Throughout the Pentateuch, adults welcome children during the offerings and celebrations. This community of worshippers underscores the inclusive nature of prayer and praise, emphasizing the importance of intentionally welcoming the presence and participation of children alongside adults.

Deuteronomy 33:1-5 introduces Moses' final act as God's prophet before the Israelites enter the Promised Land. Moses blesses each of the tribes of Israel as they are gathered together for this solemn farewell. Still, it's a beautiful picture of intergenerational worship. Everyone listened to Moses' song (Deuteronomy 32:30-43), and now, they listen to his final words. Although not explicitly mentioned, children were included in this sacred gathering.

From a young age, children were integrated into the religious rituals and festivities of the Israelites. By incorporating children into these ceremonies, the community acknowledged their intrinsic value and role in worship, setting a precedent for intergenerational inclusion that was enriching, spiritually significant, and foundational.

Every lesson shared with children and every testimony of His faithfulness in the corporate worship setting carries immense weight in shaping their spiritual foundation and relationship with the triune God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. As children and youth hear biblical accounts, parables, testimonies, or simple conversations, and sing along during praise and worship, they are equipped with timeless truths from Scripture that will help them mature into men and women who love, honor, and serve the Lord.

Application: This biblical example challenges us to reconsider our worship practices and evaluate how effectively we involve children in our congregational gatherings.

• We affirm children's place in the faith community by actively inviting them to pray, sing, read Scripture, and exercise their spiritual gifts, such as speaking, dancing, playing instruments, and preaching.
• When children witness adults worship and are encouraged to participate with them in the celebration, it provides a firm foundation for their spiritual growth and development.

Let us draw inspiration from the examples in the Pentateuch. Beginning now, let's find creative ways to intentionally create a worship environment that welcomes all members—both young and old—in praising and worshiping the Lord. May God continue to bless us as we welcome children into worship!

Lesson Summary

Moses's song and prayer in Deuteronomy 32 and 33 were for the entire Israelite community. Although children were not explicitly mentioned, they were included. Throughout the Pentateuch, adults welcome children during offerings and celebrations, demonstrating the inclusive nature of prayer and praise:

• Children actively participate alongside adults in communal acts of devotion.
• This intergenerational worship emphasizes inclusivity, regardless of age.

The presence of children in sacred gatherings enriches the worship experience, modeling to children how to worship the Lord when we gather collectively. When they are active participants, children experience a deep sense of belonging within the faith community:

• Children's integration into religious rituals from a young age adheres to the examples in the Pentateuch, enriching the congregational setting.
• This inclusion acknowledges the intrinsic value of children and youth, nurturing their spiritual growth and sense of belonging.

By following the biblical example of including children in congregational gatherings, we affirm their place in the faith community:

• Actively involving children in prayers, songs, and celebrations sets a foundation for their spiritual development.
• Let us draw inspiration from the Pentateuch and create worship environments that embrace worshippers of all ages in serving, praising, and worshiping God.

Lesson Plan

(Download the HBLT Handout)

Objective: By the end of a lesson on Moses' blessing the Israelite community in Deuteronomy 33:1-5, we will be intentional about welcoming children into worship by launching an intergenerational church service on Sunday mornings.

HOOK: Ask, "What lesson in this series resonated with you most?" Why?

BOOK: Why is Intergenerational worship demonstrated throughout the biblical accounts as a model for family and corporate worship? (Intergenerational worship transmits or deposits faith from one generation to another.)

LOOK: Why is it challenging to include children in our worship settings? What small steps can we take to address these challenges so that children feel welcomed?

TOOK: Do we agree that intergenerational worship is the heart of God? If so, will we obey by planning an intergenerational worship service?

SONG/VIDEO: "Lord You Are Good" by Israel Houghton sung by the Calvin University Gospel Choir, directed by Nate Glasper (forward to 4:46) https://www.youtube.com/live/adGOIwJAH9c?si=Dt_frgh1uWimVpaX

Teacher Nugget: Well done, teacher! Your efforts will resonate for generations to come!

Children's Sermon: Pray for Us

Invite children aged 5 to 11 to the front of the church and ask them to sit in a semicircle. The pastor-teacher, with an open Bible and a puppet, sits at the opening of the semicircle and introduces the puppet, naming it to the children. After the puppet welcomes the children, they introduce themselves by saying their names. Next, ask the lesson questions; there are no wrong answers. Conclude this 10-minute children's sermon by giving children a craft project. They may return to their seats or go to a separate area where teens and adults assist in completing the project. Children present or display their crafts at the end of the service.

OBJECTIVE: By the end of a 7- to 10-minute lesson on the blessing of Moses in Deuteronomy 33:1-5, children will celebrate being welcomed into worship by praying during Sunday morning service.

MATERIALS: Parents to help and encourage their children to pray.

HOOK: Who prays for you? For whom do you pray? When do you pray? Why do we pray?

BOOK: When the Children of Israel worshiped God, parents brought their children to worship with them. Children listened to the reading of the Word of God. They showed God their love by singing and praying. Yes, they listened, sang, danced, and prayed with their parents and grandparents—everyone worshiped together!

LOOK: Today, we are inviting you to pray. Remember, prayer is talking to God. Who would like to begin? (Pastor-teacher, hold the microphone or have it in a stand so that the child's hands are free. After the prayers, invite the congregation to clap and celebrate all of the children.)

TOOK: We are celebrating today because we have been studying how much God loves each of you! It's so wonderful that we are all worshiping God together! Let's celebrate! (Pastor-teacher, thank the children for being such good learners and invite the entire congregation to an after-service celebration with delicacies and food to celebrate the conclusion of our study of Children In The Pentateuch.)

SONG/VIDEO: "Lord You Are Good" by Israel Houghton sung by the Calvin University Gospel Choir, directed by Nate Glasper (forward to 4:46) https://www.youtube.com/live/adGOIwJAH9c?si=Dt_frgh1uWimVpaX