This lesson teaches children that God is good and worthy of praise every single day, and that everyone can join in telling about his kindness. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is good, and we can praise him every day for everything he does. Good things come from his loving hands, and our job is to say thank you and tell others about him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 145:2
Every day I will praise you. I will extol your name forever and ever.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand tall, then raise both hands up toward the ceiling as they say the words together. Then let them open their arms wide, as if they are showing how big God’s love is. Repeat the motions three times so the verse sticks.
The Story: Psalm 145 for Kids
A king named David wrote a happy song to God. He was not singing because everything was easy. He was singing because he knew God was his King, and God was kind. David said, “I will praise you every day.” He wanted his whole heart to shout thank you.
David looked around at all the things God had made. He saw the sun, the trees, the animals, and the people who lived in the land. He thought about how strong and wonderful God is. He wanted to tell everyone about it, so he wrote it down in a song that people could sing for many years.
David knew that God is kind to everyone. God gives food to the birds and to the people. When someone falls down, God helps them stand up again. When someone feels sad or weak, God is close to them. David said that God is slow to get angry and full of love that never runs out.
In the song, David said that the children of the next generation would tell their children about God’s mighty works. Every family would have a story to share. God’s kingdom lasts forever, and God always keeps his promises. Nothing can change that.
David ended his song the same way he began it. He asked everything that has breath to praise God’s holy name. He wanted the whole world to join in, forever and ever.
Read It Together
Psalm 145:8-9
8 The LORD is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, and of great loving kindness. 9 The LORD is good to all. His tender mercies are over all his works.
(WEB)
Point out the words gracious, merciful, and good. Ask the children to name a time when someone was kind to them, then explain that God is even kinder than that. Remind them that God’s love reaches to all the things he has made.
Psalm 145:14
The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down.
(WEB)
Show the children how to lift a friend who has fallen. Explain that God lifts up people who are sad or hurting. Let them practice saying a short sentence about someone who might need God’s help.
Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
(WEB)
Help the children see that God is close to anyone who calls on him. You can point out that they can talk to God at any time, even when no one else is around. Encourage them to pray a short prayer during the week.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you really love to see or play with?
- How did David show that he was thankful to God in this song?
- What is something kind God has done for you this week?
- Why do you think God wants everyone in the world to praise him?
- When is a time you could talk to God when you feel sad or worried?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Sun Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a big sun in the middle of the paper and cut it out. On each ray of the sun, they can draw or write one thing God made or one good thing God has done. Hang the suns on the wall to remind everyone of God’s goodness.
Praise Parade
Gather the children in an open space. Choose a simple tune, such as a familiar children’s song, and let each child take a turn leading the group in a praise motion like clapping, stomping, or spinning. Everyone copies the motion while singing a line that says God is good. This helps the children see that praise can be joyful and active.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Place the jar in a spot where the family will see it every day. Each evening, have family members write one thing they are thankful for on a slip of paper and drop it in the jar. Read the notes together at the end of the month to remember how good God has been.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm shows that praise is a daily habit rather than something saved for special moments. It also shows that God’s character, his kindness, mercy, faithfulness, and nearness, stays the same from one generation to the next. The psalm invites the whole community to join in telling what God has done.
Avoid overstating to children that God always gives them exactly what they ask for or that he will remove every hard thing from their lives. The psalm says God gives food, lifts those who fall, and is near to those who call on him, but children should hear that God’s care is steady and loving even when life is difficult.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for being good to us every day. Thank you for the sun, the trees, our food, and our friends. Help us to praise you with our words and our actions. We love you, and we are glad you are our King. Amen.
