The Elephant Who Couldn't Stop Worrying — Until He Prayed! Sunday School Lesson Plan For Toddlers

Lesson Title:

The Elephant Who Couldn't Stop Worrying — Until He Prayed!

Bible Theme:

We can give all our worries to God when we pray.

Bible Verse (Toddler Version):

"Give all your worries to God." — 1 Peter 5:7

Main Point to Repeat with Kids:

"I can pray when I’m worried!"

Story: "The Elephant Who Couldn't Stop Worrying — Until He Prayed!"

Once upon a time, there was a little elephant named Ellie. Ellie had big ears, a long trunk, and kind eyes — but she also had a big problem.

She worried about everything!

Ellie worried about whether the sky would rain.
She worried about finding enough leaves to eat.
She worried about whether her friends still liked her.

"Oh dear, what if it rains? What if I get wet? What if I can't find food? What if I mess up when I play?" Ellie would say with a frown.

Her friends, the birds and the monkeys, would say, "Ellie, why are you so worried?"

Ellie would sigh, "Because what if something bad happens?"

One day, Ellie’s wise old friend, the turtle, came slowly walking by and asked, "Ellie, why do you look so sad?"

"I’m just worried, Turtle," Ellie said.

Turtle smiled and said,
"Ellie, you don’t have to hold all those worries! You can give them to God. When you feel scared or worried, you can pray!"

Ellie blinked her big eyes.
"I can? God will listen to me?"

"Yes!" Turtle said. "God loves you and wants to help you. Just tell Him all about it."

So Ellie decided to try.
She closed her eyes, lifted her trunk, and prayed,
"Dear God, I’m worried about so many things. Please help me not to be scared. Thank You for loving me."

And guess what?
Ellie opened her eyes and felt a little lighter — like her worries weren’t so heavy anymore!

From that day on, every time Ellie felt worried, she would stop and pray.

And soon, she wasn’t worried all the time — because she knew God was always there to help her!

Activity: "Elephant Worry to Prayer Game"

How to Play:

Have kids pretend to be elephants, walking slowly and lifting their "trunks" (arms).
Say things like:
- "Ellie was worried about the rain. What should she do?" (Let kids answer: "Pray to God!")
- "Ellie was worried about her friends. What should she do?" ("Pray to God!")
After each answer, kids pretend to "lift their worries" by reaching up high with their trunks and then say, "God, I give You my worry!"

Craft: "Ellie the Praying Elephant"

Supplies:

Elephant cutout or coloring page.
Crayons, markers, or colored pencils.
Googly eyes (optional).
Glue or glue sticks.
Space to write: "I can pray when I’m worried!"

Instructions:

Color and decorate Ellie the Elephant.
Add googly eyes or draw cute eyes.
Write (or help them write): "I can pray when I’m worried!"
Talk about how Ellie learned to pray when she was worried.

Song (To the tune of "If You’re Happy and You Know It"):

If you’re worried, talk to God, pray, pray!
If you’re worried, talk to God, pray, pray!
He will help you when you’re scared,
He will show you that He cares!
If you’re worried, talk to God, pray, pray!

Closing Prayer (Repeat After Me Style):

Dear God,
Thank You for loving me.
When I am worried,
Help me to pray to You.
Thank You for helping me.
I love You, God!
Amen.

Optional Take-Home Note for Parents:

Today we learned from Ellie the Elephant that when we feel worried or scared, we can pray and give our worries to God. Ask your child to show you their elephant craft and talk about what they can pray about when they feel worried!