God Hears Every Prayer: An Adventure with Libby, Gigi, and Jesus – Based on Luke 1:5-25

God Hears Every Prayer: An Adventure with Libby and Gigi – Based on Luke 1:5-25

One sunny afternoon, little Libby with her blond hair bouncing in the breeze and her hazel eyes sparkling with curiosity, sat on the soft grass in the backyard. Right beside her was Gigi, her three-year-old Old English Bulldog, snorting happily as she rolled onto her back for belly rubs. They had just finished an "adventure" — chasing butterflies and digging for "treasure" (which turned out to be an old tennis ball).

Libby hugged Gigi close. "Gigi, sometimes I pray for things, like for Mommy to feel better when she's sick, but it takes so long. What if God forgets?"

Just then, a gentle voice filled the air, warm like sunshine and kind like Daddy's hugs. It was Jesus, sitting right there with them on the grass, smiling. Gigi wagged her stubby tail so hard her whole wrinkly body wiggled, and Libby gasped in delight.

"Libby, Gigi," Jesus said softly, "I never forget a prayer. Let Me tell you a story from long ago about two people who waited a very long time — and how God answered in a wonderful way."

Jesus began:

A long time ago, there was a priest named Zechariah. He loved God and obeyed Him with all his heart. His wife was named Elizabeth. They were both very good and righteous, walking blamelessly in God's ways. But they had no children, and they were getting quite old. Elizabeth was barren, and it made her sad because people sometimes looked down on her.

One special day, it was Zechariah's turn to serve in the temple. He was chosen by lot — like drawing the lucky straw — to go inside and burn sweet-smelling incense on the altar. Outside, everyone was praying.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, standing right beside the altar! Zechariah was so surprised and afraid that he trembled.

But the angel said, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will have a son, and you will name him John. You will have great joy, and many people will rejoice because he will be great in God's eyes. He will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born, and he will prepare the way for the Lord, turning hearts back to God."

Look how the angel appeared to Zechariah:

Zechariah could hardly believe it. He said, "How can I know this is true? I'm an old man, and my wife is old too!"

The angel answered, "I am Gabriel. I stand in God's presence. Because you did not believe my words — which will come true in God's perfect time — you will be silent and unable to speak until the baby is born."

When Zechariah came out, he couldn't talk! He made signs with his hands, and the people knew he had seen a vision.

Soon after, Elizabeth became pregnant! For five months she stayed quietly at home, saying, "The Lord has taken away my sadness and shame. He has looked on me with kindness."

Elizabeth was so happy and thankful:

(Imagine her smiling quietly, resting her hand on her growing belly, full of hope and praise.)

Jesus looked at Libby and Gigi. "See, Libby? Zechariah and Elizabeth prayed for a child for many years. It seemed impossible. But God heard every prayer. He was working on something big — not just a baby, but John, who would prepare the way for Me to come to the world!"

Libby tilted her head. "So even when answers take a long time, or things look impossible, God is still listening?"

"Yes," Jesus said, patting Gigi's wrinkly head (she snorted contentedly). "And sometimes, like Zechariah, we might doubt because we look at what we see instead of trusting God's power. But God's promises always come true in His perfect time. He turns waiting into joy, and sadness into rejoicing."

Jesus continued gently, "When you pray, Libby — whether for big things or small — keep trusting Me. I hear you, just like I heard Zechariah and Elizabeth. And Gigi, keep being your happy, faithful self; God loves your joyful heart too!"

Libby giggled and hugged Gigi tighter. "Thank You, Jesus. I'll keep praying and trusting, even when it's hard to wait."

Jesus smiled. "That's right. And remember: God's adventures for you are always full of love and surprises better than you can imagine."

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for hearing our prayers, even when we have to wait a long time. Help us trust You like Zechariah and Elizabeth did, even when things seem impossible. Fill us with faith, take away our doubts, and turn our waiting into joy. We love You! Amen.

Go on your own adventures today, knowing Jesus is right beside you — listening, loving, and working everything for good!

1. Waiting and Trusting Libby sometimes wonders if God forgets her prayers when answers take a long time. Zechariah and Elizabeth waited many years for a baby.

   • What is something you’ve prayed for that hasn’t happened yet?

   • How can we remind each other to trust that God hears us and has a perfect time for His answers, just like He did for Zechariah and Elizabeth?

2. When We Doubt Zechariah was surprised by the angel’s message and asked, “How can this be?” because he and Elizabeth were so old. Because of his doubt, he couldn’t speak for a while.

   • Have you ever doubted something God (or Jesus) said or promised? What did it feel like?

   • How can we talk to Jesus honestly about our doubts instead of hiding them? What might help us believe His promises even when things look impossible?

3. Joy After Waiting Elizabeth was very happy when she finally became pregnant. She said, “The Lord has taken away my sadness and looked on me with kindness.”

   • Think of a time when something you waited for finally happened—how did it feel?

   • How can we celebrate and thank God together when He answers prayers, even if the answer comes in a way we didn’t expect?

Bonus Tip for Parents: After each question, you might share your own short, honest answer first to make it feel safe for your child to open up. Then pray together, thanking Jesus for hearing every prayer and for turning waiting into wonder—just like He did for Zechariah, Elizabeth, Libby, and Gigi!