Ages 10-13
    What has God trusted you with?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you trusted with now that you weren't a year ago?

Repair2

  • After a fight, what words help you feel better?

    James 3:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What words help you feel better when you're upset?
    Ages 6-9
    What words make things better after a fight?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the smallest thing someone can say that ends a fight?
    Ages 14-18
    What words actually help you let go of a fight?

  • When is it hardest to treat people the way you'd want to be treated?

    Luke 6:31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made it hard to be kind today?
    Ages 6-9
    When is it hard to be nice to someone who isn't nice back?
    Ages 10-13
    When is the golden rule hard?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes someone hard to treat the way you'd want to be treated?

Forgiveness1

  • What helps you forgive somebody when you're still upset?

    Matthew 6:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    If you got mad tonight, what would help you stop being mad?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps you forgive someone when you're still a little mad?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes forgiving someone so hard sometimes?
    Ages 14-18
    What helps you keep forgiving when the hurt doesn't go away fast?

The church1

  • What's one thing you help with at church?

    Ephesians 4:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you help with at church last time?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you like helping with at church?
    Ages 10-13
    What would church lose without kids?
    Ages 14-18
    What gift do you bring to the church?

Summer60 nights

Noticing7

  • What do you notice when it stays light out late?

    Psalm 74:16-17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you see outside when it's still light at bedtime?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you notice outside when it stays light after dinner?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you notice when the sun stays up late?
    Ages 14-18
    What do long summer nights give you that the rest of the year doesn't?

  • What's the biggest thing God made that you've seen up close?

    Psalm 95:4-5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's the biggest thing you saw outside today?
    Ages 6-9
    What is the biggest place you have been?
    Ages 10-13
    What place made you feel small?
    Ages 14-18
    Where have you stood that made you feel small in a good way?

  • Where was the best night sky you ever saw?

    Genesis 1:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see the last time you looked up at night?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the best thing you've seen in the sky at night?
    Ages 10-13
    Where's the best place you've ever looked up at the stars?
    Ages 14-18
    What is the best night sky you have seen?

  • What did you notice outside this summer that you'd never seen before?

    Psalm 104:10-12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What animal did you hear outside today?
    Ages 6-9
    What bug or animal did you see this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you discover outside this summer?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you notice outside that you never saw before?

  • What big storm do you remember?

    Psalm 29:3-4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where were you the last time it thundered?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the wildest storm you've ever been in?
    Ages 10-13
    What storm do you remember that made you feel really small?
    Ages 14-18
    What's a storm you'll never forget the sound of?

  • Where's the best sunset you've ever seen?

    Psalm 104:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's the prettiest sky you saw this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What is the best sunset you have seen?
    Ages 10-13
    Where would you go to watch a sunset?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you think about while you watch the sun go down?

  • What do you want to remember about this summer?

    Psalm 92:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was the best part of summer?
    Ages 6-9
    What will you remember about this summer?
    Ages 10-13
    What from this summer do you hope you never forget?
    Ages 14-18
    What from this summer do you want to remember when you're older?

Suffering4

  • Who do you go to first when you need help?

    Psalm 121:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you go to for help today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who do you go to first when something goes wrong?
    Ages 10-13
    Who do you call when you need help?
    Ages 14-18
    Where do you look for help first?

  • When did you feel far from home?

    Psalm 139:9-10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where have you slept that wasn't our house?
    Ages 6-9
    When were you away from home and missed it?
    Ages 10-13
    Where were you when you felt the farthest from home?
    Ages 14-18
    When have you felt far from home, even in a place you knew?

  • What helps you keep going when you're really tired?

    Isaiah 40:31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helps you when you're tired at bedtime?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps you not give up?
    Ages 10-13
    What keeps you going when you're worn out?
    Ages 14-18
    What keeps you going when something wears you out and you can't quit?

  • What hard thing made you stronger this summer?

    Job 23:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What hard thing did you do today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you do this summer that was hard?
    Ages 10-13
    What did a hard thing teach you this summer?
    Ages 14-18
    What hard stretch this summer made you tougher in a way you didn't expect?

Doubt4

  • What do you say to yourself on a sad day?

    Psalm 42:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What could you say to yourself if you felt sad tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you say to yourself when you feel sad?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you tell yourself when you feel down and can't shake it?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you tell yourself when you feel low for no reason you can name?

  • What do you want to ask God about the sad things that happen?

    Psalm 10:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What sad thing do you want to ask God about tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you ask God about bad things happening to nice people?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you wish God would explain about storms and sickness?
    Ages 14-18
    What bad thing makes it hard to trust God?

  • What would you ask Jesus if he were sitting here tonight?

    Matthew 11:2-3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you ask Jesus if he sat at our table?
    Ages 6-9
    John asked Jesus a hard question from jail. What would you ask him?
    Ages 10-13
    What question about Jesus do you wish you could get a straight answer to?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you ask Jesus if you could?

  • What do you do over and over that feels like it doesn't matter?

    Ecclesiastes 1:2-3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you do every day that feels boring?
    Ages 6-9
    What feels pointless sometimes?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you do every week that feels like it doesn't count?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you do over and over that makes you wonder if it matters?

Belonging9

  • What do you want our family to do together this summer?

    Psalm 90:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What fun thing should our family do this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What's one fun thing our family should do together this summer?
    Ages 10-13
    What's one thing you want us to do together before school starts?
    Ages 14-18
    What's one thing you'd actually want to do with us this summer?

  • What's your favorite story about our family?

    Psalm 78:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What story about you as a baby should we tell tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What family story do you love hearing over and over?
    Ages 10-13
    What family story do you want to hear?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you want to know about our family history?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May you grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus this summer.’

    2 Peter 3:18

  • Who did you meet as a stranger who became a friend?

    Hebrews 13:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you meet for the first time this week?
    Ages 6-9
    Who did you meet this summer who's now a friend?
    Ages 10-13
    Who started out as a stranger and became a real friend?
    Ages 14-18
    Who did you meet this summer that surprised you?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘The LORD's presence will go with you on every trip and every road, and He will give you rest.’

    Exodus 33:14

  • What place feels like home that isn't home?

    Psalm 84:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where did you go this week that felt like home?
    Ages 6-9
    What place feels like home even though you don't live there?
    Ages 10-13
    What place outside this house feels most like home to you?
    Ages 14-18
    What place feels like home to you that most people would never guess?

  • What could we do to make our next guest feel really welcome?

    Genesis 18:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you make for a guest tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you like doing for guests?
    Ages 10-13
    What is the nicest thing a host ever did for you?
    Ages 14-18
    How do you make people feel welcome?

  • Roundtable

    Go around. Tell the person on your left what you love about having them here.

    1 Corinthians 1:4

  • What are you hoping for this school year?

    Psalm 37:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you hope happens on your first day?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you looking forward to next year?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you hoping for this year, even if you're a little nervous?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you want to be different about next year?

Gratitude8

  • What did your dad or a father figure teach you?

    Psalm 103:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What can you do now because Dad showed you how?
    Ages 6-9
    What has Dad taught you that you use all the time?
    Ages 10-13
    What's the best advice Dad ever gave you?
    Ages 14-18
    What did Dad teach you, maybe without meaning to?

  • What food tastes most like summer to you?

    Psalm 145:15-16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What summer food would you eat tonight if you could?
    Ages 6-9
    What summer treat do you love most?
    Ages 10-13
    What food reminds you of summer?
    Ages 14-18
    What is the best meal you've had outside?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name the best moment of this week.

    Psalm 16:11

  • What's something you're free to do that you're thankful for?

    Galatians 5:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What were you free to do today that you loved?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something you're glad you're free to do?
    Ages 10-13
    What freedom are you thankful for?
    Ages 14-18
    What freedom do you have that people before you had to fight for?

  • When did you feel joy this summer?

    Isaiah 55:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you happy outside today?
    Ages 6-9
    When were you so happy this summer you wanted to sing?
    Ages 10-13
    What made you feel free this week?
    Ages 14-18
    When did you last feel really happy?

  • What did you see this summer that made you say wow?

    Psalm 107:23-24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What amazing thing did you see this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the most amazing thing you saw this summer?
    Ages 10-13
    What surprised you this summer?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you see this summer that made you stop and stare?

  • What did you get to enjoy this week?

    Ecclesiastes 5:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you enjoy today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you enjoy this week just for fun?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you enjoy this week without feeling guilty?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you enjoy this week without feeling like you had to earn it?

  • What do you want to thank God for from this summer?

    1 Thessalonians 5:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What are you thankful for this summer?
    Ages 6-9
    Who made this summer good?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you thankful for that you didn't expect?
    Ages 14-18
    What summer moment will you thank God for?

Jesus6

  • When did you last really rest?

    Mark 6:31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was the coziest part of today?
    Ages 6-9
    When did you get to really rest this week?
    Ages 10-13
    When was the last time you got a real break?
    Ages 14-18
    What does real rest look like for you?

  • What would be hardest to leave behind to go with Jesus?

    Matthew 4:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's one thing in your room you'd hate to leave behind?
    Ages 6-9
    What would be hard to leave if Jesus asked you to come with him?
    Ages 10-13
    The fishermen left their nets. What would be hardest for you to leave?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you have to leave to follow Jesus?

  • What party would you most want Jesus to come to?

    John 2:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What party would you invite Jesus to?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the best party you could invite Jesus to?
    Ages 10-13
    What party in your life would you most want Jesus to show up at?
    Ages 14-18
    What celebration coming up would you most want Jesus to be part of?

  • When do you pray, honestly?

    Mark 1:35

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you like to tell God?
    Ages 6-9
    When's your favorite time to talk to God?
    Ages 10-13
    When is the best time for you to pray?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it hard to pray?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘Jesus knows you, and no one can snatch you out of His hand.’

    John 10:27-28

  • Where is your place to pray?

    Matthew 14:23

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where's your favorite quiet spot in our house?
    Ages 6-9
    Where's a good place to talk to God, just you?
    Ages 10-13
    Where is a good place to pray in our house?
    Ages 14-18
    Where do you feel closest to God?

Friendship7

  • Who could we have over for dinner this month?

    Romans 12:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who should come eat with us at this table?
    Ages 6-9
    Who should we invite to a cookout at our house?
    Ages 10-13
    Who could we invite over who we don't usually?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would be surprised and glad if we invited them over?

  • Which friend would you most like to spend a whole summer day with?

    1 Samuel 18:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Which friend do you want to play with tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    Which friend would you pick for a whole summer day?
    Ages 10-13
    Which friend would you want for a whole day with nothing planned?
    Ages 14-18
    Which friend makes a slow summer day feel like a good one?

  • Who do you miss that you could call this week?

    Proverbs 25:25

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who would you like to call tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    Who do you miss that lives far away?
    Ages 10-13
    Which friend have you lost touch with?
    Ages 14-18
    Who should you reach out to this week?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and tell the funniest thing that happened this week.

    Proverbs 15:13

  • Who brings out the best in you?

    Proverbs 22:24-25

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who made you want to be kind today?
    Ages 6-9
    Which friend helps you be at your best?
    Ages 10-13
    Which friend makes you a better version of you?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you pick up from the people you spend the most time with?

  • Who did something big to help you when you needed it?

    Mark 2:3-4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did something extra nice for you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who has gone to a lot of trouble to help you?
    Ages 10-13
    Who would go that far for you?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would you drop everything to help?

  • Who are you hoping to get to know better this year?

    Proverbs 27:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you want to play with on the first day?
    Ages 6-9
    Who are you hoping to see at school?
    Ages 10-13
    Who do you want to be friends with this year?
    Ages 14-18
    Who are you hoping to get closer to this year?

Work and calling8

  • What's one job you'd like to try this summer?

    Ruth 2:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What job could you help with tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What job could you try this summer, at home or for a neighbor?
    Ages 10-13
    What work do you want to try this summer?
    Ages 14-18
    What summer work could teach you something school can't?

  • What could you do for hours and not notice the time?

    Ecclesiastes 2:24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you play today that you didn't want to stop?
    Ages 6-9
    What could you do all day without getting bored?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you lose track of time doing?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you think God made you for?

  • What could our family build or fix together this summer?

    Nehemiah 2:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What should we build together this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What could we build or fix together?
    Ages 10-13
    What project could our family do this summer?
    Ages 14-18
    What summer project would you actually want to help this family with?

  • What's something you had to do before you felt ready?

    Exodus 4:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you do today that felt too big for you?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you have to do before you felt ready?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you being asked to do that you don't feel ready for?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you afraid you're not good enough for?

  • What work of yours do you want God to bless?

    Psalm 90:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you make this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you work on this summer?
    Ages 10-13
    What work would you like God to bless?
    Ages 14-18
    What work are you proud of this summer?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘The LORD goes ahead of you into this new school year. He will be with you and will not leave you.’

    Deuteronomy 31:8

  • What do you want to get better at this fall?

    Luke 2:52

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What new thing do you want to learn this fall?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you want to get better at in school?
    Ages 10-13
    What goal do you have for next year?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you want to try next year that you never have?

  • What did you learn about work from your parents?

    John 5:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What work did you see a grown-up here do today?
    Ages 6-9
    What have you learned about work from watching us?
    Ages 10-13
    What have you picked up about work from the grown-ups in this house?
    Ages 14-18
    What's one thing about how we work that you hope you copy?

Repair3

  • What's one thing that would make our house calmer this summer?

    Proverbs 17:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would help our house feel calm tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps when we get on each other's nerves?
    Ages 10-13
    What would help us fight less this summer?
    Ages 14-18
    What would make our house more peaceful this summer?

  • When did telling the truth make things better?

    Proverbs 28:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What happens after you tell the truth about a spill?
    Ages 6-9
    What happened the last time you told the truth when it was hard?
    Ages 10-13
    What happens when you hide a mistake?
    Ages 14-18
    When has coming clean made things better than you expected?

  • What bugs you right away when someone else does it?

    Matthew 7:3

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What bugs you when other kids do it?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something you notice fast when other people do it?
    Ages 10-13
    What mistakes are easiest to spot in other people?
    Ages 14-18
    What mistake do you point out in others that you also do?

Forgiveness1

  • How can you tell a fight is really over?

    Genesis 33:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you do to show you're not mad anymore?
    Ages 6-9
    What do people do when a fight is finally over?
    Ages 10-13
    How do you make up after a long fight?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes an apology after a long fight actually feel real?

The church3

  • Whose house always felt welcoming to you?

    Acts 16:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Whose house would you like to go to tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    Whose house makes you feel happy the minute you walk in?
    Ages 10-13
    Whose house do you feel welcome at, even when you just show up?
    Ages 14-18
    What do people do that makes their house feel like it's yours too?

  • What is the best meal you have shared with church friends?

    Acts 16:34

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's the best thing you ate with friends from church?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the most fun meal you've had with people from church?
    Ages 10-13
    What happens at a meal with church friends that doesn't happen on Sunday morning?
    Ages 14-18
    What happens around a table that doesn't happen elsewhere?

  • Who could our family help together this summer?

    James 1:27

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who could we help this week?
    Ages 6-9
    Who needs help in our town?
    Ages 10-13
    What could our family do to help kids who need it?
    Ages 14-18
    What need in our town bothers you?

Fall51 nights

Noticing6

  • What have you noticed changing outside this fall?

    Psalm 104:24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you see outside today that looked different?
    Ages 6-9
    What changed outside this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you notice now that summer is over?
    Ages 14-18
    What's changing outside right now that most people walk right past?

  • What change bugged you at first that you're glad about now?

    Ecclesiastes 3:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What food used to be yucky that you like now?
    Ages 6-9
    What new thing did you hate at first and now love?
    Ages 10-13
    What change this year turned out better than you expected?
    Ages 14-18
    What change did you fight at first that you're glad happened now?

  • What's a light that helps you when it's dark?

    John 1:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helps you feel okay in the dark at bedtime?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps when it is dark and you are scared?
    Ages 10-13
    What helps you most when a day feels dark?
    Ages 14-18
    What's been a light for you when things got really dark?

  • What do you worry about that the birds don't?

    Matthew 6:26

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you worry about today?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you worry about that a bird never would?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you worry about that you can't actually change?
    Ages 14-18
    What worry takes up the most room in your head right now?

  • What's one good thing about it getting dark so early?

    Psalm 19:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you see in the sky right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the best part about it getting dark before dinner?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you notice when the days get shorter?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you do with your evenings now that it is dark early?

  • What pet or animal taught you something?

    Job 12:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was an animal doing when you saw it today?
    Ages 6-9
    What have you learned from watching an animal?
    Ages 10-13
    What has a pet or animal taught you without saying a word?
    Ages 14-18
    What has watching an animal taught you about yourself?

Suffering4

  • What hard thing did you get through, even though you were scared?

    Isaiah 43:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What scary thing did you get through today?
    Ages 6-9
    What scary thing turned out okay?
    Ages 10-13
    What used to scare you that doesn't anymore?
    Ages 14-18
    What hard thing did you get through that you were sure you couldn't?

  • What's getting better in you, even when other things get harder?

    2 Corinthians 4:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What can you do now that you couldn't do as a baby?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you better at this year than last year?
    Ages 10-13
    What's one way you've grown this year that nobody can see?
    Ages 14-18
    What's getting stronger inside you, even on hard days?

  • What bad thing turned out to be the start of a good one?

    Romans 8:28

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What went wrong today that turned out okay?
    Ages 6-9
    What went wrong and then turned out okay?
    Ages 10-13
    What is going wrong right now that might turn out okay?
    Ages 14-18
    What hard thing are you still waiting to see good come from?

  • Where do you go when things get hard?

    Psalm 46:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you when something was hard today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who helps you when something is hard?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you do first when something goes wrong?
    Ages 14-18
    Where do you go when life feels like too much?

Doubt4

  • What have you asked God for that's taking a long time?

    Psalm 13:1-2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was hard to wait for today?
    Ages 6-9
    What have you prayed for that hasn't happened yet?
    Ages 10-13
    What prayer are you still waiting on?
    Ages 14-18
    When has it felt like God wasn't listening to you?

  • What do you picture when you think about God?

    1 John 4:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you see when you think about God right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What does God look like when you imagine Him?
    Ages 10-13
    How has your picture of God changed as you've gotten older?
    Ages 14-18
    When has your picture of God felt more scary than kind?

  • When is it hard to say thank you to God?

    Psalm 73:26

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made it hard to say thank you today?
    Ages 6-9
    What makes it hard to thank God some days?
    Ages 10-13
    When have you been thankful and sad at the same time?
    Ages 14-18
    When has thanking God felt fake to you?

  • What helps you believe in God when you can't see Him?

    John 20:29

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did somebody do today that showed they love you?
    Ages 6-9
    What's something you believe in even though you can't see it?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes it hard to believe in God sometimes?
    Ages 14-18
    What would it take for you to be sure about God?

Belonging6

  • Who feels like family to you, even though you're not related?

    Ruth 2:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who besides us took care of you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who takes care of you like family, even though they're not?
    Ages 10-13
    Whose house feels like home to you, besides ours?
    Ages 14-18
    Who in your life feels like family but is not related to you?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May the LORD keep you from harm and watch over your coming and going, now and always.’

    Psalm 121:7-8

  • Who knows the real you best?

    1 Corinthians 13:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who in this room knows you best?
    Ages 6-9
    Who knows what you're really like inside?
    Ages 10-13
    Who knows what you're really like, not just how you act at school?
    Ages 14-18
    Who sees the real you when you take the mask off?

  • Who could use a seat at our table this month?

    Deuteronomy 10:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who would you invite to dinner tomorrow?
    Ages 6-9
    Who would you like to have over for dinner?
    Ages 10-13
    Who might be alone on a holiday this year?
    Ages 14-18
    Who could we include who usually gets left out?

  • When did our family feel closest this year?

    Psalm 133:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did we do together today that you liked?
    Ages 6-9
    What do we do together that is the most fun?
    Ages 10-13
    When did we feel most like a team this year?
    Ages 14-18
    When does our family feel close?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one way somebody here made you feel welcome this fall.

    Romans 15:7

Gratitude7

  • What good thing in your life did you not see coming?

    James 1:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What good surprise happened today?
    Ages 6-9
    What good thing happened this year that you didn't see coming?
    Ages 10-13
    What's a good thing in your life you never saw coming?
    Ages 14-18
    What good thing showed up in your life that you didn't plan or earn?

  • Roundtable

    Name one person who helped you this week and how.

    Psalm 68:19

  • What hard thing are you thankful for now?

    Psalm 100:4

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was hard today that you're glad you did?
    Ages 6-9
    What was hard at first that you're thankful for now?
    Ages 10-13
    What hard thing this year turned into something you're thankful for?
    Ages 14-18
    What hard thing are you thankful for that you'd never have picked?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and say one thing you are thankful for about the person on your right.

    Philippians 1:3

  • What moment this year are you most thankful to God for?

    1 Chronicles 16:34

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What food are you thankful for tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What day this year are you most thankful for?
    Ages 10-13
    What happened this year that you are thankful for?
    Ages 14-18
    What hard moment this year are you thankful we got through?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May the LORD make your life full. May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven and earth.’

    Psalm 115:14-15

  • Who helped get this food to our table tonight?

    Psalm 65:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you want to thank for your food tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    Who are all the people who helped get dinner here?
    Ages 10-13
    Who works so we can eat?
    Ages 14-18
    Whose work behind this meal do you never think about?

Jesus5

  • Who watches out for you like a shepherd watches his sheep?

    John 10:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who kept you safe today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who keeps an eye on you, the way a shepherd watches sheep?
    Ages 10-13
    Who notices when you're not okay, the way a shepherd notices a lost sheep?
    Ages 14-18
    Who looks after you without bossing you around?

  • What kind of tired are you right now?

    Matthew 11:28

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you tired today?
    Ages 6-9
    What part of today made you the most tired?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes you tired that sleep does not fix?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you tired of carrying right now?

  • What would you do first if Jesus came to our house tonight?

    Luke 19:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you say if Jesus came to our house?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you show Jesus first if He came over tonight?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you want to talk about if Jesus came for dinner tonight?
    Ages 14-18
    How would you feel if Jesus picked our house out of the whole town?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way.’

    2 Thessalonians 3:16

  • Who serves you without needing a thank-you?

    Mark 10:45

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who helps you every day without being asked?
    Ages 10-13
    Who serves our family?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you know who's important but still does the dirty jobs?

Friendship6

  • Who's a friend who makes you better?

    Proverbs 27:17

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who helped you get better at something today?
    Ages 6-9
    Which friend helps you get better at things?
    Ages 10-13
    Which friend pushes you to be better, even when it's annoying?
    Ages 14-18
    Which friend makes you a better person?

  • What does your best friend do that keeps you two close?

    Romans 12:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did a friend do today that made you happy?
    Ages 6-9
    What does your best friend do that makes you glad you're friends?
    Ages 10-13
    How does your closest friend show they care, without saying it?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes a friendship last past one school year?

  • Who shared with you when you really needed it?

    Proverbs 11:25

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who shared something with you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who shared something with you that made your whole day?
    Ages 10-13
    Who gave you something you needed without being asked?
    Ages 14-18
    Who's been generous to you in a way you can't pay back?

  • What promise has a friend kept to you?

    1 Samuel 20:42

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who kept a promise to you today?
    Ages 6-9
    What promise did a friend keep for you?
    Ages 10-13
    Which friend always does what they say they'll do?
    Ages 14-18
    Which friend has kept their word to you, even when it cost them?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and say one kind true thing about the person across from you.

    Proverbs 16:24

  • Who is the friend who has stuck closest to you?

    Exodus 33:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who stuck by you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Which friend sticks with you even when you're grumpy?
    Ages 10-13
    Which friend has stuck with you the longest?
    Ages 14-18
    Which friend would you call first if everything went wrong?

Work and calling5

  • What are you starting this fall that scares you a little?

    Psalm 32:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What new thing felt a little scary today?
    Ages 6-9
    What's new this fall that makes you a little nervous?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you starting this year that makes you a little nervous?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you starting this fall that scares you more than you let on?

  • What do you get ready early so you're not rushed?

    Proverbs 6:6-8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you help get ready today?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you get ready the night before?
    Ages 10-13
    What is worth getting done early so you are not rushed later?
    Ages 14-18
    What have you learned to do early, after waiting too long once?

  • What work do you do that nobody sees?

    2 Thessalonians 3:13

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you work hard on today?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you not give up on this week?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you keep doing even when nobody notices?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you work at that nobody sees or thanks you for?

  • What do you do with your whole heart now?

    1 Corinthians 10:31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you do as hard as you could today?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you do with all your might?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you go all out on, even when nobody makes you?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you throw yourself into all the way right now?

  • What are you good at that helps other people?

    1 Corinthians 12:4-6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What were you a good helper at today?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you good at that helps your friends?
    Ages 10-13
    What gift do you have that helps other people?
    Ages 14-18
    What gift do you have that somebody outside this house needs?

Repair2

  • What makes a sorry feel real?

    Ephesians 4:32

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helps you feel better after somebody says sorry?
    Ages 6-9
    What does somebody do that makes their sorry feel real?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes a sorry feel real to you?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes a sorry hard to believe, even when the person means it?

  • What words help when somebody's really mad?

    Proverbs 15:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helped you calm down today?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps when people start to argue?
    Ages 10-13
    How can you calm a fight down?
    Ages 14-18
    What's the gentlest thing anyone said to you in the middle of a fight?

Forgiveness2

  • What helps you forgive when nobody says sorry?

    Luke 6:37

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helped you stop being mad today?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps you let it go when somebody doesn't say sorry?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you do when you cannot stop thinking about what somebody did?
    Ages 14-18
    What helps you forgive somebody who never says sorry?

  • What helps you stop feeling bad after you've said sorry?

    Psalm 103:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What makes the bad feeling go away after you say sorry?
    Ages 6-9
    What helps you believe it's really over after you say sorry?
    Ages 10-13
    What makes it hard to feel forgiven, even after you say sorry?
    Ages 14-18
    What would change for you if you believed your wrongs were really gone?

The church4

  • What has church given our family that we could not get anywhere else?

    Acts 2:42

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you like best at church last Sunday?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you get at church that you can't get anywhere else?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you miss if we stopped going to church?
    Ages 14-18
    What does church give you that school and friends can't?

  • Who from long ago would you most like to meet in heaven?

    Hebrews 12:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who from a Bible story do you want to meet someday?
    Ages 6-9
    Who in our family did you never meet but want to hear about?
    Ages 10-13
    Who from before us do you want to be like?
    Ages 14-18
    Whose faith, from before you were born, do you want to carry on?

  • What's something you love to give?

    2 Corinthians 9:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you give somebody today that made you smile?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you like to give that makes somebody smile?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you give to if you had a hundred dollars?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes giving feel good instead of forced?

  • What part do you play at church?

    1 Corinthians 12:27

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's your job when we go to church?
    Ages 6-9
    What job do you do at church, big or small?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you bring to church that nobody else does?
    Ages 14-18
    What would church miss if you were not there?

Advent26 nights

Noticing2

  • Who helped you find your way this year?

    Matthew 2:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who showed you where to go today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who helps you find your way when you're lost?
    Ages 10-13
    What led you somewhere good this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What pointed you toward God this year?

  • What do you want to slow down and enjoy this December?

    Psalm 27:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What Christmas light did you see today?
    Ages 6-9
    What Christmas thing do you never want to rush?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you want to slow down and notice this month?
    Ages 14-18
    What gets lost in the rush of December?

Suffering2

  • Who do we know who might have a hard Christmas?

    Isaiah 40:1

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who could use a hug this Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    Who might feel sad while everybody else is happy at Christmas?
    Ages 10-13
    Who might have a hard Christmas this year?
    Ages 14-18
    Who do you know who has a hard time with the holidays?

  • What would you miss most if we had to leave home in a hurry?

    Matthew 2:14-15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you take if we had to leave fast?
    Ages 6-9
    What would be hardest about moving far away really fast?
    Ages 10-13
    What would it be like to have to leave your home?
    Ages 14-18
    What do you think families who've had to flee miss most?

Doubt2

  • What's hard about waiting for God to answer?

    Psalm 130:5-6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What are you counting down to right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the hardest part of waiting for a prayer to be answered?
    Ages 10-13
    What goes through your head when God seems slow to answer?
    Ages 14-18
    How is waiting on God different from waiting on a package?

  • What's something about God that's hard for you to believe?

    Luke 1:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's something about God you wonder about?
    Ages 6-9
    What about God is hard to figure out?
    Ages 10-13
    What's hard to believe about God, even when you love Him?
    Ages 14-18
    What promise of God is hard for you to believe?

Belonging4

  • Who would love a visit from us this Christmas?

    Luke 1:39-40

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you want to visit this Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    Who is happy to see us at Christmas?
    Ages 10-13
    Who do we only see at Christmas?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would love a visit from us this month?

  • When did somebody make room for you?

    Luke 2:7

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who scooted over to make room for you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Who made room for you at a crowded table?
    Ages 10-13
    Who made room for you in a group where you didn't fit yet?
    Ages 14-18
    Who made room for you when it would've been easier not to?

  • When did God feel close to you this week?

    Matthew 1:23

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Where do you think God was with you today?
    Ages 6-9
    Where were you when you felt like God was close?
    Ages 10-13
    When do you feel like God is close?
    Ages 14-18
    When has God felt closest to you in an ordinary moment?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one person outside this house you want to pray for this Christmas.

    Psalm 65:2

Gratitude3

  • What happened this year that made you want to sing?

    Luke 1:46-47

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you so happy today you wanted to sing?
    Ages 6-9
    What made you happiest this year?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you sing about if you wrote a song this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What from this year are you still glad about?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one time this week when our home felt peaceful.

    Psalm 29:11

  • What gift are you most excited to give this Christmas?

    Acts 20:35

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What present do you want to give somebody this Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    Who do you want to make a present for?
    Ages 10-13
    What gift could you give that costs nothing?
    Ages 14-18
    What gift are you most excited to see someone open?

Jesus7

  • What are you waiting for God to do?

    Isaiah 9:2

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you want to happen this Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    What are you waiting for right now?
    Ages 10-13
    What are you waiting for that feels like it's taking forever?
    Ages 14-18
    What are you hoping for that you have not told anybody?

  • What would you say if an angel showed up with big news?

    Luke 1:30-31

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you do if an angel walked in right now?
    Ages 6-9
    What's the first thing you'd do if an angel brought you news?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you want to ask the angel?
    Ages 14-18
    What would you have said back to the angel?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May God's love rest on you while we wait and hope for Jesus this Advent.’

    Psalm 33:22

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘May Jesus, the Prince of Peace, give you peace tonight and every day.’

    Isaiah 9:6

  • What do you think Jesus was like as a kid?

    John 1:14

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What game do you think Jesus played when he was your size?
    Ages 6-9
    What did Jesus have to learn as a kid?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you think was hard for Jesus as a kid?
    Ages 14-18
    What does it change that God knows what it is like to be human?

  • What part of the Christmas story do you love most?

    Luke 2:10-11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who in the Christmas story would you want to be tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    What part of the Christmas story would you want to see with your own eyes?
    Ages 10-13
    What part of the Christmas story still surprises you?
    Ages 14-18
    What part of the Christmas story means more to you now than it used to?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace. May his peace be on you tonight.’

    Luke 2:14

Friendship2

  • Who would you want with you on a long, hard trip?

    Luke 2:5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you want next to you on a long car ride?
    Ages 6-9
    Who would make a really long trip more fun?
    Ages 10-13
    Who would make a long, hard trip feel shorter?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would you take on a long hard trip?

  • Who much older than you do you love talking to?

    Luke 2:36-37

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Which grown-up friend do you want to see this Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    What older person do you like talking to?
    Ages 10-13
    Which older person would you want to learn something from?
    Ages 14-18
    Which older person treats you like you matter?

Work and calling2

  • What hard thing did you do anyway this week?

    Matthew 1:24

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you do today that was a little hard?
    Ages 6-9
    What hard thing did you do this week even though you didn't want to?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you say yes to this week that wasn't easy?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you do this week that was hard and nobody thanked you for?

  • What could our family do to help somebody this month?

    Micah 6:8

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who could we help this Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    What could our family do for somebody who does not have much?
    Ages 10-13
    What could we give up this month to help somebody?
    Ages 14-18
    What could our family do this month that would actually cost us something?

Repair1

  • Who in our family do you want to be closer to?

    Malachi 4:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who in our family do you miss right now?
    Ages 6-9
    Who in our family would you like to be closer to?
    Ages 10-13
    Which relative would you like to spend more time with?
    Ages 14-18
    Which relative do you want to know better?

The church1

  • Who told you about Jesus?

    Luke 2:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who told you a story about Jesus this week?
    Ages 6-9
    Who was the first person to tell you about Jesus?
    Ages 10-13
    Who told you about Jesus in a way you still remember?
    Ages 14-18
    Who told you about Jesus in a way that actually got through?

Christmas19 nights

Noticing3

  • What from this Christmas do you want to remember forever?

    Luke 2:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you want to remember from Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    What moment from this Christmas do you keep thinking about?
    Ages 10-13
    What will you remember from this Christmas in ten years?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you notice this Christmas that you missed before?

  • What did this year teach you?

    Psalm 90:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you learn to do this year?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you learn this year?
    Ages 10-13
    What changed about you this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What did this year teach you that you didn't see coming?

  • What would you travel a really long way to see?

    Matthew 2:10

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What would you walk a long, long way to see?
    Ages 6-9
    What would you follow a star across the world to see?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you travel far for?
    Ages 14-18
    What is worth looking for even when it takes a long time?

Suffering1

  • Who are you missing this year?

    Psalm 34:18

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who do you wish was here tonight?
    Ages 6-9
    Who did you miss at Christmas?
    Ages 10-13
    Who did you wish was with us this Christmas?
    Ages 14-18
    Who were you missing this Christmas, even if you didn't say it?

Doubt1

  • What plan of yours didn't go the way you wanted?

    Proverbs 16:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you want to do today that didn't happen?
    Ages 6-9
    What plan did you have that changed?
    Ages 10-13
    What plan of yours fell apart this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What makes it hard to trust God when your plans fall apart?

Belonging2

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘God crowned this year with good things for you. May next year overflow with them.’

    Psalm 65:11

  • What should our family do more of together this year?

    Ecclesiastes 4:12

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you want our family to do together this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What should our family do more of this year?
    Ages 10-13
    What should our family try together this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What tradition should we start?

Gratitude4

  • What was the best part of today for you?

    2 Corinthians 9:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What was the best part of today?
    Ages 6-9
    What part of today made you laugh the hardest?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you love about today besides the presents?
    Ages 14-18
    What moment today do you want to remember?

  • What do we have more of than we need?

    Psalm 16:6

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What do you have lots and lots of in your room?
    Ages 6-9
    What do we have so much of that we could give some away?
    Ages 10-13
    What do you have more of than you'll ever use?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you get that you did not need?

  • Roundtable

    Go around and name one good thing from this Christmas.

    Psalm 126:3

  • What family tradition do you hope we never stop?

    Psalm 145:4-5

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What's your favorite thing our family does at Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    What Christmas tradition do you like best?
    Ages 10-13
    What tradition would you keep when you have your own family?
    Ages 14-18
    Which of our traditions would you defend if somebody tried to cancel it?

Jesus3

  • What present would you bring baby Jesus?

    Matthew 2:11

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What toy from this room would you give baby Jesus?
    Ages 6-9
    What gift would you bring if you were one of the wise men?
    Ages 10-13
    What would you bring baby Jesus that the wise men forgot?
    Ages 14-18
    What gift would you bring Jesus that says something about you?

  • When did God's love feel real to you?

    John 3:16

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What made you feel really loved today?
    Ages 6-9
    When have you felt how much God loves you?
    Ages 10-13
    When has God's love felt most real to you?
    Ages 14-18
    When did God's love feel real to you, even on a bad day?

  • Blessing

    Say it to each person here, by name, looking at them.

    Say each name, then: ‘Jesus has given you grace on top of grace. May you feel it all year long.’

    John 1:16

Friendship1

  • Who did you have a good talk with this Christmas?

    Luke 2:20

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who did you play with this Christmas?
    Ages 6-9
    Who did you love seeing this Christmas?
    Ages 10-13
    Who surprised you by being fun to talk to this Christmas?
    Ages 14-18
    Who would you want more time with before Christmas ends?

Work and calling2

  • What new thing do you want to try this year?

    Isaiah 43:19

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What new thing do you want to learn to do?
    Ages 6-9
    What do you want to get better at in the new year?
    Ages 10-13
    What is one thing you want to be different by next New Year's?
    Ages 14-18
    What habit would make next year feel different?

  • What did you keep trying this year even when it was hard?

    Galatians 6:9

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What did you keep trying today until you got it?
    Ages 6-9
    What did you keep trying this year?
    Ages 10-13
    What did you almost quit this year?
    Ages 14-18
    What did you stick with this year that's starting to pay off?

Repair1

  • What helped when everybody got grumpy over break?

    Colossians 3:15

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    What helped you calm down this week?
    Ages 6-9
    What helped when people got grumpy from being together so much?
    Ages 10-13
    What helped most when the holidays got tense?
    Ages 14-18
    What would make next Christmas calmer?

The church1

  • Who at church has loved you the longest?

    Luke 2:28-29

    By age
    Ages 3-5
    Who at church was happy to see you last Sunday?
    Ages 6-9
    Who at church knew you when you were a baby?
    Ages 10-13
    Who at church has cheered you on since you were little?
    Ages 14-18
    Who at church has known you longest?