Elijah and the Ravens: God Provides for Kids Bible Lesson, Skit, Crafts & Parent Handout (1 Kings 17:1–16)
LESSON OVERVIEW
Theme: God’s Surprising Provision
Big Truth: God cares and provides for us in surprising ways—even when things seem impossible.
Key Scripture: 1 Kings 17:1–16
Pillar Focus: Power — Trusting God’s ability to care for us in every circumstance.
1) INTRODUCTION
Have you ever worried about not having what you need? In Elijah’s time, there was a drought—no rain and hardly any food. But God did something wonderful. He sent ravens to bring food to Elijah, and later provided more than enough for a widow and her son. Today, you’ll see how God cares for us even through surprises—and how trusting Him changes everything!
2) GAME: “Raven Relay”
Introduction: Kids, let’s play a game all about how God provided for Elijah in surprising ways! In this race, you’ll be ‘ravens’ helping deliver food and see how God can use anyone—even birds—to help those in need. Get ready to flap your wings and run, just like the ravens from our Bible story!
Materials: Dark socks or beanbags (as "ravens"), paper plates (as "food"), 2 baskets
Instructions:
Split kids into two teams. Each team collects and delivers “ravens” (socks/beanbags) to baskets.
Next round: Kids pick up “food” plates and deliver them to teammates just like ravens bringing food to Elijah.
Talk about how God might use unexpected helpers—just like He used ravens!
Preschool tip: Use plush black birds or toys and/or help the little ones share plates, saying “God provides!”
3) PRAISE & WORSHIP
Introduction: I love worshipping Jesus, don’t you?! Now, let’s sing songs about how God takes care of us, even when things get tough! As we sing, try making your arms into big 'raven wings' to remind you that God’s help can come from anywhere. Let’s celebrate God’s love and His amazing power to provide for us!"
"He Will Provide" — Yancy
"Jehovah Jireh" — Donut Man Kids
"God Is Good All the Time" — Lifetree Kids
"Way Maker" — Rend Co. Kids
4) BIBLE STORY SKIT: ELIJAH AND THE RAVENS
Room & Prop Prep Checklist:
Blue cloth/towel (river/stream: Kerith Brook)
2 plush or paper “ravens”
Simple robe & staff for Elijah
Basket with bread/crackers/cookie “food”
Cup (for water)
Small table for "widow’s house," handful of flour & small oil container
Characters:
Narrator
Elijah
Widow
Widow’s Son
2 “Ravens” (kids, puppets, or plush toys)
SCRIPT:
Narrator: In the land of Israel, King Ahab ruled and many people had turned away from God. God told His prophet Elijah to deliver a powerful message:
Elijah (stepping forward): "King Ahab, because you and the people haven’t listened to God, there will be no rain, not even dew, until I say so."
Narrator: The king is angry, but God tells Elijah:
God’s voice: "Go east and hide by the Kerith Brook. Drink from the stream, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there."
(Elijah sits by the blue cloth, drinks from a cup.)
Elijah: "God, thank You for water, but how will I eat?"
(Two "ravens"—kids with raven puppets—fly in, dropping bread/crackers for Elijah to collect.)
Elijah (astonished): "Ravens? Bringing me bread and meat? Only God could do this!"
Narrator: Every morning and evening, ravens brought Elijah food. Even in the hardest time, God provided in the most surprising way!
Elijah (smiling as he eats): "Thank You, God. You know what I need—before I even ask."
Narrator: After many days, the brook dried up—no rain, no water. But God sent another message:
God’s voice: "Go to Zarephath. There is a widow there. She will give you food. I have commanded her, too."
(Elijah walks to "widow and her son" at a table with a small jar of flour and jug of oil, looking worried.)
Elijah: "Please, can you give me a drink of water?"
Widow: "Yes, sir."
Elijah: "Would you also bring me a piece of bread?"
Widow (sad): "Sir, I have only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I'm gathering sticks to prepare our last meal. After that—there is nothing."
Elijah: "Do not be afraid. First, make a small cake of bread for me, then something for yourself and your son. For God says, 'The jar of flour will not run out, nor the jug of oil be empty until He sends rain again.'"
Narrator: The widow (though afraid) trusted God. She gave Elijah water and made him bread (acts this out). Elijah eats thankfully; widow checks jar and jug—there's more flour and oil inside!
Widow (joyful): "It’s a miracle! There’s still flour and oil!"
Widow’s Son: "We can eat again! God provided for us!"
Elijah: "See? God keeps His promises. He cares for you, even in ways you never expect."
Narrator: Every day—through the drought—the flour and oil never ran out. God turned what looked impossible into daily gifts of hope.
Elijah (to audience): "Sometimes God’s help comes through birds, strangers, or small miracles. Trust Him to provide for what you need."
Widow and Son (joining Elijah): "God always cares for us!"
Narrator: Elijah, the widow, and her son learned that God provides—sometimes in surprising ways. He knows your worries, sees your needs, and never leaves you alone.
(Lead group in repeating aloud:)
"God cares for me, and He provides!"
Kids, let’s pray together: Jesus, thank you that you know my worries, that you see my needs, and that you never leave me alone. Thank you that you are my provider today, tomorrow, and forever. I love you Jesus. Amen!
Preschool Tips: Use large puppets or plush birds for "ravens." Let little ones deliver bread to "Elijah" directly. Pour flour and oil together to see the miracle. After each provision, shout “Thank you, God!”
5) HOLY SPIRIT ACTIVATION: "God Provides Bread Bag"
Introduction: Did you know God took care of Elijah with surprise helpers like ravens, and provided food even when it looked impossible? Today, you’re going to make your very own Bread Bag to remember that God cares for you in amazing ways! Let’s get creative and make a special bag for thanking and asking God for help.
Materials:
Small paper lunch bags
Bread-shaped cutouts or mini crackers
Markers and fun stickers
Slips of paper for writing prayer requests or things you’re thankful for
Instructions:
Decorate Your Bag:
Use markers and stickers to decorate your paper bag. Write big and bold: “God Provides!”
Draw pictures of bread, a raven, or a river to remember Elijah’s story.Fill Your Bag:
Add bread-shaped cutouts or real mini crackers into your bag as a sign of God’s care.Add Prayer & Thanks Slips:
Each week, write down a prayer request (something you want to ask God for) or something you’re thankful for, and put the slip into your bag.Check Your Bag:
Look inside your Bread Bag often! Remind yourself how God provides, and pray for the requests you’ve put inside.Prayer Together:
Leader: “Let’s pray together! ‘Holy Spirit, help us see Your care—even in unexpected ways. Thank You for providing for us, just like You did for Elijah.’ Amen.”
Closing: Whenever you see your Bread Bag at home, remember: God can meet any need, often through surprises!
6) CRAFT 1: "Raven Puppet"
Introduction: Did you know God sent ravens to deliver food to Elijah when he needed help? Today you get to make your own raven puppet! With your puppet, you can act out how God sometimes uses the most surprising helpers—and remind yourself that God can use anyone (or anything!) to care for us.
Materials:
Black paper lunch bag or sock (for the puppet’s body)
Googly eyes
Orange paper (cut into a beak shape)
Black feathers or crumpled black tissue paper
Glue or tape
Instructions:
Make the Raven’s Face:
Glue or tape the googly eyes near the fold of the bag (or end of the sock). Attach the orange beak under the eyes.Add Feathers:
Decorate the body of your puppet with feathers or tissue paper to make it extra fluffy like a real raven.Let it Dry:
Allow everything to dry so your raven is sturdy!Act It Out:
Use your puppet to act out the Bible story—pretending to deliver "food" or messages of care—whenever you remember Elijah or want to play.
7) CRAFT 2: "Jar of Promise"
Introduction: Sometimes it’s hard to remember all the amazing things God has promised us. Today you’ll make a Promise Jar—a special place to keep God’s promises so you can read them whenever you need courage or hope! Just like God kept His promise to Elijah and the widow, He keeps His promises to you.
Materials:
Small clear container or jar (plastic or glass, with a lid if possible)
Strips of paper
Markers, pens, or crayons
Small drawing or sticker of flour/oil (to remind you of Elijah and the widow)
Instructions:
Write or Draw Promises:
On each strip of paper, write or draw your favorite Bible promises, or what you know to be true about God’s care and love. Example: “God will take care of me,” “God answers prayer,” “God never leaves me.”Decorate the Jar:
Attach a small drawing, sticker, or label showing flour and oil to your jar, to remember how God provided for Elijah and the widow.Fill Your Jar:
Roll up your promise slips and put them inside your jar.Display & Use:
Keep your Promise Jar somewhere you’ll see it every day. Anytime you’re worried or need help, pull out a promise and read it out loud to remind you: God always keeps His word!
Closing: Encourage kids to ask their family to add new promises to the jar all week long!
8) SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Introduction: Gather your kids in small groups and discuss the following questions!
Why did God send ravens to Elijah?
How did Elijah feel when he saw God’s provision?
When has God helped you in a surprising way?
How can you help others, trusting God will use you as a "raven"?
9) PRAYER
God, thank You for providing for Elijah, for the widow, and for us. Help us trust Your surprising care every day. Show us someone to help, and fill our hearts with faith when we’re in need. Amen.
10) FINAL THOUGHT FOR PARENTS AND LEADERS
This lesson shows kids that God’s love and care appear in creative ways. Encourage families to retell the story, use Promise Jars and Raven Puppets, checking their Bread Bags for needs and gratitude. Try a “Thankful Helper” challenge—find creative ways to care for someone in need, trusting God to provide.
Remind your children: Sometimes God uses YOU as the answer to someone else’s prayer!
