Note to the Teacher

The key phrase in this lesson is “thirst and light.” The discussion encourages students to discuss what it feels like to be in a “dry place” where one thirsts for God and think about what it means to “see the light.” The activity helps youth understand that crafting, just like waiting for God, can be difficult, take time, and provide times for reflection. Times are based on a fifty-five-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

ICEBREAKER/GAME/ORGANIZING ACTIVITY (15 minutes)

“51 Youth Ministry Games & Icebreakers”

READ SCRIPTURE (5 minutes)

Today's scripture reading involves the idea of “seeking and remembering.” God is there in times of plenty and in times of need. Because the writer of this psalm had seen or experienced God, it can be read as a memory or as a desire for the writer to repeat the experience of seeing God in the sanctuary.

Read Psalm 63:1-8.

Listen to “Light of Home” by U2 (If you or the youth have other songs they would like to include or make links within discussions, please be creative. It simply takes a bit more planning.)

As you read and listen, encourage youth to think about what the song and scripture may have in common.

DISCUSSION (15 minutes)

What verbs does the psalmist use to describe how the author wants to connect with or feel God in Psalm 63:1-8?
What key words or phrases in "Light of Home" by U2 stand out? What do they communicate about hope and searching?
Psalm 63 begins with the words, "O God, you are my God, earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you." What does it mean to "thirst" for God? Can you think of any New Testament phrases that have to do with “spiritual thirst” or “living water?”
In "Light of Home," the lyrics talk about being lost and then seeing the light. Have you had any “seeing the light” moments where, all of a sudden, something made sense to you in a new way? Or when something clicked and made you feel at home?
In Psalm 63, the writer finds joy and confidence in God even in a desert-like situation. How does this compare to the themes of struggle and searching in "Light of Home"?
What role do music and worship play in seeking God? How does the song’s imagery of light and home reflect the psalmist’s experience of God’s presence? Do you think songs from popular music can be used in worship? Or do you think staying with conventional hymns or Christian music is more appropriate?
Do you think faith is about always feeling close to God, or is it about trusting God even when God feels distant? What from Psalm 63 and "Light of Home" influence your answer?

ACTIVITY AND DISCUSSION (20 minutes)

Take this lesson to the next level, allowing for craft time and creativity.

“To What Do You Cling”

This activity will start this week and finish next week,

Watch this video to learn how to make window cling shapes from glue and food coloring. You will need those supplies, crafting sticks, paintbrushes, and cling wrap or silicone mats so that the clings created can be taken home or added to windows in your meeting area.

Set up a crafting space for youth to create different shapes and colors from glue and food coloring that will dry during the week. The painted shapes can be peeled off their mats next week and labeled. They can also be trimmed into different shapes once they are completely dry.

Encourage the youth to create shapes that make them think of light, welcome, and Easter.

As you craft, consider the following questions:

How do window clings (or stained glass) change our experience of light while we worship or think about God?
What is easy or difficult about this activity? What is easy or difficult about seeking after God?
What symbols are common in our church that represent God or “seeing the light”?

Close in the ways that are traditional for your group, including prayer.

TOTAL TIME: 55 minutes