This lesson teaches children that God hears them when they call out to him and helps them when they are scared or in trouble. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use it in a Sunday school class, a children’s group, or at home with the family.
Big Idea
God hears us when we ask for help, and he takes care of the people who trust him. We can run to him when we feel afraid, and he is always close by.
Memory Verse
Psalm 34:4
I sought the LORD, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup one hand to their ear when they say “He heard me,” then open both arms wide as they say “and delivered me from all my fears.” Have them do the motions together three times until the words feel familiar.
The Story: Psalm 34 for Kids
King David wrote this song a long time ago. He had been in a very scary place, and he was afraid that something bad would happen to him. So he prayed and asked God for help.
God heard David’s prayer. David later sang to everyone, “I looked to the LORD, and he answered me. He took away all my fears.” David wanted his friends to know that God really does listen.
David said that when a poor man cried out, God heard him too. God saved that man out of all his troubles. David told the people, “Taste and see that the LORD is good!” He meant that God’s kindness is something you can experience for yourself.
David also said that God’s angels camp around the people who love and honor him. Like a guard standing watch at night, they keep God’s children safe. Nothing can take away God’s care for those who trust him.
David then turned to the children and said, “Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you how to fear the LORD.” He taught that God wants us to speak kind words, to stay away from lies, and to make peace with others.
Last of all, David promised that God is close to people whose hearts are sad or hurting. God does not leave them alone, and he saves them.
Read It Together
Psalm 34:8
Oh taste and see that the LORD is good. Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
(WEB)
Ask the children what it means to “taste” something good. Point out that David is inviting us to find out for ourselves how kind God is, the same way we know a cookie is sweet only after we try it.
Psalm 34:15-18
15 The LORD’s eyes are toward the righteous. His ears listen to their cry. 16 The LORD’s face is against those who do evil, to cut off their memory from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the LORD hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, and saves those who have a crushed spirit.
(WEB)
Point out the words “his ears listen” and “the LORD is near.” Explain that God is never too far away to hear a child’s prayer, even when the child feels small or sad.
Psalm 34:11-14
11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the LORD. 12 Who is someone who desires life, and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil, and your lips from speaking lies. 14 Depart from evil, and do good. seek peace, and pursue it.
(WEB)
Read this passage slowly and point out how David speaks directly to children. Help the children name one way they can “depart from evil and do good” this week, such as sharing a toy or saying something kind.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel scared, and what could you say to God about it?
- How do you think David felt when he prayed and God answered him?
- Who is someone you can go to when you need help, and how does that help you understand God?
- What is one kind thing you can say or do for a friend this week?
- Why do you think God wants us to tell the truth and speak kindly?
Activity Ideas
Draw Your Safe Place
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a place where they feel safe, such as their bedroom, a grandparent’s porch, or a park. Then ask them to draw a small figure of God standing nearby, watching over them. Let each child share their picture with the group.
Ear to God Relay
You will need a few chairs and a small bell or a clap. Have the children line up in two teams and stand in a line. Whisper a short message into the first child’s ear, such as “God hears you,” and have it passed down the line. Talk about how God always hears every word we say to him, and that we never have to whisper our prayers too quietly for him to catch.
Take-Home Prayer Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pen. Give each child a few strips of paper and ask them to write or draw one worry on each. Fold the strips, place them in the jar, and encourage the family to pray over the jar together each evening. Tell the children that God hears every worry in the jar, and they can talk to him about them whenever they need.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 34 is a song of thanksgiving written by David after a frightening experience, and it teaches that the Lord hears the cries of the humble and rescues them. The psalm also connects trust in God with a life of honesty, peace, and kindness toward others. Adults can see both comfort in God’s nearness to the brokenhearted and a call to live in a way that reflects his goodness.
Avoid promising children that God will always remove every scary thing from their lives or that bad things will never happen to people who trust him. The psalm speaks of many afflictions even for the righteous, and God’s deliverance is real even when it does not look the way a child expects. Keep the focus on God’s faithful presence and his care.
A Prayer to Close
Dear Lord, thank you for hearing us every time we call to you. When we feel scared, help us remember that you are close by and that you care for us. Teach us to speak kind words and to choose peace with our friends and family. Help us trust you more each day. Amen.
