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See also:
Click on the covers for more details.
Below are images of how the story develops
Introduction:
Many teachers have found the reflective style of storytelling that has been developed within Godly Play to be a very helpful and effective way of opening up the Bible with children. For similar stories told in this style see Bible StoryBags®.
In former times the Christian Church used to celebrate more widely the feast of Michaelmas (St Michael and All Angels) on 29th September, whereas today this festival is less well known, particularly in the Protestant world. In contrast, however, there is a growing interest in angels and their work outside the church. Belief in angels is not an optional extra for Christians. We keep tumbling across them throughout the Bible. As the writer to the Hebrews reminds us, they are God's 'flames of fire' and 'wind-borne servants' (Hebrews 1:7) and are constantly at work behind the scenes of our earthly lives as well as looking with amazement at the way God's grace is worked out in the lives of those people who have put their trust in Christ (1 Peter 1:12). It is also important to note that angels are not, according to the Bible, the cosy winged cherubs that we often see in paintings and clip art! Whenever they appear, they almost always have to tell people 'not to be afraid ', which suggests that they are far from cuddly and cute!
Preparation:
Take time over this story by presenting it using 3-dimensional materials.
Gather the group in a semicircle, using a back row of benches or chairs if necessary so that all the children can see the following presentation of the story clearly.
Tell the story using some carefully chosen items that you draw out of a golden box or from a tray.
The following presentation is a 3D reflective version of Psalm 91, in which the psalmist tells us that God's angels are watching over his people to guard them. It also includes a reference to Psalm 34:7.
You will need the following items. Try to find the most beautiful and attractive examples you can for each of these. The items should all be of about the same size.
A gold-coloured box or tray, large enough to contain:
Try to learn this presentation by heart and focus on the objects as you place them down on the felt squares, not on the children. Speak the story slowly and from the heart. At the end of the reflection, leave some space for the children to enjoy what the 3D psalm now looks like. Then you could move into some open-ended questions.
Development:
Place down the sand-coloured felt square, unfolding the presentation from your right to your left.
The songs of God's people were written down to help them trust God in good times and bad.
The book of Psalms in the Bible is a collection of these songs, which we still read or sing today.
Some were written by King David himself, who was called 'the sweet psalmist of Israel'. Others were composed by the priests who led the worship in the temple.
This is one of those psalms.
Place down the rock.
Then place your hand over the square to create a shadow.
Finally, place the castle on the square.
Trust in God. He is like the shelter of a great rock in a desert storm.
Trust in God. He is like the cool shade of a protective hand in the desert heat.
Trust in God. He is like the strong tower of a castle, where we can be safe.
Place the light blue square to the left of the sand-coloured square.
Put down the loosely knotted rope, which you undo at the end of the second line. Place the danger sign on the felt as you say the last line in this section.
God is always nearby to rescue you.
He will free you from hidden traps.
He will keep you from every kind of danger.
Place the light green felt to the left of the light blue square.
Put down the feathers, then the shield and sword. Finally, put down the thin, fiery circle of felt around the whole of this square.
His angel wings will protect you.
His angel armies will defend you.
His angels will set up a defensive camp around you,
to keep you safe from all the dark forces that threaten your life.
Place the grey square to the left of the light green square.
Place the piece of rainbow ribbon across the square.
Hard things do happen but God will never let you down.
He promises to show you the way through.
If you make God your home, you will never be moved.
Place the black square to the left of the grey square.
Place the angel figure on the right-hand edge of this square.
Put the small stones randomly on to the square, as well as the lion and then the snake.
Slowly add the golden footsteps, twisting their way across the square, avoiding the dangers.
God has appointed his angels to look after you.
They will show you the way to go.
They will show you how to avoid dangers.
They will give you strength to overcome your greatest fears.
Place the final white square to the left of the black one.
Put down a red heart.
Put down the praying hands (model or picture).
Finally, put down the cross.
Stay close to the love of God.
He promises he will hear your prayers.
God will stick by you in times of trouble.
God is always nearby to rescue,
and he will show you the way of escape.
Reflective questions
I wonder what you like best about this story?
I wonder what you think is the most important part?
I wonder which part of this story is about you? Where are you in this story?
I wonder if there is any part of this story we could leave out and still have all the story we need?
