This lesson teaches children that God is good and faithful, so people everywhere can praise him. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading, and the activity.
Big Idea
God loves us and keeps his promises forever, so everyone in the whole world can happily praise him. Our praise can be loud, quiet, sung, or spoken.
Memory Verse
Psalm 117:2
For his loving kindness is great toward us. The LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall, raise both arms up high, then bring them down slowly while they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time, so the words stick.
The Story: Psalm 117 for Kids
Psalm 117 is one of the shortest chapters in the whole Bible. It has only two verses. A songwriter wrote it to call out to everybody, not just the people in one town. He looked at the nations of the world and said, “Come and praise the Lord!”
The songwriter wanted every country and every family to join in. Big groups and small groups were all invited. Nobody was left out of the song. Picture a playground where everyone is asked to come and cheer for the same team.
Then the songwriter gave the reason for the party. God is kind to his people, and his love is very great. He is also faithful, which means he always keeps his word. The songwriter said that his faithfulness goes on forever, from one day to the next, and never runs out.
Notice how short the psalm is. It does not need a long speech, because the message is simple. God is good, God is faithful, so let everyone praise him. The songwriter ends by shouting, “Praise Yah!” which is a joyful way of saying “Praise the Lord!”
Read It Together
Psalm 117:1
Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
(WEB)
Point out the word “all” in this verse. Ask the children to name a few countries or places they know, and remind them that God invites every one of them to praise him.
Psalm 100:1
Shout for joy to the LORD, all you lands!
(WEB)
Show the children that the same kind of invitation to praise appears in another psalm. Explain that the Bible repeats the idea because it is important for everyone to remember.
Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever.
(WEB)
Point to the phrase “his loving kindness endures forever,” which matches the second verse of Psalm 117. Read the repeated words together so the children hear how the Bible reminds us that God’s love never ends.
Talk About It
- Why do you think the songwriter wanted people from every nation to praise God?
- What is one thing God has done for you that makes you want to say thank you?
- How can you show someone that God is faithful, even when you feel nervous or sad?
- What is a different way to praise God besides singing out loud?
- Who is one person in your life we could invite to join us in praising God this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate World Map
You will need paper plates, crayons, markers, and glue sticks. Ask each child to draw a small picture of a place or a family they know on the plate, then glue the plates together into a big circle. Hang the finished circle on the wall and read Psalm 117:1 aloud, pointing to the pictures as you say the word “all.”
Praise Parade Game
You will need an open room and a few shakers or wooden spoons, if you have them. Lead the children in a short parade around the room, and each time you call out a country or a family member, they shout “Praise the Lord!” in their loudest voice. Finish by having everyone sit down quietly and say the memory verse together.
Faithful Friend Card
You will need index cards, pencils, and crayons. Have each child write or draw one way God has been faithful to them, then take the card home to share with a parent or sibling. Encourage them to read the card aloud at dinner and tell the family what Psalm 117:2 means.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 117 is a call to worship that reaches past one nation to the whole world. Its two verses hold together God’s steady love and his unbreakable faithfulness, and they close with a joyful shout of praise. Most scholars read it as a short hymn that was sung in worship, though the exact setting is not recorded.
With children, avoid overstating how the psalm would have been used in worship or claiming to know exactly who wrote it, since the chapter does not name its author. Keep the focus on God’s love and faithfulness, which children can grasp, rather than on technical details the text does not provide.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, we thank you that you are kind and faithful to us every day. Help us praise you with our voices, our hands, and our hearts, just like the songwriter did long ago. Thank you that your love lasts forever. Amen.
