Olympic 23 Psalms
Originally posted by member Rachel H
Based on a game concept in 2001: A Sheep Odyssey, by Neil MacQueen at this site.
Divide in groups of 4-5 kids
Group 1 goes first, the rest of the groups says the 23rd psalm aloud, while the ‘race is run.’ It is not timed; all are ‘winners.’ The racers may have to wait for the Psalmist to finish reading their lines. (Teacher points to the Psalmists when it is their turn to read) When gathering supplies, note that you will need 5-10 staffs, 5 cans of ‘mercy,’ 5 ‘goodness,’ etc.
1. To start the race, say, (arms in the air, one holding a staff/stick) “The Lord is my shepherd.”
a. The rest of the groups – now called Psalmists – say, I shall not want
2. Roll down a grass hill (or roll on the floor), end up by a bucket/pan of water
a. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside the still waters, He restoreth my soul.
3. Walk the ‘straight and narrow’ on a 2x4 board laid on the ground
a. He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
4. Crawl under/through a black sheet, blanket, or tarp.
a. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
5. Pick up a rod (Baseball bat) or staff and hug it.
a. For thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me.
6. Sit at a ‘table’- piano bench, footstool- and eat 2 crackers.
a. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
7. Dab a bit of oil -Baby oil, Vaseline- on forehead.
a. Thou anointest my head with oil.
8. Fill cup until it overflows – set large cup on metal chair. Have bucket 6 ft. away with water in it. Fill large cup by bringing water in Dixie cups, dumping in the large cup, till full/overflowing (If inside – place large cup in a 9x13pan, use 8 oz cups filled no more that half full – marked with a marker) Have a towel available.
a. My cup runneth over.
9. Tie ‘goodness’ to one ankle and ‘mercy’ to the other. (Construction paper covered soup cans or Pringle chip cans – one marked ‘goodness,’ the other ‘mercy.’ String long enough to trail behind as you run. If you could make a fixed loop big enough to put your foot with a shoe through, it might help with the flow of things) Race to the finish line.
a. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life,
10. At the finish line, sit in a chair labeled “God’s house.”
a. And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
11. The racers end the Olympics by saying, “God is good” followed by a huge sigh of relief.
