Big question
Who do we pray to?
Simple answer: We pray to the living God.
Key verse: “Their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to his holy dwelling place, even unto heaven.” — 2 Chronicles 30:27b (KJV)
Teacher’s aim
The contest on Mount Carmel makes a dramatic contrast between idols that cannot hear and the living God who answers prayer. Young children should leave knowing that the God of the Bible is alive, sees them and hears them.
By the end of the lesson, children should understand:
- There is one living and true God.
- Idols cannot see, hear or answer.
- God hears when His people pray.
- We can confidently bring our needs to God.
The Bible story
Passage: 1 Kings 18:17–39
God’s people had turned away from Him and begun worshipping an idol called Baal. The prophet Elijah gathered the people and the prophets of Baal at Mount Carmel.
Two sacrifices were prepared, but nobody was to light a fire. Elijah explained that the God who answered by sending fire would show that He was the true God.
The prophets of Baal called out from morning until noon. They shouted and danced, but there was no voice, no answer and no fire. Baal could not hear them because Baal was not alive.
Elijah repaired the Lord’s altar and prepared his sacrifice. He even had water poured over it until everything was soaked. Then Elijah prayed a simple prayer to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Israel.
God heard Elijah. Fire fell from heaven and consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, the dust and the water. When the people saw it, they fell down and said, “The LORD, he is the God.”
Teaching truth: We pray to the living God. Unlike idols, He is alive and able to see, hear and answer.
Materials
- A Bible
- A picture or simple model of an ear
- A stone or small wooden figure to represent an idol
- Red, orange and yellow paper
- Paper and crayons for each child
Lesson plan
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Listening game | 5 minutes |
| Bible story | 10 minutes |
| Object lesson | 5 minutes |
| Discussion | 5 minutes |
| Fire collage activity | 10–15 minutes |
| Prayer | 5 minutes |
1. Listening game
Ask the children to close their eyes. Make several familiar sounds—clap, tap the table, rustle paper or ring a small bell—and let them identify each one.
Ask:
- What did you use to hear those sounds?
- Can this stone hear us?
- Can a toy or statue listen when we talk?
Explain that today’s story contrasts something people treated like a god, but which could not hear, with the living God who heard Elijah’s prayer.
2. Tell the story
Use expressive contrasts as you narrate:
- God’s people had a choice: Would they follow the Lord or an idol called Baal?
- The prophets called to Baal: Invite the children to call, “Answer us!” Then pause in complete silence. Nothing happened.
- Elijah prepared the altar: Pretend to arrange stones and pour water over the sacrifice.
- Elijah prayed: Unlike the hours of shouting, Elijah spoke simply to God.
- God answered: Let children hold up torn pieces of red, orange and yellow paper to represent the fire.
- The people recognised God: Say together, “The LORD, he is the God.”
Repeat the inquiry:
Who do we pray to? We pray to the living God.
3. Object lesson: can it hear?
Place a stone or wooden object in front of the group. Ask it several questions and wait for an answer. Let children notice that it cannot respond.
Hold up the picture of an ear and explain that God does not need ears like ours, but the Bible uses the language of hearing to assure us that He knows every prayer.
Avoid suggesting that God must grant every request in exactly the way we want. The central point is that He is living, present and able to answer according to His wisdom.
Talk about it
- Which prophet trusted the Lord?
- Who did the other prophets call to?
- Did Baal answer them?
- What did Elijah do?
- How did the living God answer?
- Who should we pray to?
- What would you like to tell the living God today?
Truths about God
- God is alive.
- God alone is worthy of worship.
- God sees and hears His people.
- God has the power and wisdom to answer.
Printable activity: the God who hears
Give each child a page with a simple altar outline. Let them glue torn red, orange and yellow paper above it to create the fire.
Add these words beneath the picture:
We pray to the living God.
Print 2 Chronicles 30:27b at the bottom. For older children, add two columns titled The idol Baal and The living God. Help them add the contrasts:
| The idol Baal | The living God |
|---|---|
| Could not hear | Hears His people |
| Could not answer | Answers with power and wisdom |
| Was not alive | Lives forever |
Application
Encourage children to bring their needs and concerns directly to the living God. They do not need a statue, a special object or impressive words. They can speak simply and honestly to Him.
Closing prayer
Living God, You alone are God. Thank You that You see us and hear us when we pray. Help us to trust You and bring our needs to You. Amen.
Take-home prompt
Ask families to repeat the lesson’s question and answer:
Who do we pray to? We pray to the living God.
Invite the child to name one thing the family can pray about together.