This lesson teaches children that they can talk to God about anything, and that He always listens, especially first thing in the morning. Psalm 5 is best for children roughly 5 to 11, and the full lesson takes about 20 to 30 minutes with a parent or volunteer teacher.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, and He is good and fair. We can bring Him everything, and we can trust Him to make things right, even when people around us are unkind.
Memory Verse
Psalm 5:3
The LORD, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
(WEB)
Have children cup their hands together like a little bowl, lift them up in front of their chests, then open them gently toward the ceiling. Say “In the morning, I pray to you!” as they lift their hands, so the motion matches the words.
The Story: Psalm 5 for Kids
King David wrote this song to God a long time ago. He was facing people who were trying to hurt him, and some of them told lies about him. David was not sure what would happen next, so he did the most important thing he could think of. He prayed.
David did not keep his prayer quiet. He called out to God and asked Him to listen to his words and his cry for help. He said, in his own way, “God, you are my King and my God, and I am talking to you.” David knew that God was not like the unkind people around him, because God does not enjoy wrong things and does not want anyone to hurt others.
Then David made a plan. Every morning he would bring his requests to God and wait for Him to answer. He knew that the first part of the day belonged to God, so he gave God his first words. He did not wait until he was in trouble to talk to God. He talked to Him all the time.
David also asked God to lead him in a straight path, one that was right and clear. He wanted God to show him how to act when people were trying to trip him up. He trusted that God would be fair to him and to everyone else.
At the end of the song, David sang about people who trust God. He said they should be happy, shout for joy, and feel safe, because God protects them like a big shield. God blesses people who do what is right, and He wraps them in His kindness.
Read It Together
Psalm 5:1-3
1 Give ear to my words, the LORD. Consider my meditation. 2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for to you do I pray. 3 The LORD, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
(WEB)
Point out how David starts by asking God to listen to his words and his cry. Show children that David speaks directly to God, and that he says he is praying “in the morning.” Ask them what they might say to God first thing when they wake up.
Psalm 5:11-12
11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you. 12 For you will bless the righteous. The LORD, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
(WEB)
Point out the happy, shouting, joyful words. Explain that God’s protection is like a shield, something that keeps us safe. Ask children what it feels like to know that someone big is protecting them.
Psalm 5:7-8
7 But as for me, in the abundance of your loving kindness I will come into your house. I will bow toward your holy temple in reverence of you. 8 Lead me, the LORD, in your righteousness because of my enemies. Make your way straight before my face.
(WEB)
Point out that David says he will come into God’s house and bow in reverence. Explain that David also asks God to lead him on a straight path. Help children see that they can ask God for guidance in their own daily choices.
Talk About It
- What did David do when people were trying to hurt him?
- What is one thing you could tell God first thing in the morning?
- Why do you think God does not like it when people tell lies?
- How does it feel to know that God is like a shield around you?
- What is one way you can show God that you trust Him this week?
Activity Ideas
Morning Prayer Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of themselves waking up in the morning with a small speech bubble. Inside the bubble, they can write or draw one thing they want to tell God. Display the pictures on the wall so children can see their prayers together.
Shield Tag
You will need a open space and a few soft balls or beanbags. Choose one child to be the shield, holding a pillow or folded piece of cardboard in front of them. The other children try to tag a target placed behind the shield, and the shield moves to protect the target. Talk about how God protects us the way the shield protects the target.
Morning Prayer Jar
You will need a clean jar, slips of paper, and a pencil. Ask each child to write one thing they want to pray about each morning and fold it into the jar. Encourage them to take one slip out each morning at home and pray about it before school or breakfast. This helps them make talking to God part of their daily routine.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 5 shows a person who brings honest requests to God, trusting that He hears, that He is holy and opposed to evil, and that He will protect and bless those who take refuge in Him. The psalm models a regular habit of morning prayer and waiting expectantly for God to act.
Avoid telling children that God will always give them exactly what they ask for, or that bad things will never happen to people who pray. The psalm speaks of God’s protection and His justice, but it does not promise that trouble will disappear. Focus on God’s faithfulness and His presence.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for hearing us when we talk to you. We can bring you our words and our worries, and you always listen. Help us talk to you every morning, and keep us safe like a shield. Amen.
