This lesson introduces the Psalms to children. This lesson is designed to teach children how David worshiped God by using the Psalms that he wrote. The ideal use of this lesson would be in a Sunday School or Kid’s Church setting.
Objective: To introduce children to the Psalms and teach them about worshipping God
Targeted Age Group: This lesson is designed for upper-elementary students
Memory Verse: At this point the kids can recite the previous week’s memory verse. Give them this new verse to take home and memorize for next week: “Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever,” (Psalm 136:1, ESV).
Prayer: Dear LORD, thank you that we can come together and learn about you today. Let us understand your Word and have listening ears to hear your message. We pray that we can always have hearts to worship you! We love you! Amen.
Optional: Download our free Book of Psalms Coloring Page
Coloring Page on Psalm 23
Worship: Please Note, if you do not have copies of these songs you can find them on YouTube.
- Here I am to Worship
- Your Grace is Enough
- One Way!
Game: Sword Drill: Give each of the children a Bible and read out the fallowing reference (found below). The first child to find the verse will stand up and read it out loud to the class.
- Psalm 1:1
- Psalm 139:13
- Psalm 19:7
- Psalm 24:1
- Psalm 51:10
Ask: What did all of those verses have in common? (give them time to answer)
Say: Correct! All of these verses came from the same book, the book of Psalms. Does anybody know what a Psalm is? (give them time to answer). A Psalm is like a song or a poem and it is written with the purpose of worshipping God. Most of the Psalms we have in our Bible were written by David, and David would write different Psalms for different occasions. Sometimes David’s Psalms would be full of grief and sadness as he cried out to God for help or justice. Sometimes David’s Psalms would be full of joy and gladness as he acknowledged God’s goodness and faithfulness. The Psalms show us that no matter how happy, sad, joyful, or angry we are, we can always worship God because despite how we feel God is still God and He is still worthy of being praised.
Read:
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever(Psalm 23, ESV)
Questions:
- Does it sound like David trusts God? (Answer: Yes)
- Does it sound like David feels safe? (Answer: This is a trick question because David says that he is walking through the valley of the shadow of death, but it also says that God’s staff is comforting him. David trusts that God will keep him safe).
- What it your reaction to this Psalm?
Application: Just like David, we too can always trust in God and we can always worship Him! Even when times seem dark or scary, or when we are happy and joyful, in every moment we should worship the LORD because He is good.
Activity: Have each of the children write either a prayer, a song, or a poem to God. Have them decorate frames and put their prayer/ song/ or poem into the frame for them to take home.
Snack Suggestion: Cupcakes with frosting shaped like a music note and juice.
For more ideas, compare this lesson with our free Sunday School Lesson on Psalm 23.
Tony, thank you very much. This site is very helpful and free.I pray the LORD continue to bless you for this ministry.
Thank you, I am glad you find this site helpful for your ministry!
Thank you for this site, it has lots of ideas!