The Big Idea
Psalm 139 says this (Message translation):
You shaped me first inside, then out;
you formed me in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking!
Body and soul, I am marvellously made!
We explore how we are designed, loved and known by God, and what this means for us as we learn to love ourselves, God and other people.
Music
Songs at the start:
- Our God is a great big God – Nigel & Jo Hemming
- Jesus’ love is very wonderful – H. W. Rattle
- Indescribable – Chris Tomlin
Song in the middle:
- God you’re so good – Kristian Stanfill and Passion Conferences
Song at the end:
- Just as I am – Travis Cottrell
- Your love is amazing – Brenton Brown and Brian Doerksen
Other songs you could consider:
- Mighty to save – Hillsong
- O God, You search me and you know me – Bernadette Farrell
Activity
Did you know that over half your bones are in your hands and feet, and that your blood vessels would stretch more than twice around the word?
Rachael’s son has a brilliant jigsaw that shows the different layers of the human body. We blew this up and recreated it in cardboard (the images are in the “Human Body Puzzle template” file in the resources section of this page). Starting with the skeleton, we explore some facts about the human body as we learn just how intricate it is, and how we are designed by God.
Readings
Matthew 22:37-40 (Message)
Psalm 139:1-18
We used a video from kidwise which retells the Psalm. It’s available to buy via their website, but we suggest using the NIV or Message translation if you would prefer to have a member of your congregation read it.
Talk
In the talk, we consider that God made us, knows and loves us. We also look at the most important rules given by Jesus. First to love God, which we should do because of wonderfully we have been created. The second rule is “love your neighbour as yourself.” We consider how we need to learn to love ourselves and see ourselves and God loves us, so that we can then love others and God.
A full talk is available to download.
Response
We set up several options for the response:
- We positioned several mirrors around the room, some floor length and others propped on windowsills and tables. We invited people to spend some time looking in a mirror and reflecting on the question “What do you see?” We then invited them to try to see yourself as God sees you.
- Small acrylic mirrors and permanent markers were set on a table. People were invited to write something to remind them what God see when he looks at you on a mirror. They can then take it away to remind yourself how amazing you are.
- Air-dry clay and playdough were provided, along with some tools and extras (googly eyes, pipe cleaners, coloured match sticks etc.). We invited people to make a self-portrait or symbol of what makes them special. As they did, they could discuss this and thank God for knowing who you really are.
- As always, we had a prayer space where people could sit with God and know that he loves them. Someone was available to pray with anyone who wanted prayer.
Blessing
The blessing used the following words from Celtic Daily Prayer:
You are not an accident.
Even at the moment of your conception,
out of many possibilities,
only certain cells combined,
survived, grew to be you.
You are unique, created for a purpose.
God loves you.
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