This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we call to Him, and we can thank Him with our whole hearts. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, and He always helps us. So we can thank Him with our whole hearts, every day.
Memory Verse
Psalm 138:3
In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart, then lift both arms up high like you are reaching for the sky. Say the verse slowly together while you move. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Psalm 138 for Kids
King David wrote this song to God. He was a shepherd boy who became king, and he knew what it was like to feel scared and worried. One day, David was in the middle of a hard time, with trouble all around him. He did not know what to do, so he called out to God.
God heard David’s voice and answered him. God gave David strength in his heart, so he did not have to be afraid. David felt brave again because he knew God was right there with him. He wanted everyone to know how good God is.
David said, “I will give you thanks with my whole heart.” He wanted to sing praises to God, even in front of other people and their gods. David bowed down and thanked God for His loving kindness and His truth. He told everyone that God’s name is holy and special.
David believed that the kings of the earth would one day thank God too. They would hear about God’s words and sing about His great glory. David knew God is very high above everyone, yet He still looks after the people who are humble and need help.
Even when David walked through trouble, God promised to bring him back to life and keep him safe. David said God would stretch out His hand and save him. David trusted that God would finish the good work He started in his life. David ended his song by saying that God’s love lasts forever.
Read It Together
Psalm 138:1-2
1 I will give you thanks with my whole heart. Before the gods, I will sing praises to you. 2 I will bow down toward your holy temple, and give thanks to your Name for your loving kindness and for your truth; for you have exalted your Name and your Word above all.
(WEB)
Point out the words “whole heart” and ask the children what it means to give something with all of it. Show them how David chose to thank God in front of everyone. Explain that thanking God is something we can do anytime.
Psalm 138:6
For though the LORD is high, yet he looks after the lowly; but the proud, he knows from afar.
(WEB)
Point out that God is high above everyone, yet He looks after people who are lowly and humble. Ask the children to name a way God takes care of people they know. Remind them that God does not ignore anyone who needs Him.
Psalm 138:7
Though I walk in the middle of trouble, you will revive me. You will stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies. Your right hand will save me.
(WEB)
Point out the picture of walking through trouble while God revives and saves. Ask the children to think about a time they felt scared and how they could call on God. Show that God’s hand is strong enough to help us through hard days.
Talk About It
- What does it mean to thank God with your whole heart?
- How did God answer David when he called out to Him?
- What are some things you could sing or say to God today?
- Why do you think God looks after people who are humble?
- When is a time you could call on God for help this week?
Activity Ideas
Heart Thank-You Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace a large heart shape on the paper and cut it out. Ask them to draw or write one thing they want to thank God for inside the heart. Hang the hearts on the classroom wall or on the fridge at home as a reminder.
Reach Up and Call Out Game
You will need an open space and a bell or a clapping rhythm. Have the children stand in a circle and practice reaching their arms up high. Call out “Call on God!” and have them shout a short thank-you prayer, then reach up toward the sky. Keep the game going for several rounds so the movement becomes familiar.
Thank-You Jar at Home
You will need a clear jar or cup and some small slips of paper. Give each child a few slips to write or draw things they are thankful for. Have them fold the papers and place them in the jar. Read a few slips together at dinner or bedtime to thank God as a family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm shows that God hears and answers His people, even in the middle of trouble. David’s confidence comes from remembering who God is: faithful, loving, high above all, and yet attentive to the humble. Adults can take comfort that God’s care is steady whatever season they face.
Be careful not to promise children that God will always remove every hard thing from their lives, as David’s experience includes walking through trouble. Focus instead on God’s faithfulness and presence, which is the true heart of this psalm.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank You for hearing us when we call to You. Help us to thank You with our whole hearts, every day. Thank You for being close to us and for loving us forever. Amen.
