In this lesson, children learn that they can thank God and tell others about Him, because He is good and His love never ends. The lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is good, and His love lasts forever. Because of this, we can always give Him thanks, sing to Him, and tell everyone about the amazing things He has done.
Memory Verse
1 Chronicles 16:34
Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his loving kindness endures forever.
(WEB)
Teach the children to put one hand on their heart for “give thanks,” then open both arms wide for “loving kindness endures forever.” Have them do it together three times, slowly and then fast.
The Story: 1 Chronicles 16 for Kids
King David had a very special box called the ark of the covenant. It was a sacred box that reminded the people that God was with them. For a long time it had been kept away from the city, but now David wanted to bring it home to Jerusalem.
The people carried the ark into a tent that David had set up for it. Then they offered gifts to God, the kind that were burned on the altar and the kind that were shared in a meal of thanks. When David finished, he blessed all the people in the name of the LORD. Every man and every woman received a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a sweet cake of raisins.
David then chose some Levites to stand before the ark every day. Their job was to remember what God had done, to thank Him, and to praise Him. Asaph was the leader, and he played loud cymbals. Other men played harps and stringed instruments, and the priests blew trumpets. Music filled the whole place.
David asked the people to join in with a song. He said, “Give thanks to the LORD! Call on His name! Tell the other peoples what He has done!” He reminded them that God had kept His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that He had protected His people when they were few and far from home.
Then David said, “Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice! Let the sea roar and the trees sing for joy!” Everyone said, “Amen,” and praised the LORD. After that, each person went home, and David went home to bless his own family.
Read It Together
1 Chronicles 16:8-9
8 Oh give thanks to the LORD. Call on his name. Make what he has done known among the peoples. 9 Sing to him. Sing praises to him. Tell of all his marvelous works.
(WEB)
Point out the words “give thanks” and “sing to him.” Ask the children what they could thank God for today, and invite them to sing a short song together as a class.
1 Chronicles 16:11
Seek the LORD and his strength. Seek his face forever more.
(WEB)
Show the children that seeking the LORD means wanting to know Him and spend time with Him. Explain that they can ask God to help them in the same way the people did in this story.
1 Chronicles 16:24
Declare his glory among the nations, and his marvelous works among all the peoples.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s glory is meant to be shared “among the nations” and “among all the peoples.” Talk about how children can share the good news of God’s works with friends and family.
Talk About It
- What did the people bring to God, and why do you think David wanted them to bring it?
- What did the Levites do every day in front of the ark, and how could you do something like that at home?
- What are some good things God has done for you that you could thank Him for?
- Why do you think David wanted everyone to tell other people about God?
- How can you show God that you are thankful to Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Thank-You Banner Drawing
You will need a long strip of paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw one thing they are thankful to God for, then tape all the drawings onto the strip. Hang the banner in the room as a reminder that God is good and His love lasts forever.
Hands-Up Praise Game
Play a simple movement game. Call out “Sing!” and have the children clap and sing a short line of praise. Call out “Trumpets!” and have them pretend to blow trumpets. Call out “Cymbals!” and have them clash two pretend cymbals together. Change the calls quickly to keep everyone moving.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for one week, have the family write one thing they are thankful for on a slip and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read all the slips aloud together and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that worship is a response to who God is and what He has done. David organizes music, thanksgiving, and remembrance, and he ties all of it to God’s covenant faithfulness. The chapter also reminds us that God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob shaped how the people understood their identity and their hope.
With children, be careful not to overstate the details of the ark or the sacrifices. Focus on the heart of the story: God is good, He keeps His promises, and His people respond with joy, thanks, and song.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that You are good and Your love lasts forever. Help us to give You thanks, to sing to You, and to tell others about the wonderful things You have done. Keep our hearts glad and our voices ready to praise You every day. Amen.
