Praying to the God Who Hears Us by Katy Morganنموونە

God told Jonah to do something, and Jonah said NO! It was like he had turned away from God. Now Jonah’s friendship with God was broken. But that wasn’t Jonah’s only problem. Next thing he knew, he was drowning in the sea! Jonah knew he had to turn back to God. As he sank into the sea, he prayed.

Before you read Jonah’s prayer, thank God that he always hears us and ask for his help today.

1. Read Jonah 2:4. What was Jonah’s relationship with God like before he prayed? (“Banished” means “sent away.” “I will look again toward your holy temple” is a way of saying “I will turn back to you.”)

2. Read Jonah 2:5-6. What happened? Did Jonah drown?

When Jonah turned back to God, God rescued Jonah from drowning—and, even better, he forgave Jonah for his sin! God also promises to forgive us if we ask him to. Just like Jonah, we can pray when we have messed up. We can say sorry to God and ask for forgiveness and help. We can say sorry any time, any place.

3. What worries or other feelings might stop somebody from asking God for forgiveness?

4. Jonah didn’t say sorry to God until he was about to die. Do you think that was sensible?

When we sin, it’s like we’ve turned away from God. But God wants to help us to turn back to him and be forgiven. All we have to do is trust in Jesus.

Is there anything you need to say sorry to God for? Close your eyes and imagine yourself facing away from God. Then imagine Jesus reaching out to touch you on the shoulder.

You might like to say the following prayer out loud:

Jesus, I’m sorry for turning away from you. Thank you for reaching out to me to forgive me. I want to turn to you and live your way. I want you to be my friend and my King.

Then imagine yourself turning back toward God. Your sins have been forgiven!