This lesson teaches children that God hears them when they call to him, and that he is their strength and shield. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and the activity.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, and he is always our strong helper and shield. When we are scared or sad, we can call to him and trust that he listens.
Memory Verse
Psalm 28:7
The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands over their heart on the words “my heart has trusted in him,” then lift their arms up and out like a shield on the words “the LORD is my strength and my shield.” Practice it three times together, then have them do it with their eyes closed.
The Story: Psalm 28 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he felt very worried. Enemies were all around him, and he felt like he might be lost forever. He did not know what to do, so he went to the one place he always trusted, which was God.
David raised his hands toward God’s holy place and called out with his whole heart. He said, “Please don’t be quiet to me, Lord.” David was scared that if God stayed silent, he would fall down into a deep, dark pit and never come back up. Calling out to God was the very best thing he could do.
David also saw people around him who were doing mean and unfair things. They said kind words to their neighbors, but their hearts were full of tricks. David asked God to be fair with them, and he trusted God to make things right in his own time.
Then something wonderful happened. David remembered that God had heard him, and he began to feel safe again. He said, “The LORD is my strength and my shield.” His heart was happy, and he started to sing a song of thanks to God.
David finished his song by asking God to take care of his people and to be their shepherd forever. He knew that God would carry them and keep them safe, just like a shepherd carries a lamb.
Read It Together
Psalm 28:1
To you, the LORD, I call. My rock, don’t be deaf to me; lest, if you are silent to me, I would become like those who go down into the pit.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts by calling out to God and asking him not to stay silent. Ask the children what they might say to God if they felt scared at bedtime, and remind them that God is always ready to listen.
Psalm 28:2
Hear the voice of my petitions, when I cry to you, when I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place.
(WEB)
Show the children how David lifted his hands when he prayed. Explain that lifting hands is one way people show they are reaching out to God, and that they can pray with folded hands, open hands, or any way that feels right.
Psalm 28:6-7
6 Blessed be the LORD, because he has heard the voice of my petitions. 7 The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart has trusted in him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices. With my song I will thank him.
(WEB)
Point out the word “blessed” and explain that it means God is praised and thanked for the good things he does. Notice how David moves from worry to joy once he remembers that God heard him, and talk about a time God helped your class.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared, and what could you say to God about it?
- How do you think David felt when he remembered that God had heard his prayer?
- Why do you think David called God his shield, and what does a shield do?
- What are some ways you can thank God when he helps you?
- How does it feel to know that God is like a shepherd who takes care of you?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Shield Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons or markers, glue, and string or tape. Have each child draw or write one thing they want to tell God on the front of their plate, then decorate it with bright colors. Tape a short string to the back so they can hold it like a shield, and let them talk about what God is protecting them from.
Shepherd and Sheep Game
Choose one child to be the shepherd and have the rest be sheep standing in a circle. Explain that the shepherd keeps the sheep safe, so the sheep must stay close and follow the shepherd’s voice. Let the shepherd call out “Come close, little sheep,” and the sheep walk toward them, then switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Prayer Card for Home
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small envelope or rubber band. Help each child write the words “God hears me” on one side of the card and draw a small picture of a shield or a heart on the other. Encourage them to keep the card by their bed and read it aloud each night as a reminder that God is listening.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 28 shows a believer honestly crying out in fear and then moving toward trust and thanksgiving. The psalm reminds us that God is both a listener and a protector, and that prayer is a real relationship with him. David also asks God to act justly toward those who do wrong, which invites adults to trust God’s justice rather than taking revenge.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the idea that God will always rescue us from every danger in the way we hope. Be careful not to suggest that God gives us whatever we ask for, and instead focus on the truth that God hears us and is with us, even when hard things happen.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we are glad that you hear us when we call to you. Thank you for being our strength and our shield. Help us to trust you when we feel scared, and help us to thank you for your care every day. Amen.
