Our Father
on Goodreads (1)
What’s inside...
Our Father by Cindy Starr Stewart is a spiritual book that combines the traditional words of The Lord's Prayer with the author's own heartfelt prayers. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Stewart adds her own prayers to the sacred text, creating a beautiful rhythm similar to her other books, The Lamp Maker and The Potter. This book features portions of The Lord's Prayer on each page, followed by Stewart's inspired prayers. Our Father is an ideal gift for families and a useful resource for children's ministry.
Age
3-6
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think is the most important lesson that the father in the story teaches his children?
How do the children show their appreciation and love for their father?
Can you relate to any of the experiences shared by the family in the book?
What would you do differently if you were in one of the children's shoes?
How does the story make you feel about your own family and the things you do together?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use a warm and inviting tone when discussing the book, to make the conversation more appealing to the child.
Encourage the child to express their feelings about the book, whether they are positive or negative, and validate these emotions.
Draw parallels between the story and your child’s experiences to make the themes more relatable and impactful.
Praise your child for insightful comments or connections they make, this not only boosts their confidence but also their interest in discussions.
Include some personal stories or lessons from your own life that align with the values or situations presented in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of family bonds
Explanation: The story centers on a child understanding the depth of their relationship with their father, illustrating the warmth and security family brings.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to appreciate and nourish their relationships with family members, recognizing the unique role each person plays in their life.
Example Lesson: Resilience through challenges
Explanation: The book deals with various challenges faced by the main character and their father, showcasing how they overcome them together.
Real-World Application: This can teach children that facing obstacles is a part of life and that courage and perseverance are key to overcoming these challenges.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: As the child learns more about their father's past and struggles, they develop a deeper empathy and understanding towards him.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children learn to be more empathetic and considerate towards others' feelings and experiences, fostering a kinder interpersonal environment.
Example Lesson: The value of storytelling
Explanation: The father shares stories of his own childhood, passing on wisdom and lessons through these narratives.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to listen attentively to stories from elders and peers, understanding that everyone has unique experiences and valuable lessons to share.
Example Lesson: Appreciating the present moment
Explanation: The book highlights moments of joy between the father and the child, emphasizing the importance of cherishing the present.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to live in the moment and value the time spent with loved ones, enhancing their emotional well-being.