In this lesson, children learn that God is good, He is greater than every false god, and He is worthy of our praise. This lesson is for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
The LORD is good, He is stronger than any other god, and we should praise Him all the time, everywhere we go.
Memory Verse
Psalm 135:3
Praise Yah, for the LORD is good. Sing praises to his name, for that is pleasant.
(WEB)
Teach the children to clap twice at the start of the line, then lift both hands up high on the words “Praise Yah.” Have them repeat the verse while clapping and lifting, then sit down slowly on “for the LORD is good.” Practice it three times and let them lead.
The Story: Psalm 135 for Kids
Long ago, a singer wrote a happy song to God. He called his friends to come and praise the LORD. “Come and stand in God’s house,” he sang. “Sing to His name, because He is good.” The singer knew that God had chosen the people of Israel to be His own special family. God loved them very much, and they had many reasons to sing.
The singer remembered the great things God had done. When the people were slaves in Egypt, God sent signs and wonders to Pharaoh. God set His people free and brought them to their own land. The singer said, “I know that the LORD is great, greater than all the gods.” Everything in the sky, the sea, and the earth belonged to God, and He made it all.
The singer also thought about the idols that other people made out of silver and gold. These idols had mouths but could not speak. They had eyes but could not see, and they had ears but could not hear. The singer knew that these idols could not help anyone. Only the LORD is alive and able to help His people.
So the singer called out to everyone who loved God. “Families of Israel, praise the LORD! Priests of Aaron, praise the LORD! Everyone who fears the LORD, praise Him!” He wanted every person to join in the song. He ended the song by saying that God is blessed from His home in Zion and that His people should praise Him.
Read It Together
Psalm 135:13
Your name, the LORD, endures forever; your renown, the LORD, throughout all generations.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s name lasts forever and that people in every generation can remember Him. Ask the children to name a grandparent, teacher, or friend who has shown them God’s love over many years.
Psalm 135:15-18
15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. 16 They have mouths, but they can’t speak. They have eyes, but they can’t see. 17 They have ears, but they can’t hear; neither is there any breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them will be like them; yes, everyone who trusts in them.
(WEB)
Show the children how these verses describe idols that cannot talk, see, hear, or breathe. Explain that the LORD is alive and can hear our prayers, which makes Him very different from anything people can make with their hands.
Psalm 135:19-20
19 House of Israel, praise the LORD! House of Aaron, praise the LORD! 20 House of Levi, praise the LORD! You who fear the LORD, praise the LORD!
(WEB)
Point out that the writer invites every group of people to praise God, including families, priests, and everyone who fears Him. Ask the children to say their own name and then join in praising the LORD together.
Talk About It
- What are some ways God has shown that He is good to you this week?
- Why do you think the singer wanted everyone to join in praising God?
- How is the LORD different from the idols that cannot see or hear?
- What is one thing God did long ago that you can remember and thank Him for?
- Where is a place you can praise God, even when you are not in church?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Greatest Thing God Made
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw one thing God made that shows how great He is, such as the sky, a tree, the ocean, or a rainbow. Let them color it bright and write “The LORD is good” along the bottom. Display the drawings on a wall so the class can see God’s work all around them.
Praise Line Game
You will need a open space in a room or outside. Have the children stand in a line and take turns calling out one reason to praise God, such as “He made the stars.” After each child speaks, the whole group claps three times and shouts “Praise Yah!” Keep the game moving quickly so every child gets a turn to lead.
Praise Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for one week, help your child write one thing they are thankful for about God and place the slip in the jar. At the end of the week, sit together, read each slip out loud, and thank God for every one. This helps the child remember that God’s goodness shows up every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm teaches that God chose Israel as His own people, that He acts with power over nature and nations, and that He alone is truly alive and worthy of worship. It also reminds us that idols, whether made of metal or pursued in our hearts, cannot save or satisfy us. The call to praise is open to every group of God’s people.
With children, avoid overstating the details of the wars and the defeated kings. Keep the focus on the LORD’s goodness, His faithfulness to His people, and the joy of praising Him. Let the children ask questions about the harder parts, and answer simply and honestly.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You are good and that You are greater than anything else. Help us to praise You every day, at home, at school, and in church. Thank You for loving us and remembering us from one generation to the next. Amen.
