Easy Bible Crafts

Photos from the Etsy listing. View original Etsy listing ↗

Prayer hands story craft

Doubting Thomas Prayer Hands Craft

4.9 out of 59 reviews

A printable prayer-hands folding story craft based on Doubting Thomas. Children colour and cut the praying hands and inner story strip, then open the hands to follow the events. Story focus: Thomas doubts Jesus is alive. Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!” Jesus says, “Blessed are those who believe.”

Suggested ages
6–10 years
Activity time
20–35 min
Difficulty
Easy–moderate

English

Age, time and difficulty are planning guides. Check the preparation notes for adult help.

$3.15 USD

One-time purchase

Membership · $4.95/moUnlimited downloads

Digital download · No physical item shipped

What’s included

  • Praying-hands design with an inner folding story strip
  • A4 Size
  • PDF digital download
  • Scenes stated in the listing: Thomas doubts Jesus is alive; Jesus shows His hands; Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!”; Jesus says, “Blessed are those who believe.”

Your download files

  • DoubtingThomas.pdf: 3 pages

File inventory and page counts checked against the originals. Page counts include any instruction pages. Please check the preparation notes before printing for a group.

Getting ready

Age & adult help

The hand outlines, inner story strip and folds require more coordination than a flat colouring sheet.

Help with cutting around fingers, folding the inner strip and attaching pieces. Younger children can colour before an adult assembles the craft.

What you’ll need

Printer, paper, colouring pencils or crayons, scissors. Glue or tape may be useful for attaching the story strip.

Time & preparation

One prayer-hands story, including colouring and folding. Teaching time is additional.
Age is an editorial estimate for the motor and reading demands of this format. Difficulty, completion time and suggested tools are planning estimates, not build-tested.

Check the file before you print for a group, and allow for any extra help the kids might need.

Printing tips

The story behind the craft

Bible passage: John 20:24–29

Thomas is absent when Jesus first appears to the disciples and wants evidence before believing their report. Jesus later comes while Thomas is present and addresses his questions; Thomas responds by acknowledging him as Lord and God.

Main takeaway: Thomas’ questions become part of his encounter with the risen Jesus.

As you open the hands

Open the hands to reveal the story, reading and discussing it before adding a prayer response.

Contrast hearing other people’s report with Thomas meeting Jesus. Make room for sincere questions rather than labelling a questioning child as unfaithful.

An adult can guide a short retelling for younger learners. Older learners can suggest a prayer linked to the account while respecting what another person chooses to keep private.

Questions to explore

  • What had Thomas missed?
  • How did Jesus respond when he came again?
  • How can we explore questions respectfully?

Common questions

What files are included in this download?

The download is a 3-page PDF: DoubtingThomas.pdf. This is the English edition. You print the files yourself; physical supplies are not included.

What is inside the praying hands?

The hands form the outside covers of a folding story strip. Colour and cut the hands and story pictures, fold the strip in the indicated direction, then glue the left hand to the left end and the right hand to the right end. Open the hands to reveal the story. The pictured scenes include: Thomas doubts Jesus is alive; Jesus shows His hands; Thomas says, “My Lord and my God!”; Jesus says, “Blessed are those who believe.”.

Which pages should I print, and at what size?

The original PDF pages are A4 landscape. DoubtingThomas.pdf: print pages 1, 3 for each learner or group. Page 2 is the assembly guide, which can be shared. Print single-sided. On US Letter paper, select Letter and Fit or shrink to the printable area; the originals are not separate Letter-sized files.

What supplies and preparation does this need?

Paper, colouring pencils, scissors and glue. Help cut around the fingers, make the strip folds and attach the correct hand to each end.

What help might children need with this activity?

Suggested ages: 6–10 years. Help with cutting around fingers, folding the inner strip and attaching pieces. Younger children can colour before an adult assembles the craft. Adjust this guide for the child’s reading and making skills.

Reviews

4.9 out of 59 reviews
Patti
Originally posted on Etsy ↗

I used this for a kids’ craft this morning at my church. The children did a great job with it. There are a few edits that I think would make it even better: Jesus has a halo in only 2 of the 4 story squares and his hair is not a consistent length, so make those adjustments. (Kids notice these things!😁) Also, the sentence in the last story square should be longer. It should say “Blessed are those who believe but have not seen. “

Leave a review

What worked well? Anything you’d do differently?

Your rating
Choose 1 to 5 hearts

Your name and review will be public. Please leave out children’s names and personal details. Privacy

A few more to have a look at.

Keep browsing

A little something before you go

Give membership
a go.

A whole month of colouring, making and Bible stories. Unlimited included craft downloads, for a little less.

$4.95$3.95USD · for your first month

Then US$4.95/month. New memberships only.

View my $3.95 offer

Cancel before your next renewal from your account.