April Prayer Guide: Easy English Bible Devotions & Vocabulary

Welcome to this April prayer guide! I created this guide for people who want to study the Bible using easy English. It is a great tool for students learning English (ESL), families who homeschool their children, and anyone else who enjoys reading the Bible in a simple way. Learning new things is hard work, and I want to encourage you!

This month, we will look at the “Sermon on the Mount.” This is a famous speech Jesus gave to teach people how to live. It is full of hope and help for your daily life.

If you prefer a prayer guide for advanced English speakers or native English speakers, download my April Prayer Guide.

ACTS Prayer Method

We will use the ACTS way to pray.

Adoration: Tell God he is great.
Confession: Tell God you are sorry for bad things you did.
Thankfulness: Say “thank you” for the good things.
Supplication: Ask God for help for yourself or others.

If helpful, you can use a prayer journal template.

Let’s begin our journey together!

Days 1-9: The Blessings of Jesus

In this section, we will learn about the “Beatitudes.” The “Beatitudes” is a special word for the blessings Jesus promised. Jesus teaches that God cares for people who feel weak, sad, or lonely. You do not have to be rich or powerful to belong to God’s kingdom. He loves you just as you are!

Vocabulary Words:

Blessing: A good gift from God.
God’s Kingdom: The place or people where God is King.
Comfort: To help someone feel better when they are sad.
Humble: Not thinking you are better than others.
Satisfy: To give someone exactly what they need.
Mercy: Kindness shown to someone who does not deserve it.
Pure: Clean and good in the heart.
Peace: A calm feeling without fighting.
Insult: To say mean things to someone.
Spiritually: Related to your soul and your connection to God.

Day 1: Needing God

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those who know they are spiritually in need. God’s kingdom belongs to them. – Matthew 5:3 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus started his teaching by talking to people who felt empty inside. In Christianity, “spiritually in need” means we know we cannot save ourselves or be perfect on our own. We need God’s help every day. This verse is at the very start of the sermon because it is the most important step. When we admit we need him, he welcomes us into his royal family. It does not matter how much money or power we have; God looks at our hearts.

Think About:
1. Do you ever feel like you need more strength than you have?
2. Why is it hard to ask for help sometimes?
3. How does it feel to know God wants to give you his kingdom?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are the Great King who gives good things to your children.
I am sorry for the times I try to do everything without your help.
Thank you for promising that I can belong to your kingdom.
Please help me remember to look to you for everything I need today.
Amen.

Day 2: Comfort for the Sad

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those who are sad now. God will comfort them. – Matthew 5:4 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Life can be very hard, and everyone feels sad sometimes. Jesus says that God sees your tears and your heavy heart. He is a kind Father who wants to sit with you and make your heart feel calm. In the Bible, God is often called the “God of all comfort.” This means he is the best person to go to when you feel lonely or hurt. He promises that sadness will not last forever for those who trust him.

Think About:
1. What makes you feel sad right now?
2. How do you find comfort when you are unhappy?
3. Do you believe God sees your feelings?

Talk to God:
Dear God,
You are the source of all true comfort.
I am sorry for the times I turn to things that do not really help me when I am sad.
Thank you for staying close to me even when I cry.
Please wrap your arms of love around me and give me peace today.
Amen.

Day 3: The Gift of the Earth

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those who are humble. They will be given the earth as their own. – Matthew 5:5 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Most people think you have to be loud and strong to get what you want in life. Jesus teaches the opposite. Being “humble” means being gentle and trusting God instead of trying to control everything yourself. It is about being patient and kind even when things are difficult. God promises that these gentle people will receive the best gifts in the end. He rewards those who are quiet and trust in his power rather than their own.

Think About:
1. Is it easy or hard for you to be gentle with others?
2. Who is a humble person that you know?
3. How does trusting God help you stay calm?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are gentle and kind to all people.
I am sorry for the times I am proud or loud because I am afraid.
Thank you for promising to give the earth to those who trust you.
Please help me to be humble and gentle today.
Amen.

Day 4: Wanting What is Right

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those who want to do right more than anything else. God will fully satisfy them. – Matthew 5:6 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Sometimes we “hunger” for food, but Jesus talks about hungering for goodness or “righteousness.” To “do right” means living the way God wants us to live. When we want to be good more than we want anything else, God fills our hearts with joy. This is a promise that God will help us grow and become better people. He does not leave us to struggle alone; he gives us exactly what we need to follow him.

Think About:
What is one good thing you want to do today?
When have you felt very happy after doing something right?
How can God help you choose the right path?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are perfect and always do what is right.
I am sorry for when I want things that are not good for my soul.
Thank you for filling my heart when I seek your goodness.
Please help me to want your ways more than anything else today.
Amen.

Day 5: Showing Kindness

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those who show mercy to others. Mercy will be given to them. – Matthew 5:7 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Mercy is a very important part of Christianity. It means we forgive people, even when they make mistakes or treat us badly. It is choosing to be kind instead of getting angry or seeking revenge. God has shown us great mercy by forgiving our sins, so he asks us to show mercy to our friends, family, and even strangers. When we are merciful to others, we experience more of God’s mercy in our own lives too.

Think About:
1. Has someone ever been very kind to you when you made a mistake?
2. Who is one person you need to be kind to today?
3. Why is mercy better than being angry?

Talk to God:
Dear God,
You are full of mercy and grace toward me.
I am sorry for being hard on other people when they fail.
Thank you for forgiving my many sins and mistakes.
Please help me to be a person of mercy to everyone I meet.
Amen.

Day 6: A Clean Heart

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those whose thoughts are pure. They will be with God. – Matthew 5:8 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
This verse is about what is inside our minds and hearts. God does not just look at what we do on the outside; he looks at why we do it. A “pure heart” is one that loves God and wants to please him. When we ask God to make our thoughts clean and good, we can see his work in the world more clearly. It helps us feel closer to him and understand his love better.

Think About:
1. What kind of thoughts make you feel close to God?
2. Why is it important to have a clean heart?
3. How can you ask God to help your thoughts today?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are holy and your thoughts are always pure.
I am sorry for the bad thoughts or selfish plans I have in my mind.
Thank you for wanting to be close to me.
Please clean my heart and help me think about things that please you.
Amen.

Day 7: Making Peace

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those who work to bring peace. God will call them his sons and daughters. – Matthew 5:9 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
A peacemaker is someone who helps stop fights and brings people together. Christians believe that because Jesus made peace between God and humans, we should try to make peace everywhere we go. It is not always easy to be the person who stops an argument, but it is a very special job. When we work for peace, we show the world what God is like. This shows we are truly part of God’s family.

Think About:
1. Where can you help bring peace today?
2. Why is it hard to be a peacemaker during a fight?
3. How does it feel to be called a child of God?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are the God of peace who ends all trouble and fighting.
I am sorry for the times I have caused trouble or stayed angry.
Thank you for making me your child through Jesus.
Please show me how to bring peace to my family and my community.
Amen.

Day 8: Standing for Good

Bible Verse:
Great blessings belong to those who are treated badly for doing good. God’s kingdom belongs to them. – Matthew 5:10 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Sometimes people are mean to us because we choose to do what is right. It might feel like we are losing when others are unkind, but Jesus says this is actually a blessing. He promises that even if people on earth do not like us for doing good, God is very happy with us. We have a safe place in his kingdom forever. We do not have to be afraid of what people think when we are following God’s path.

Think About:
1. Have you ever been treated badly for doing the right thing?
2. How can you stay strong when people are mean?
3. What is the reward God promises in this verse?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are strong and you always protect those who follow you.
I am sorry for when I am afraid to do right because of what people think.
Thank you for the big reward you have for me in heaven.
Please give me courage to do what is good, even when it is hard.
Amen.

Day 9: Following Jesus

Bible Verse:
People will insult you and hurt you. They will lie and say all kinds of evil things about you because you follow me. But when they do that, know that great blessings belong to you. – Matthew 5:11 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches the People: Matthew 5:1-12 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Following Jesus is a wonderful choice, but it is not always easy. Some people might not understand why you pray or talk about God. They might even say things that are not true about you. Jesus tells us to remember that he was also treated badly. When we suffer for him, we are in good company. He promises to give us great joy and blessings because we chose to be his friend.

Think About:
1. Why do some people not understand following Jesus?
2. How can you remember that God is happy with you?
3. What helps you feel brave when people say mean things?

Talk to God:
Dear Jesus,
You are the leader who never leaves his friends.
I am sorry for the times I feel ashamed of being a Christian.
Thank you for being with me when people say mean things about my faith.
Please help me to be proud to follow you every day.
Amen.

Days 10-15: Living as Examples

Now that you know about God’s blessings, how should you live? Jesus uses simple words like “salt” and “light” to explain. He wants his followers to make the world a better place. He also gives us rules about how to treat our families and friends with love and respect.

Vocabulary Words:

Useless: Not helpful for anything.
Praise: To say wonderful things about God.
Gift: Something you give to God or a person.
Offer: To give something in a formal way.
Mind: The part of you that thinks.
Commit: To do something, usually something wrong.
Divorce: When a husband and wife end their marriage.
Guilty: Feeling bad because you did something wrong.
Example: Someone who shows others the right way to act.
Respect: To treat someone with honor and care.

Day 10: Being Like Salt

Bible Verse:
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its taste, it cannot be made salty again. Salt is useless if it loses its salty taste. It will be thrown out where people will just walk on it. – Matthew 5:13 (ERV)

Read More:
You Are Like Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16 (ERV)

About This Verse:
In the time of Jesus, salt was very important. People used it to keep food from going bad and to make it taste better. Jesus says that his followers should be like salt for the world. This means Christians should help keep the world good and bring out the “good flavor” in life by being kind. If a Christian stops acting like a follower of Jesus, they become like salt that has lost its taste. They are no longer helping the people around them.

Think About:
1. How does salt make food better?
2. How can you make your home, school, or workplace better today?
3. What does it mean to be “useful” to God?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are the one who gives flavor and meaning to life.
I am sorry for the times I act like the world instead of acting like your child.
Thank you for giving me a special job to do on this earth.
Please help me to be “salty” by showing your goodness to others today.
Amen.

Day 11: Being a Light

Bible Verse:
In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16 (ERV)

Read More:
You Are Like Salt and Light: Matthew 5:13-16 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Light helps people see where to walk so they do not trip. When you do good things, it is like turning on a lamp in a dark room. Other people see your kindness and they realize that God must be great! In Christianity, the goal of doing good works is not to make yourself look famous or special. The goal is to make your Father in heaven look wonderful to everyone else. Your life can be a map that points people toward God’s love.

Think About:
1. What is one “good thing” you can do today that others will see?
2. Why should we want people to praise God instead of us?
3. How can light help someone who is lost?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are the True Light that shines in the dark.
I am sorry for the times I hide my faith or act in selfish ways.
Thank you for letting me shine your light to my friends and family.
Please help me to live in a way that makes people say good things about you.
Amen.

Day 12: Having a Better Heart

Bible Verse:
I tell you that you must do better than the teachers of the law and the Pharisees. If you are not more right than they are, you will never enter God’s kingdom. – Matthew 5:20 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus and the Old Testament Writings: Matthew 5:17-20 (ERV)

About This Verse:
The Pharisees were people who followed every small rule, but they did not have love in their hearts. They thought they were better than everyone else because they were so “perfect” at following rules. Jesus says that just following rules on the outside is not enough to enter God’s kingdom. God wants your heart to be changed. He wants you to love him and love people. True goodness comes from a heart that wants to please God, not just a person who is afraid of breaking a rule.

Think About:
1. Why is it easier to follow a rule than to have a loving heart?
2. How can you show love to God today?
3. What is the difference between the “outside” and the “inside” of a person?

Talk to God:
Dear God,
You are holy and you love me more than any rule.
I am sorry for when I just act good on the outside but am mean on the inside.
Thank you for giving me a new heart that can truly love you.
Please help me to live for you with my whole heart today.
Amen.

Day 13: Making Peace with Friends

Bible Verse:
Leave your gift there and go make peace with that person. Then come and offer your gift. – Matthew 5:24 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Anger: Matthew 5:21-26 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus teaches that our relationships with people are very important to God. In this verse, he talks about someone bringing a gift to God’s temple. He says if you remember that a friend is angry with you, you should stop what you are doing. You should go fix the problem first. God does not want us to pretend everything is okay with him if we are being mean to others. Making peace with your brother or sister is a way to show you truly love God.

Think About:
1. Is there someone you are angry with right now?
2. Why does God care about how we treat our friends?
3. What is the first step to making peace with someone?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are the God of peace who helps people become friends again.
I am sorry for holding onto anger and not trying to fix my relationships.
Thank you for always being ready to forgive me and make peace with me.
Please give me the courage to talk to anyone I have hurt today.
Amen.

Day 14: Keeping Thoughts Pure

Bible Verse:
But I tell you that if a man looks at a woman and wants to sin sexually with her, he has already committed that sin with her in his mind. – Matthew 5:28 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Sexual Sin: Matthew 5:27-30 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus teaches that sin does not just happen when we do something with our hands. It starts in our minds. In this section of the sermon, he explains that we should be very careful about what we think. God created people to be respected. When we have wrong or selfish thoughts about others, we are not treating them the way God wants. Christianity teaches us to guard our hearts and minds so that we can be pure and kind to everyone.

Think About:
Why is it important to be careful about what we think?
How can we show respect to others in our thoughts?
How does God help us when we have a bad thought?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You see everything in my mind and heart.
I am sorry for the times I have had disrespectful or sinful thoughts about others.
Thank you for your grace that cleanses my mind.
Please help me to see all people with your eyes of respect and love.
Amen.

Day 15: Honoring Marriage

Bible Verse:
But I tell you that any man who divorces his wife, except for the problem of sexual sin, is causing his wife to be guilty of adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman is guilty of adultery. – Matthew 5:32 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Divorce: Matthew 5:31-32 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus speaks about how important marriage is to God. Marriage is a special promise between a husband and a wife. Jesus wants families to stay strong and for people to keep the promises they make to each other. In this teaching, he shows that we should not treat marriage as something that can be easily broken. He calls us to be faithful and to work hard at loving the people in our family. Keeping our promises shows that we are faithful, just like God is faithful to us.

Think About:
1. Why is a strong marriage good for children and families?
2. How can we help our friends or family members stay strong?
3. Why does God want us to keep our promises?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are the faithful God who always keeps his promises.
I am sorry for the times I have not been faithful in my words or actions.
Thank you for the gift of family and marriage in our world.
Please help all families to be strong and full of your love.
Amen.

Days 16-20: Being Honest and Loving

How should you talk to people? How should you treat people who are mean to you? Jesus tells you to be very honest. He also tells you to do something very surprising: love your enemies! This section shows how to be different by being extra kind and very humble.

Vocabulary Words:

Honest: Telling the truth always.
Enemy: A person who hates you or wants to hurt you.
Fight: To use force or mean words against someone.
Harm: To hurt someone.
Private: Away from other people; a secret place.
Reward: A prize you get for doing something well.
Secret: Something that is not told to others.
Evil: Something very bad or wicked.
Mean: Unkind or cruel.
Pray – To talk to God.

Day 16: Telling the Truth

Bible Verse:
Say only ‘yes’ if you mean ‘yes,’ and say only ‘no’ if you mean ‘no.’ If you say more than that, it is from the Evil One. – Matthew 5:37 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Making Promises: Matthew 5:33-37 (ERV)

About This Verse:
In the time of Jesus, people would make big promises or “oaths” to make others believe them. Jesus says it should be much simpler than that. If you are a follower of Jesus, your “yes” should always be true, and your “no” should always be true. You do not need to say extra things to prove you are telling the truth. We should be people who everyone can trust because our words match our actions. Honesty is a way to show that we belong to the God of truth.

Think About:
1. Why is it important for people to trust your words?
2. Is it ever hard to tell the simple truth?
3. How does being honest help you feel better inside?

Talk to God:
Dear God,
You are the God of Truth and you never lie.
I am sorry for the times I have used too many words or hidden the truth.
Thank you for your Word, the Bible, which is always true.
Please help me to be an honest person in everything I say today.
Amen.

Day 17: Do Not Fight Back

Bible Verse:
But I tell you, don’t fight back against someone who wants to do harm to you. If they hit you on the right cheek, let them hit the other cheek too. – Matthew 5:39 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Fighting Back: Matthew 5:38-42 (ERV)

About This Verse:
This is a very famous teaching of Jesus that surprises many people. Usually, if someone hits us or is mean, we want to hit them back or be mean to them. But Jesus says his followers should be different. We should not try to get revenge. Instead, we show God’s love by being gentle, even when people are unkind to us. This does not mean that bad things are okay, but it means we trust God to handle the situation. Being gentle can often stop a fight before it gets worse.

Think About:
Why is it so hard not to fight back when someone is mean?
How can being gentle help stop an argument?
What does it look like to be patient with others?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You were gentle even when people were mean to you.
I am sorry for the times I have wanted to hurt people who hurt me.
Thank you for your amazing patience with all of us.
Please give me a calm heart and help me not to fight back today.
Amen.

Day 18: Love Your Enemies

Bible Verse:
But I tell you, love your enemies. Pray for those who treat you badly. – Matthew 5:44 (ERV)

Read More:
Love Your Enemies: Matthew 5:43-48 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Anyone can love their friends, but Jesus asks you to do something much harder. He asks you to love the people who act like your enemies. When you pray for people who treat you badly, it changes your heart. It makes you more like God, who is kind to everyone. This is one of the most famous parts of Christianity. It shows that God’s love is big enough for everyone, even people who are making bad choices right now.

Think About:
1. Who is someone that is hard for you to like?
2. How can you pray for that person today?
3. Why does loving an enemy show God’s power in your life?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are love and you are kind even to people who ignore you or are mean to you.
I am sorry for having hate or anger in my heart toward my enemies.
Thank you for loving me even when I was far away from you.
Please help me to love and pray for those who are unkind to me.
Amen.

Day 19: Secret Giving

Bible Verse:
So when you give to the poor, don’t let anyone know what you are doing. – Matthew 6:3 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Giving: Matthew 6:1-4 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus teaches that when you help people, you should do it for God, not for attention. In this verse, he says that if you give money or food to someone in need, you should do it quietly. You don’t need to tell everyone or post about it so they think you are a great person. God sees what you do in secret. He is the only one who needs to know. Secret giving helps keep your heart humble and focused on loving others.

Think About:
1. Why do people like to show off when they do something good?
2. How can you help someone secretly this week?
3. How does it feel to know God sees your secret kindness?

Talk to God:
Dear Lord,
You give us every good thing we have.
I am sorry for the times I want people to see how “good” I am.
Thank you for seeing all the little things I do to help others.
Please help me to give with a happy and quiet heart today.
Amen.

Day 20: Private Prayer

Bible Verse:
But when you pray, you should go into your room and close the door. Then pray to your Father. He is there in that private place. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you. – Matthew 6:6 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Prayer: Matthew 6:5-15 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Prayer is simply talking to God. Jesus says that talking to God in private is very special. You do not need to use big words to impress other people. God is your Heavenly Father, and he is always there listening to you. He knows your secrets and your worries. When you spend time alone with him, it builds a strong friendship. This verse teaches that God values the quiet moments you spend talking to him more than loud prayers in public.

Think About:
Where is a quiet place where you can talk to God?
What do you want to tell God today in private?
Why is it good to have a secret time with God?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are always listening and you are always near me.
I am sorry for the times I only pray when people are watching me.
Thank you for being my friend who I can talk to anywhere.
Please help me to spend more time talking to you in private this week.
Amen.

Days 21-25: Trusting God for Everything

Do you ever worry about the future? Jesus teaches that you can trust God for food, clothes, and everything else. He tells you not to worry about tomorrow. Instead, you should ask God for what you need and trust that he is a good Father who takes care of you.

Vocabulary Words:

Fast: To stop eating for a time to focus on God.
Treasure: Something very valuable like gold or love.
Destroy: To break something so it cannot be fixed.
Worry: To feel nervous about the future.
Thief: A person who steals things.
Judge: To decide if someone is a bad person.
Search: To look very hard for something.
Knock: To hit a door so someone will open it.
Receive: To get something that is given to you.
Valuable: Worth a lot of importance or money.

Day 21: Fasting for God

Bible Verse:
So when you fast, wash your face and make yourself look nice. Then no one will know you are fasting, except your Father, who is with you even in private. He can see what is done in private, and he will reward you. – Matthew 6:17-18 (ERV)

Read More:
Jesus Teaches About Fasting: Matthew 6:16-18 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Fasting is when someone stops eating food for a while to spend more time thinking about God and praying. Just like giving and praying, Jesus says this should be done quietly. In the past, some people would look very sad or messy so others would know they were fasting. Jesus says to “wash your face” and look normal. Your relationship with God is personal. When you focus on him instead of your hunger, he will help you grow stronger in your faith.

Think About:
1. Why would stopping food help someone focus on God?
2. Why is it important to “look nice” while doing something for God?
3. How can you focus more on God today?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are more important to me than food or drink.
I am sorry for when I care more about my body than my soul.
Thank you for seeing my heart when I try to get closer to you.
Please help me to focus on you with a joyful heart today.
Amen.

Day 22: Treasures in Heaven

Bible Verse:
Don’t save treasures for yourselves here on earth. Moths and rust will destroy them. And thieves can break into your house and steal them. Instead, save your treasures in heaven. – Matthew 6:19-20 (ERV)

Read More:
You Cannot Serve Two Masters: Matthew 6:19-24 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Things like money, clothes, and toys can be stolen, lost, or broken. Jesus calls these “treasures on earth.” He says it is much better to save “treasures in heaven.” These are things like love, kindness, and following God. These treasures can never be destroyed or taken away. When we spend our time helping others and loving God, we are building a life that lasts forever. This verse helps us remember what is truly valuable in life.

Think About:
1. What is one thing you own that might break or get old one day?
2. What is one “heavenly treasure” (like kindness) you can grow today?
3. Why is it better to trust God than to trust your stuff?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are the greatest treasure I could ever have.
I am sorry for the times I love my “stuff” more than I love people or you.
Thank you for promising me a home in heaven that will never be destroyed.
Please help me to spend my time on things that really matter.
Amen.

Day 23: Do Not Worry

Bible Verse:
So I tell you, don’t worry about the things you need to live—what you will eat, drink, or wear. Life is more important than food, and the body is more important than what you put on it. – Matthew 6:25 (ERV)

Read More:
Put God’s Kingdom First: Matthew 6:25-34 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Many people worry about having enough money or food for the future. Jesus says that God feeds the birds and makes the flowers look beautiful without them having to worry. Since people are much more important to God than birds or flowers, he will surely take care of you! This teaching reminds us that God is a loving Father. When we put God first in our lives, he promises to provide for our daily needs.

Think About:
1. What is something you are worried about today?
2. How does God help the animals and plants?
3. How can you give your worries to God right now?

Talk to God:
Dear God,
You are the Provider who takes care of all living things.
I am sorry for worrying and acting like you do not care for me.
Thank you for always giving me what I need to live.
Please help me to trust you and be calm today.
Amen.

Day 24: Do Not Judge Others

Bible Verse:
Don’t judge others, and God will not judge you. If you judge others, you will be judged the same way you judge them. God will treat you the same way you treat others. – Matthew 7:1-2 (ERV)

Read More:
Be Careful About Criticizing Others: Matthew 7:1-6 (ERV)

About This Verse:
It is very easy to see the mistakes other people make, but we often forget about our own mistakes. Jesus tells us to be very careful about being “judgmental.” This means we should not have a mean or critical heart toward others. Instead, we should remember that we all make mistakes and we all need God’s mercy. If we want God to be kind to us, we should be kind to the people around us.

Think About:
Why is it easy to notice when someone else does something wrong?
How does remembering your own mistakes help you be kind?
What does it mean to treat others with mercy?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are the only Perfect Judge of the whole world.
I am sorry for the times I have been mean or critical of other people.
Thank you for being so patient and kind with my many mistakes.
Please help me to show love instead of judging my friends today.
Amen.

Day 25: Ask, Search, and Knock

Bible Verse:
Continue to ask, and God will give to you. Continue to search, and you will find. Continue to knock, and the door will open for you. – Matthew 7:7-8 (ERV)

Read More:
Ask God for What You Need: Matthew 7:7-11 (ERV)

About This Verse:
God wants to hear from you! He tells us to keep asking him for help, searching for his truth, and knocking on his door. Just like a good father wants to give good things to his children, God wants to help you. This verse is an invitation to stay close to God through prayer. It shows that God is not hiding from you; he is waiting for you to come to him with your needs and questions.

Think About:
1. What is one thing you want to ask God for today?
2. What does it mean to “search” for God’s way?
3. How does it feel to know that God wants to open the door for you?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are a good Father who loves to give to your children.
I am sorry for when I give up on prayer or think you are not listening.
Thank you for your promise that if I search for you, I will find you.
Please give me what I need and show me the right way today.
Amen.

Days 26-30: Building on a Strong Foundation

As Jesus finishes his speech, he gives one very important rule. He also warns that there are two ways to live: a wise way and a foolish way. He wants you to be wise by listening to his words and actually doing what he says.

Vocabulary Words:

Rule: A law or direction to follow.
Prophets: People in the Bible who spoke for God.
False: Not true; fake.
Gentle: Soft and kind.
Wolf: A dangerous wild animal like a dog.
Obey: To do what you are told to do.
Wise: Making very good and smart choices.
Foolish: Making bad or silly choices.
Foundation: The strong base that a house sits on.
Rock: A very hard stone.

Day 26: The Golden Rule

Bible Verse:
Do for others what you would want them to do for you. This is the meaning of the Law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets. – Matthew 7:12 (ERV)

Read More:
A Very Important Rule and The Way to Heaven: Matthew 7:12-14 (ERV)

About This Verse:
This is often called the “Golden Rule.” It is very simple to understand, but it can be hard to do every day. Before you act or speak, you should think: “Would I want someone to do this to me?” If the answer is “no,” then you should not do it to them! Jesus says this one rule explains everything God taught in the past. It is the best way to live in peace with your family and neighbors.

Think About:
How would you want someone to treat you today?
How can you treat a stranger with kindness?
Why is this rule so important for friendship?

Talk to God:
Dear God,
You are the source of all love and kindness.
I am sorry for being selfish and only thinking about what I want.
Thank you for this simple rule that helps me love my neighbors.
Please help me to treat everyone today with the same kindness I want for myself.
Amen.

Day 27: Watch Out for Lies

Bible Verse:
Be careful of false prophets. They come to you and look gentle like sheep. But they are really dangerous like wolves. You will know these people because of what they do. – Matthew 7:15-16 (ERV)

Read More:
What People Do Shows What They Are: Matthew 7:15-23 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus warns us that not everyone who talks about God is telling the truth. Some people might look nice on the outside, but their heart is not good. He says we can tell who is a true follower of God by looking at their “fruit” or what they do. Just as a good tree grows good apples, a good person will do good things. We should look at how people act over a long time to see if they are truly following God’s way of love.

Think About:
1. How can you tell if someone is being a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”?
2. Why are actions more important than just words?
3. How can we grow “good fruit” in our own lives?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are the Truth and you protect us from lies.
I am sorry for the times I have been fooled by things that are not true.
Thank you for giving me your Spirit to help me know what is right.
Please help me to be a person who produces good fruit every day.
Amen.

Day 28: Doing What God Wants

Bible Verse:
Not everyone who calls me Lord will enter God’s kingdom. The only people who will enter are those who do what my Father in heaven wants. – Matthew 7:21 (ERV)

Read More:
What People Do Shows What They Are: Matthew 7:15-23 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Saying the word “Lord” or saying you are a Christian is not enough. Jesus says that true faith shows in our lives. Entering God’s kingdom is for people who truly want to follow God’s plan. God wants us to be honest, kind, and to love him. Our actions show if our faith is real. This verse encourages us to be active in our faith every day, not just on Sundays or when we are at church.

Think About:
What is one thing God wants you to do today?
Why is it important to “do” and not just “say”?
How does following God’s plan bring you peace?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are my Master and my Lord.
I am sorry for saying I love you but then acting in a way that ignores you.
Thank you for teaching me how to live a good and happy life.
Please help me to obey you with a happy heart today.
Amen.

Day 29: Building on the Rock

Bible Verse:
Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. – Matthew 7:24 (ERV)

Read More:
Two Kinds of People: Matthew 7:24-29 (ERV)

About This Verse:
Jesus tells a story about a man who built a house on a big, hard rock. When the rain and the wind came, the house stayed strong. The rock in this story is the teaching of Jesus. When you listen to him and actually do what he says, your life is built on a strong foundation. Even when hard times or “storms” come into your life, you will stay strong because you are standing on the truth of God. This is the wise way to live.

Think About:
1. What are the “storms” in your life (the hard times)?
2. How does the Bible help you stay strong when life is scary?
3. Are you building your life on Jesus today?

Talk to God:
Lord,
You are my Rock and my Fortress.
I am sorry for trying to build my life on things that don’t last.
Thank you for your words that give me a strong place to stand.
Please help me to build my life on your truth today.
Amen.

Day 30: Don’t Build on Sand

Bible Verse:
Whoever hears these teachings of mine and does not obey them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. – Matthew 7:26 (ERV)

Read More:
Two Kinds of People: Matthew 7:24-29 (ERV)

About This Verse:
This is the very end of Jesus’ famous sermon. He warns about a man who built his house on sand. Sand is soft and moves around. When the storm came, that house fell down with a big crash! If you hear God’s words but you don’t obey them, you are like that foolish man. Jesus wants you to finish this month by deciding to be wise. He wants you to listen to him and follow him every day so that your life will be safe and strong forever.

Think About:
Why is sand a bad place to build a house?
What have you learned about Jesus this month that you want to keep doing?
How can you help a friend build their life on the Rock too?

Talk to God:
Heavenly Father,
You are wise and your ways are perfect.
I am sorry for the times I hear your word but then forget to do it.
Thank you for this whole month of learning about your teachings.
Please help me to be wise and to follow you for the rest of my life.
Amen.