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W&W Story: Hagar and Ishmael

Hagar and Ishmael: Lost in the Desert[i]
Using Children’s Worship and Wonder format open with:
·         Welcoming the children
·         Explain the space
·         Sing “Father we Adore You” and “Be Still and Know”

Story[ii]

Once Abraham and his wife Sarah had a woman who worked for them named Hagar. Because Sarah and Abraham could not have a child, Hagar had a child for them. His name was Ishmael. After some time Sarah had her own child. Sarah was jealous of Ishmael and had Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away.

Abraham did not want to do it, but the next day he got up early, gathered some bread and water and woke Hagar and Ishmael. Abraham told them that they had to leave. Hagar and Ishmael started walking in the desert of Beersheba.

Soon Hagar and Ishmael’s bread and water was gone. Hagar put Ishmael under a palm tree and turned away from him because she was afraid that they both were going to die. She started to cry and pray to God.

Then an angel of the Lord appeared to Hagar and said, “don’t be afraid. The Lord has heard your prayers and God will make a great nation from your son.” Then a well of water appeared to Hagar and she went and gave Ishmael a drink.

Wonder Questions:
·         I wonder how Abraham felt sending Hagar and Ishmael into the desert?
·         I wonder how Hagar and Ishmael felt being forced to leave their home?
·         I wonder how Hagar and Ishmael felt when their food and water ran out?
·         I wonder what it was like to have an angel appear to Hagar?
·         I wonder what Hagar and Ishmael felt when they saw the well?

Activity

Have the children find a chair around the table.
Explain to them that they are going to help make the story figures.
Have the children draw the different characters, make a palm tree, and other things.
Have the children clean up their supplies.
Gather the children back in the circle. Continue with Children’s Worship and Wonder format and light the Christ candle, read scripture, pray, and sing the goodbye song.

Scripture Reading: Genesis 21: 10-19


[i] From Bible Story Activities; volume 1 edited by Terry P. Rothermich, Christian Board of Publication St. Louis, Missouri, 1998.
[ii] Story and Wonder Questions by Kate West, 2005.
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