Description
Being thankful for God’s blessings. Kia Ora, a phrase from Maori, New Zealand first people.
Means “thank you”, “help” and “be alive”. Truly a great reason for thanksgiving.
Cast: 1 m or f
Bible Reference: Psalm 28:7
Set: blank
Sound: wireless mics if available
Song: none
Lighting: standard
SFX: none
Props: none
Costumes:
- may be dressed in native Maori costume, or wear regular clothing
Special Instructions: none
Time: 8
Sample of script:
Actor/actress comes on stage.
Kia Ora!
Among my people, the Maori, the first people of New Zealand, Kia Ora is a common word.
Kind of hard to translate, it means “thank you”. But the same word also means “help”.
Interesting word that, “Kia Ora”.
Literally it means “be alive”.
Thank you.
Help.
Be alive.
Interesting combination, don’t you think?
And this is the time of Thanksgiving.
A Time of Thanks.
A time of Kia Ora.
So, if this is a Time of Kia Ora – thanks – then it also is a Time of Kia Ora – help.
I wonder what that means?
A Time of Help.
Thanksgiving?
A time of thanks for help received?
Or, A Time of Help Required?
Kia Ora – A Time of Being Alive
What is the connection between Thanks and Help?
Or Thanks and Being Alive?
Ever noticed how many times in the Bible where help and thanks just go together?
(opens Bible, turn to a page, reads quotation, lifts head, says, “Kia Ora”)
The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and I am helped. My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to him in song.
Kia Ora!
(turn page)
O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me. Kia Ora!
(turn page)
Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. Kia Ora!
(turn page)
Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Kia Ora!
(turn page)
Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, whose hope is in the LORD his God, Kia Ora!
(turn page)
Help me, O LORD my God; save me in accordance with your love. Kia Ora!
(turn page)
trust in the LORD — he is your help and shield. Kia Ora!
Have you noticed how God promises help for thankful people?
(turn page)
I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Kia Ora!
(turn page)
Do not be afraid, O little Israel, for I myself will help you,” Kia Ora!
(turn page)
“In my distress I called to the LORD, and he answered me. From the depths of the grave I called for help, and you listened to my cry. Kia Ora!
(turn page)
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. Kia Ora!
(turn page)
“Praise be to you, O LORD, God of our father Israel, from everlasting to everlasting. Kia Ora!
