Note to the Teacher

This lesson focuses on the theme of humility in prayer, using the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector in Luke 18:9-14. The icebreaker, "Getting to Know You in Silence," challenges students to communicate nonverbally as they arrange themselves based on personal attributes, fostering connection and teamwork. The discussion explores the difference between the Pharisee’s prideful prayer and the tax collector’s humble prayer, prompting students to reflect on how humility plays a role in their own prayer lives. For the activity, students will create a "Humility Sculpture" using clay or other materials to represent humility, allowing them to explore the concept of humility through hands-on creation and group discussion.

Times are based on a fifty-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Icebreaker: Getting to Know You in Silence (10 minutes)

For this icebreaker, students will have to get to know one another in silence. Have them stand in a line. Tell them that silence is key. They will have to find ways to communicate with one another without using words. Give them different personal attributes and tell them to rearrange themselves in that order. Ensure that a mixture of attributes is included, and not all based upon physical attributes. Here are a few to get you started:

Put yourselves in order from tallest to shortest.
Put yourselves in order of the total number of pets you’ve had in your lifetime.
Put yourselves in alphabetical order by the first letter of your last name.
Put yourselves in the month order of your birthdays.

Bible Reading (5 minutes)

Read Luke 18:9-14.

Discussion Questions (10 minutes)

What did the Pharisee and the tax collector pray for in this parable?
Why do you think Jesus told this parable about prayer?
Tell the story of a time you have heard a prayer like those of the tax collector or the Pharisee.
Why do you think Jesus says that the tax collector went home “justified” but the Pharisee did not?
What do you think made the tax collector humble and the Pharisee not?
How can we ensure our prayers are genuine and humble, rather than self-righteous or prideful?
What are some ways we could create a worship service that focuses on helping people learn humility and say humble prayers?

Active Learning Activity: Humility Sculpture (20 minutes)

Provide each student or small group with modeling clay, Play-Doh, and other craft supplies. Challenge them to create a sculpture that represents "humility" (this can be a figure, an abstract shape, or a scene).

Encourage students to think deeply about what humility looks like in a physical form. It could be a bending figure, a peaceful symbol, or something that contrasts strength with modesty.

Once students have completed their sculptures, invite them to present their artwork and explain how their creations represent humility and prayer.

Afterward, discuss how humility can shape our relationship with God and how the sculptures reflect that understanding.