Lamentations 1 teaches children that God wants to hear it when we are sad, scared, or hurting, and that we can bring our hard feelings to Him honestly. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. It works well with a small group or a family at the kitchen table.
Big Idea
When we are sad, we can tell God all about it, because He cares and listens to us.
Memory Verse
Lamentations 3:23
They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness.
(WEB)
Teach children to put both hands over their hearts, then open them slowly like a flower opening in the morning. Say the verse together while you do the motion, so the words and the picture stay together.
The Story: Lamentations 1 for Kids
Long ago there was a beautiful city called Jerusalem. It was full of people, and it was a happy place where God’s people worshiped Him. But the people had turned away from God many times, and God let other armies come and take their city. Many families were carried far away from their homes.
Now the city was quiet and empty. The streets that used to be busy were silent. Jerusalem sat alone, like a woman who had lost her husband. She cried at night, and her tears ran down her cheeks. She looked for someone to comfort her, but her friends had turned against her.
The writer of this poem saw all of this and felt great sadness. He said that the roads to the city were quiet, because nobody came to the special gatherings anymore. The gates were empty, and the priests were sighing. The people felt they had no one to help them.
Then the city spoke to God in its pain. It said, “Look, LORD, and see how I am hurting!” The people did not hide their feelings. They told God exactly how sad and scared they were. They admitted that they had done wrong, and they asked God to look at their trouble.
The people did not pretend everything was fine. They cried out honestly. Even in the middle of their sadness, they kept talking to God, and they did not walk away from Him.
Read It Together
Lamentations 1:2
She weeps bitterly in the night. Her tears are on her cheeks. Among all her lovers she has no one to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her. They have become her enemies.
(WEB)
Point out that Jerusalem was crying so hard that her tears ran down her face. Ask children what helps them feel better when they cry, and explain that the city had no one to comfort her, which made her sadness heavier.
Lamentations 1:9
Her filthiness was in her skirts. She didn’t remember her latter end. Therefore she has come down astoundingly. She has no comforter. “See, the LORD, my affliction; for the enemy has magnified himself.”
(WEB)
Show children the words where the city speaks directly to God. Explain that the people were brave enough to tell God exactly what they felt, and that prayer can sound just like this.
Lamentations 1:16
“For these things I weep. My eye, my eye runs down with water, because the comforter who should refresh my soul is far from me. My children are desolate, because the enemy has prevailed.”
(WEB)
Point out the weeping in this verse and the words about a comforter who is far away. Help children see that the writer felt lonely and was honest about it, which is a good example for us.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel really sad, and how did it feel inside your body?
- Why do you think Jerusalem cried out to God instead of keeping her feelings hidden?
- Who in your life helps you feel better when you are hurting, and how do they do it?
- What are some ways you could tell God about your worries or sad feelings this week?
- Even when things were very hard, the people kept talking to God. Why do you think it is good to keep talking to Him when we feel bad?
Activity Ideas
Tear Drop Painting
You will need paper, watercolor paints or diluted washable paint, a cotton swab, and a cup of water. Have children paint a simple picture of a city or a house, then dab a few blue drops down the page to show tears. Talk together about a time they felt sad, and how they can share those feelings with God.
Empty Street Walk
Clear a space in your room or classroom and set out a few chairs or pillows to look like empty houses. Have children walk slowly from one end to the other with quiet steps, pretending the streets are silent and lonely. Stop in the middle and have everyone say one honest feeling out loud, then pray that God would comfort them.
Feelings Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pen. Ask each family member to write one hard feeling on a slip and drop it into the jar during the week. At the end of the week, read a few slips together and pray over each feeling, reminding children that God hears every one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Lamentations 1 shows that lament is a faithful way to speak to God about suffering, loss, and the consequences of sin. The writer does not hide grief or pretend everything is fine, and he admits that the people have rebelled against God. This honesty stays within a relationship with God, not outside of it.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that every hardship is punishment for something we did wrong. The chapter speaks about a particular historical disaster, so keep the focus on the freedom to bring honest feelings to God and on His care for us.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that we can tell You when we are sad or scared. We know You hear us and that You care about every tear. Help us to bring our hard feelings to You each day, and comfort us when we feel alone. Amen.
