[00:00:06] Speaker A: Welcome to Bedtime Bible, a Westminster Kids prayer podcast. My name is Pastor Scott and I will lead you in a time to rest in God's presence in prayer, story and song as we prepare for sleep.
Dear God, we are here with you now.
Help our minds to grow calm, our hearts to open wide, and our bodies to find rest.
We know you are with us in this moment of stillness.
Amen.
I invite you to close your eyes, place your hands on your stomach and feel the breath moving into your body and then being slowly released.
Continue breathing slowly for a few moments.
Loving God, thank you for this day.
Some parts of our day were happy and some parts were hard.
In every moment you were with us.
Thank you for walking beside us when we laughed and when we cried, when we felt strong, when we felt tired.
We are grateful that nothing can separate us from your love.
Amen.
[00:02:10] Speaker B: Our story this evening is entitled Joseph Forgives His Brothers From Genesis, chapter 45, verses 3 to 11 and 15.
Pharaoh made Joseph a governor in Egypt and put him in charge of preparing for famine.
Joseph knew they needed to store food for seven years.
Now Egypt was prepared for when no crops would grow.
Joseph's brothers in Canaan were starving.
Their stomachs grumbled.
No food anywhere.
They traveled to Egypt to buy grain.
Step, step, step.
Joseph stood in front of his brothers.
They bowed low to Joseph, the man in power.
His own brothers didn't recognize him.
Don't you know me? Asked Joseph.
No, we don't, they said.
They wondered why the governor would ask them this question.
I'm Joseph, your brother. You sold me.
Joseph shouted.
Uh oh, thought Joseph's brothers. We're in big trouble. They turned to leave right away.
Wait. Called Joseph. Don't be afraid.
The brothers stopped.
You sold me. But God brought me to Egypt.
God is in charge.
Joseph's brothers couldn't believe what Joseph said.
Why would God do that? Levi asked.
Don't you see? Exclaimed Joseph.
God sent me to prepare for the famine.
The brothers looked at each other.
Do you think it's true?
Do you think he might forgive us? They whispered.
Joseph stood closer to his brothers.
Then he gave his brother Benjamin a big hug.
Look, said the other brothers.
Joseph's not mad.
God had a plan.
All the brothers hugged Joseph.
God's good plan meant there would be plenty of food for all of Joseph's family.
Let us pray.
Dear God, thank you for Joseph and his forgiving nature.
He could have gotten so mad at his brothers that he could have had them killed because he was powerful.
But he loved his brothers even when they weren't nice to him.
We pray that we will be forgiving of our family, our friends, and maybe even people we don't even know.
We ask Lord for your strength to help us love and care for others and we ask this in Jesus name.
Amen.
[00:05:54] Speaker C: O Lord of light, who made the stars o dawn by whom we see the way.
O Christ, Redeemer of us all,
[00:06:16] Speaker A: make
[00:06:17] Speaker C: haste to listen as we pray in lowliness. You came on earth to rescue us from Satan snares.
O wondrous love that healed our wound by taking up our mortal care
[00:06:55] Speaker D: to
[00:06:56] Speaker C: guide the Father and the Son for ages of eternal days.
Together with the Spirit be all glory, honor might and praise.
[00:07:33] Speaker A: Gracious God as the night falls and we close our eyes.
Bless our sleep with your peace.
Surround our family with your love.
Calm our thoughts and give us rest for tomorrow.
Keep us safe in your care now and always.
[00:08:19] Speaker D: Bedtime Bible is a podcast produced by Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Iowa.
Our story is read from the World Kids Story Bible published by Sparkhouse. Narration is by Pastor Scott.
Music and sound design is by Aaron Schultz.
For more content from Westminster, visit us on the
[email protected] God's peace, joy and love be with you today and every day.
Good night and see you next time.
