This lesson teaches children that God hears every prayer and is stronger than any enemy. It is made for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we are scared, we can pray to God, and He hears us. God is more powerful than anyone who tries to hurt His people.
Memory Verse
2 Kings 19:19
Now therefore, the LORD our God, save us, I beg you, out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you, the LORD, are God alone.”
(WEB)
Have children stand tall with their arms folded like a shield, then slowly open their arms wide on the word “save.” Repeat the verse together three times, each time a little louder, and then a little softer.
The Story: 2 Kings 19 for Kids
King Hezekiah ruled the land of Judah, and he loved God. One day, a big and scary king named Sennacherib came with his army. Sennacherib’s men shouted rude words about the true God, and they tried to make everyone afraid. Hezekiah heard the threats, and he tore his clothes and put on rough cloth to show how sad and worried he was.
Hezekiah went to the Lord’s house and gave the letter from the enemy to God. He said a prayer and asked God to look at the letter and to save the people. Hezekiah called for Isaiah, the prophet, to pray with him. Isaiah sent back a message from God. The message said, “Do not be afraid of the king. I have heard your prayer.”
The enemy king kept sending messages and threats, but God had a plan. God told Hezekiah that Sennacherib would go back to his own land and would not win the city. Hezekiah could trust God to keep His promise.
That night, God’s angel went through the enemy camp. In the morning, the soldiers were all gone, because God had defended His people. Sennacherib left, and he went back home to Nineveh. Later, Sennacherib was killed by his own sons while he was worshiping his false god. God kept His word to protect Jerusalem.
Read It Together
2 Kings 19:1
When king Hezekiah heard it, he tore his clothes, covered himself with sackcloth, and went into the LORD’s house.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah went straight to God’s house when he heard the bad news. Ask children where they go or who they talk to when they feel scared.
2 Kings 19:15-16
15 Hezekiah prayed before the LORD, and said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, who sit above the cherubim, you are the God, even you alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Incline your ear, the LORD, and hear. Open your eyes, the LORD, and see. Hear the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to defy the living God.
(WEB)
Show how Hezekiah prayed and called God by His names, the God of Israel who sits above the cherubim. Explain that Hezekiah asked God to listen and to look, because he knew God can see everything.
2 Kings 19:35
That night, the LORD’s angel went out, and struck one hundred eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians. When men arose early in the morning, behold, these were all dead bodies.
(WEB)
Point out that God protected the city in a way no soldier could. Remind children that the Lord kept His promise to save His people, just as He said He would.
Talk About It
- What did King Hezekiah do first when he heard the scary news?
- How do you think Hezekiah felt when he read the letter from the enemy king?
- What did Hezekiah ask God to do in his prayer?
- Why do you think God told the people not to be afraid?
- When is a time you felt scared, and what could you pray to God about that?
Activity Ideas
Shield Picture Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a picture of God as a shield on the back of a paper plate, with words like “God hears me” or “God saves.” Cut a handle from cardboard and tape it on. Let children carry their shields during the lesson to remember that God protects them.
Prayer Walk Game
You will need a open space and a small bell or clapping hands. Children march around the room like the people walking to God’s house. When the teacher rings the bell, they freeze and say a short prayer out loud, such as “Lord, please help me.” Keep it lively and let each child take a turn saying a prayer.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Ask each child to write or draw one thing they are worried about on a strip of paper and drop it in the jar. Tell them to pray over the jar each night at home, remembering that God hears every prayer. Send the jar home with a note explaining the lesson.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God hears the prayers of His people even in times of great fear and national danger. Hezekiah did not rely on his own strength or on false gods, but he brought the threat directly to the Lord. The chapter also reveals that God’s zeal protects His people and His city for the sake of His own name and His promise to David.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always rescue us from every danger in the way He rescued Jerusalem. Children should learn that God is faithful and hears prayer, while also understanding that He works in His own wisdom and sometimes allows hard things to happen.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we pray. Help us not be afraid when things seem scary, because You are stronger than anything. Keep us close to You and help us trust You every day. Amen.
