Youth Lessons

Note to the Teacher

This is an opinion-heavy lesson. Encourage students to think outside the box and be creative, particularly during the activity and discussion portion of the lesson. They do not have to be songwriters or poets to come up with some great ideas! Times are based on a fifty-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

NEEDED RESOURCES:

YouTube lyric video for Woke Up This Morning
TV or screens to view the video (with sound)
Printed lyric sheet of the song for reference (see within lesson)
Paper and writing utensils for students to write their song/poem

Icebreaker: Good Morning! (10 min.)

Play the lyric video for the spiritual "Woke Up This Morning" on YouTube or read the lyrics to your group if you can’t play it. Once the video is done, ask the students to share their typical morning routine. Do they wake up and listen to any music? Do they wake up cranky or happy? Are they slow or quick to wake up? What is typically the first thing on their mind in the morning?

Read Scripture (5 min.)

Our scripture reading today comes from Philippians. Paul, the author, wrote it while he was in prison, awaiting trial. He wrote the entire book to the church in Philippi, a young church facing societal opposition. Have someone read Philippians 2:1-13 (CEB).

Discussion (15 min.)

Paul is still in prison when he writes this letter. Because of his situation, he has PLENTY of time to think.

When was the last time you took some time to think - only to think - about what it means to follow Christ? What sort of things did you think about?
If you’ve never thought about it, take a few minutes to think about it now. What does it look like to follow Christ?
How might you find time and space between Sundays for time like this?
In the scripture, Paul says we are to have the same mind. How can that be in a world full of diverse individuals?³

Read Hebrews 12:2.

Are there activities that benefit when we focus our vision, or concentrate, on one specific area or action? What activities, and how does focusing help?
If we think about a life of discipleship as filled with activities and action, how can we fix our eyes on Jesus?⁴
Why do you think the author of Hebrews calls Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith?⁵

You saw a video at the beginning of the lesson that starts with the lyric: “Don’t you know that I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus?”

Have you ever had a day when you woke up excited about something, and you kept thinking about it all day? Are you willing to share what that was?
How might your morning or day change if you woke up with your mind on Jesus?
What easy and short activities could you add to your morning routine to stay focused on Jesus?6

Activity and Discussion: Rewriting Lyrics (20 min.)

Take some time to think again about what it means to follow Christ. Then try rewriting the song's lyrics to fit YOUR life. You could write the lyrics as a poem. Be creative. What does staying your mind on Jesus look like for you?

Close in the manner that is typical for you. Consider taking joys/concerns from the students, then asking for a volunteer to close in prayer.

Lyrics for “Woke up This Morning”

I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus
I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus
I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on Jesus
Hallelu
(Thank God)
hallelu
(My Lord)
Hallelujah.

I'm walking and talking with my mind stayed on Jesus
I'm walking and talking with my mind stayed on Jesus
I'm walking and talking with my mind stayed on Jesus
Hallelu
(Thank God)
hallelu
(My Lord)
Hallelujah.

I woke up singing with my mind stayed on Jesus
I woke up singing with my mind stayed on Jesus
I woke up singing with my mind stayed on Jesus
Hallelu
(Thank God)
hallelu
(My Lord)
Hallelujah.

I'm freeing myself with my mind stayed on Jesus
I'm freeing myself with my mind stayed on Jesus
I'm freeing myself with my mind stayed on Jesus
Hallelu
(Thank God)
hallelu
(My Lord)
Hallelujah.