This lesson teaches children that God hears us even when we feel alone and afraid, and that He is always near to help. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God hears us when we cry to Him, even when it feels like He is far away. We can always tell Him how we feel, and He listens.
Memory Verse
Psalm 22:24
For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.
(WEB)
Teach children to cup both hands together in front of their mouths, then slowly lower them as if sending a message gently to someone close by. Say “he heard” as you lower your hands, so the motion matches the words.
The Story: Psalm 22 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he was in deep trouble. He felt very sad and alone, as if God had gone far away. Day after day he cried out, but it seemed like no answer came. His enemies were all around him, like wild animals ready to attack. People laughed at him and said mean things.
David felt tired and weak, as if all his strength had dried up. He told God how he really felt, without hiding anything. He asked God, “Please don’t be far away from me. Hurry and help me!” Even in his fear, David remembered that God had always been good to his people in the past.
As David kept talking to God, his heart began to change. He remembered that God had never turned away from someone who was hurting. David said, “God did not hide His face from me. When I cried to Him, He heard me.” His fear did not disappear all at once, but he knew he was not alone.
In the end, David sang about praising God in front of everyone. He said that God’s help would reach not just him but people all over the world. Many people, even those yet to be born, would one day hear about how faithful God is. David trusted that God’s care would keep going on and on.
Read It Together
Psalm 22:1-2
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? 2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer; in the night season, and am not silent.
(WEB)
Point out that David asked God hard questions and said exactly how he felt. Explain to children that it is okay to tell God when we feel sad or confused, because He wants us to talk to Him honestly.
Psalm 22:19
But don’t be far off, the LORD. You are my help: hurry to help me.
(WEB)
Show children the words “You are my help” and ask them to say them with you. Explain that David asked God to hurry, which shows that he wanted God’s help right away.
Talk About It
- What is something that has made you feel scared or alone before?
- What did David do when he felt sad and far from God?
- Why do you think it helps to tell God exactly how we feel?
- How can you remember that God is near when you feel lonely?
- Who is someone you could tell about God’s help this week?
Activity Ideas
Ear Drawing Craft
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large ear in the middle of the page, then write or draw things they want to tell God around it. Explain that the ear shows God is always listening. Let children take their pictures home to remind them that God hears every prayer.
Hot and Cold Hiding Game
You will need a small object, like a toy or a stuffed animal, and an open space. Hide the object while children close their eyes. When they search, say “warmer” when they get closer and “colder” when they move away. Afterward, explain that David felt far away from God, but God was closer than he knew. This helps children see that God is near even when we cannot find Him.
Prayer Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pen, and a marker for decorating. Have each child write or draw one thing they want to tell God, then add a simple picture of an ear or a heart. Encourage them to place the card by their bed. Each night they can look at it and say a short prayer, remembering that God always listens.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 22 is a raw, honest prayer that moves from deep fear to confident trust. Its honesty about suffering and its closing hope of praise both point forward to Jesus, whose words from the cross echo this psalm. Adults can see in it both real human pain and God’s faithfulness across generations.
With children, avoid overstating the connection to Jesus or suggesting that every hard feeling will be removed right away. Keep the focus on the simple truth that God hears us and is near, without promising that our troubles will vanish on schedule.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You that You hear us when we cry to You. Help us to tell You how we really feel, even when we are scared or sad. Remind us that You are always near, and help us trust You more each day. Amen.
