This lesson teaches children that God hears them when they are scared or in trouble, and that they can trust Him to help. It is written for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
When we are in trouble, we can call on God, and He will help us. We do not need to be afraid, because God is always listening and always strong enough to save us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 20:1
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high…
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands in front of their chest like they are holding a prayer, then slowly lift them up toward the ceiling on the word “answer.” Repeat the motion together three times until the children can do it without looking at you.
The Story: Psalm 20 for Kids
Long ago, a king of Israel was getting ready to go into a hard battle. His people were worried, and he was worried too. So the king and his people gathered together to pray and ask God for help.
They went to the place where God’s house was, which was called the sanctuary. They brought their gifts and offerings to God, and they asked Him to remember their love and their worship. The people prayed, “May the LORD answer you on the day you are in trouble.”
The singers in the crowd sang that God would give the king what his heart really wanted. They sang that God would help the king carry out his plans. Everyone said, “We will shout for joy when God saves us!” They knew they could not win by their own strength.
Some people in those days trusted in big, strong chariots and fast horses to protect them. But the people of God said, “We trust in the name of the LORD our God.” They believed God was stronger than any army.
When the people looked at the other side, they saw the enemy bowed down and fallen. But God’s people stood up tall and strong. They called out one more time, “Save us, LORD! Let the King answer us when we call!”
Read It Together
Psalm 20:2
Send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion…
(WEB)
Point out that God sends help from His holy place. Ask the children where they think God is when they feel scared, and remind them that God can hear and help them from anywhere.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of the LORD our God.
(WEB)
Show the children that some people trust in things that can break or run away, but God’s people trust in God’s name. Help them name one thing they sometimes trust in besides God, and talk about why God is more dependable.
Psalm 20:8
They are bowed down and fallen, but we rise up, and stand upright.
(WEB)
Point out how the people who trusted God stood up strong after they were knocked down. Explain that trusting God gives us courage to get back up when something hard happens.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried sometimes?
- What did the people in the story do when they felt afraid?
- Why do you think God wants us to call on Him when we are in trouble?
- What does it mean to trust God instead of trusting in ourselves?
- How can you remember to pray to God the next time you feel worried?
Activity Ideas
Hands Up Prayer Craft
You will need construction paper, crayons, scissors, and glue. Have each child trace one of their hands on the paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write or draw one thing they want to ask God for. Display the hands on the wall as a reminder that God hears every prayer.
Stand Tall Game
Ask the children to crouch down low like they have been knocked over. Then call out, “God helps us stand up!” and have them slowly rise to a tall, strong pose with their arms raised. Play a few rounds, and each time they stand up, shout “Save us, Lord!” together. Keep it lively and let the children take turns leading.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, markers, and a hole punch with yarn. Give each child a card and have them draw a picture of something that scares them. On the back, help them write “God hears me.” Punch a hole in the corner and tie the yarn so they can hang it on their bedroom door or carry it in a pocket to remind them to pray.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm is a prayer of confidence in God during a time of national trouble, most likely before a battle. It reminds believers that real security comes from God’s name and character rather than from military strength or other human resources. It also shows that prayer, worship, and trust belong together as one response to danger.
Avoid telling children that God will always make bad things stop happening the moment they pray. Keep the focus on God being with them and strong enough to help, while being honest that trouble can still be hard and that God’s answers may look different than they expect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we call. We know You are strong and that You can help us when we feel scared. Help us to trust You and to stand up tall when hard things come. We love You. Amen.
