In this lesson, children learn that they can bring their sad and hard feelings to God, just as the people in Lamentations 5 did. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we are sad, and we can tell Him everything. He cares about our hurts, and He never stops being good, even on the hardest days.
Memory Verse
Lamentations 5:19
You, the LORD, remain forever. Your throne is from generation to generation.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands out flat, then lift them slowly up toward the ceiling on the word “forever.” Ask them to do it with you each time they say the verse. The motion reminds them that God’s love reaches high and lasts a long time.
The Story: Lamentations 5 for Kids
Long ago, the city of Jerusalem was broken. Enemy soldiers had come, and many homes were taken. Families were scattered, and many people had no food or water to spare. The people were hurting, and they did not know what to do.
Some of the people had lost their parents. Some had lost their jobs and their homes. The children were tired and hungry, and the grown-ups were worried about tomorrow. Everything that had once made them happy had gone quiet. Even the music and dancing had stopped.
So the people gathered together and started to pray. They said, “Lord, remember what has happened to us. Please look at us and see how sad we are.” They were honest with God about how bad things felt. They did not pretend everything was fine.
They asked God a hard question too: “Why have you forgotten us for such a long time?” It is okay to ask God questions like this. The people trusted that God was still on His throne, and they asked Him to turn their hearts back to Him. They wanted Him to make their days new again.
The people in this chapter did not understand everything, but they knew who God was. They knew He lasts forever and is always good. That is why they kept talking to Him, even when their hearts were heavy.
Read It Together
Lamentations 5:1
Remember, the LORD, what has come on us. Look, and see our reproach.
(WEB)
Point out that the chapter begins with a request. The people simply ask God to remember them and to look at what is happening. Show the children that it is good to start prayer by telling God what you see and feel.
Lamentations 5:16
The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned!
(WEB)
Explain that the people admit they have done wrong. Help children see that saying sorry is part of being honest with God, and that God welcomes a sorry heart. Keep the tone gentle and hopeful rather than scary.
Lamentations 5:21
Turn us to yourself, the LORD, and we will be turned. Renew our days as of old.
(WEB)
Point to the word “turn.” Ask the children to notice that the people ask God to turn them back to Him. Explain that God is always ready to help us come back to Him when we have wandered away.
Talk About It
- What is something that made you feel sad or worried this week?
- How did the people in Jerusalem talk to God when they were hurting?
- Why do you think it helps to tell God exactly how you feel?
- What did the people remember about God, even when everything felt wrong?
- When is a time you could pray to God about a hard feeling you have?
Activity Ideas
Feelings Prayer Pictures
Give each child a sheet of paper and some crayons or markers. Ask them to draw one feeling they would like to bring to God, such as sadness, worry, or being lonely. Then have them draw a small sun or a heart in the corner to remember that God is still with them. Let them show their pictures and pray over them together.
Stand Strong Game
Gather the children in an open space. Call out a hard feeling, such as “tired” or “scared,” and have everyone curl up small. Then call out “God is forever!” and have everyone stretch up tall with arms raised. Repeat a few times, ending with the tall pose. This game helps children feel the difference between heavy hearts and the steady help of God.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
Use an empty jar, some paper strips, and a pen. Ask the children to write or draw one prayer request on a strip and fold it into the jar. Encourage them to take the jar home and add a new strip each week. Explain that the jar is a reminder that they can talk to God anytime, about anything, and that He hears every word.
Teacher Notes
Lamentations is a collection of sad poems written after Jerusalem was destroyed. For adults, this chapter shows that honest lament is a real and faithful way to pray. The people do not hide their pain, and they do not stop trusting God’s character, even while they wonder why He seems distant.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that all suffering is a direct punishment for sin. The chapter does include confession, but the focus is on bringing sorrow to God and asking Him to restore us. Keep the emphasis on God’s lasting goodness and His willingness to hear.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You that we can tell You when we feel sad or scared. Thank You that You hear us and You are always good. Help us remember that You last forever, and turn our hearts back to You each day. Amen.
