Lynn
Originally posted on Etsy ↗This would be better in an older child’s class. My preschoolers didn’t enjoy it much. Great addition to the lesson.
Assembly video coming soon.
We’ll add a step-by-step demonstration here.
Photos from the Etsy listing. View original Etsy listing ↗
Prayer hands story craft
Paul and Silas in Prison Prayer Hands Craft
5.0 out of 51 reviewA printable prayer-hands folding story craft based on Paul and Silas in Prison. Children colour and cut the praying hands and inner story strip, then open the hands to follow the events. Story focus: Paul and Silas are jailed for preaching about Jesus. At midnight, they sing songs of praise. An earthquake shakes the prison, and the doors fly open.
- 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
Digital download · No physical item shipped
What’s included
- Praying-hands design with an inner folding story strip
- A4 Size
- Prayer-Hands Folding Story Strip Layout
- PDF digital download
- Scenes stated in the listing: Paul and Silas are jailed for preaching about Jesus; Their feet are in chains, but they keep praying; At midnight, they sing songs of praise; An earthquake shakes the prison, and the doors fly open
Your download files
- PaulandSilasinPrison.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 tipsThe story behind the craft
Bible passage: Acts 16:16–34
Paul and Silas are beaten and imprisoned in Philippi. They pray and sing at night; after an earthquake opens the prison, they remain and stop the jailer from harming himself, then speak with his household.
Main takeaway: Paul and Silas’ concern extends to the frightened jailer.
As you open the hands
Open the hands to reveal the story, reading and discussing it before adding a prayer response.
Follow singing, the earthquake, remaining in the prison and care in the jailer’s home. Keep the moment of danger gentle and adult-led.
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 were Paul and Silas doing at midnight?
- Why did staying in the prison matter?
- How did the jailer’s treatment of them change?
Common questions
What files are included in this download?
The download is a 3-page PDF: PaulandSilasinPrison.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: Paul and Silas are jailed for preaching about Jesus; Their feet are in chains, but they keep praying; At midnight, they sing songs of praise; An earthquake shakes the prison, and the doors fly open.
Which pages should I print, and at what size?
The original PDF pages are A4 landscape. PaulandSilasinPrison.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
5.0 out of 51 review
