This lesson teaches children that God is great, good, and worth praising every single day. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the discussion and activity time.
Big Idea
God is good, and we can thank and praise Him every day, in every season of life, because He always takes care of us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 145:2
Every day I will praise you. I will extol your name forever and ever.
(WEB)
Teach the children to hold both hands up high like they are cheering at a ballgame, then bring them down to their hearts. Say the verse together with a big cheer on the word “every.” Repeat it three times, getting quieter each time.
The Story: Psalm 145 for Kids
King David wrote a song to God long ago, and he began it by saying, “I will praise you, my God, the King.” David loved God very much and wanted everyone to know how wonderful He is. Every morning he sang to God, thanking Him for the sunshine, the food, and the people who loved him.
David looked around at the world God had made. He saw the mountains, the rivers, the birds, and the flowers. He thought about all the amazing things God had done. David said that the people who came after him should tell their children about God’s mighty works. Each new family would learn to praise Him too.
David remembered that God is kind and patient. When people made mistakes, God did not get angry quickly. Instead, He showed great love and mercy. David said that God is good to everyone, and His kindness reaches all the things He has made.
Next, David noticed how God helps people. When someone falls down, God lifts them up again. When people are hungry, God gives them food at just the right time. David said, “You open your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Picture a big, gentle hand opening wide to share a meal.
David ended his song by saying that he would keep praising God forever. He wanted every living creature to bless God’s holy name. His song tells us that God is worthy of all our praise, now and always.
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 that God is gracious, merciful, and slow to anger. Ask the children to show with their faces what a kind, patient smile looks like. Explain that God’s goodness reaches out to everything He has made.
Psalm 145:14-16
14 The LORD upholds all who fall, and raises up all those who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all wait for you. You give them their food in due season. 16 You open your hand, and satisfy the desire of every living thing.
(WEB)
Show the children how God lifts up people who are struggling and feeds every living thing. Ask them to name a food they are thankful for. Remind them that God cares for all of us in our daily needs.
Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all those who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
(WEB)
Point out that God is near to everyone who calls on Him. Let the children practice a short, quiet prayer by whispering their names to God. Explain that God always hears us, no matter where we are.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you think is amazing, and how can you thank Him for it?
- How did David say he would praise God, and how can you praise Him too?
- What are some ways God shows His kindness to people when they make mistakes?
- Why do you think God wants us to tell our children and friends about Him?
- When is a time you felt close to God, and what did you say to Him?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Sun Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a large sun in the center of the paper with a smiling face. Around the edges, have them draw or write one thing God made that they are thankful for. Hang the finished suns on the wall as a reminder that God’s works are all around us.
Hand-Opening Game
You will need a small bowl of dry cereal or crackers and a open space to move. Have the children stand with their hands closed like fists. Explain that when God opens His hand, He satisfies every living thing. Call out “Open!” and have them open their hands wide, then pretend to pour a little food into each child’s palm. Repeat a few times, then let them take turns being the one who shares.
Praise Bag Take-Home
You will need a paper bag, a marker, and slips of paper. Decorate the bag with the words “Praise God Every Day” and place a few blank slips inside. Ask families to write one reason they are thankful for God each day this week and drop the slip into the bag. On Sunday, read the slips aloud together as a family prayer of thanks.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 145 is a song of wonder that moves from personal praise to a call for every generation to declare God’s greatness. It shows that God’s character, His mercy, patience, faithfulness, and generosity, is the foundation for praise. Adults can learn to see daily life as an opportunity to remember and speak of His works.
Avoid overstating to children that God always gives them exactly what they ask for, or that bad things will never happen to them. Psalm 145 speaks of God’s goodness and care, but children should be taught to trust Him with their needs rather than expect every wish to be granted immediately.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You are good and kind to everyone. Thank You for the sun, the food, and the people who love us. Help us to praise You every day and tell others about how wonderful You are. Amen.
