This lesson teaches children that God hears our prayers and answers them, even when we are scared and need help. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, and He cares when we are sad or sick. We can always talk to Him, and He is listening.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 20:5
“Turn back, and tell Hezekiah the prince of my people, ‘The LORD, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day, you will go up to the LORD’s house.
(WEB)
Put your hand on your heart as you say the words slowly, then open both hands wide, as if you are giving God your worries. Say the verse together three times, getting a little quieter each time, so the children begin to remember it by heart.
The Story: 2 Kings 20 for Kids
King Hezekiah ruled the people of Judah, and he loved God. One day Hezekiah became very sick, so sick that he was going to die. The prophet Isaiah came to him with a message from God. Isaiah said, “Get your house in order, because you will not get better.”
Hezekiah was very sad. He turned his face to the wall, so no one could see him cry, and he prayed to God. He said, “Please remember that I have tried to live faithfully and do what is right in your eyes.” Then Hezekiah wept bitterly, because he did not want to die.
God heard Hezekiah’s prayer before Isaiah had even left the palace. God sent Isaiah back with a new message. God said He had seen Hezekiah’s tears, and He would heal him. God also promised to give Hezekiah fifteen more years to live.
Isaiah told the servants to make a paste of figs and put it on the king’s sore. Hezekiah got better. Then Hezekiah asked God for a sign, so he would know God was really going to heal him. God made the shadow on the sundial go backward, which was a wonderful miracle that everyone could see.
Later, some visitors from Babylon came to see Hezekiah. Hezekiah was proud and showed them all his treasures. Isaiah asked him what they had seen, and Isaiah warned him that one day the treasures would be taken away. Hezekiah accepted what God said, and then Hezekiah died, and his son Manasseh became king.
Read It Together
2 Kings 20:2-3
2 Then he turned his face to the wall, and prayed to the LORD, saying, 3 “Remember now, the LORD, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah turned toward the wall to pray. Ask the children what it feels like to pray when we are scared, and remind them that God hears every word, even when we pray quietly.
2 Kings 20:5-6
5 “Turn back, and tell Hezekiah the prince of my people, ‘The LORD, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day, you will go up to the LORD’s house. 6 I will add to your days fifteen years. I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my own sake, and for my servant David’s sake.”’”
(WEB)
Show the children that God says He has seen Hezekiah’s tears. Explain that God cares about our feelings and notices when we are hurting, and that He answers prayer in His own good way.
2 Kings 20:11
Isaiah the prophet cried to the LORD; and he brought the shadow ten steps backward, by which it had gone down on the sundial of Ahaz.
(WEB)
Point out that Isaiah prayed, and God answered with a miracle that the people could see. Remind the children that God has all power and can do things that seem impossible to us.
Talk About It
- What did Hezekiah do when he heard he was going to die?
- How do you think God felt when He saw Hezekiah crying?
- Why is it good to know that God hears us when we pray?
- What is something you could pray about this week?
- How can we show God we trust Him, even when we feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Prayer Wall Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper and crayons. Ask them to draw a picture of something they would like to pray about, such as a sick friend or a hard day at school. Let them tape their drawings to a wall or a bulletin board, and say a short prayer together for each one.
Sundial Shadow Game
Take the children outside on a sunny day and place a stick upright in the dirt. Mark where the shadow falls, then check again in ten minutes to see it has moved. Talk about how God can do amazing things, like moving the shadow backward, and how He is greater than anything we see.
Prayer Jar at Home
Give each child an empty jar and some small slips of paper. Ask them to write or draw one thing they want to pray about each day and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and thank God for hearing every prayer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God is personal and attentive. He responds to Hezekiah’s honest prayer and tears, and He extends his life. It also shows that God keeps His word, including the warnings Isaiah gave about the future. Adults can see both God’s mercy and His faithfulness in the same chapter.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always heal us when we pray, or that our faith earns God’s answer. Hezekiah’s story teaches us to trust God, but God’s plans are not always the same as our own, and children may feel confused or scared if they think healing is guaranteed.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we pray. Help us remember that You care about our tears and our fears. Teach us to trust You every day, no matter what happens. Amen.
