This lesson teaches children that God is powerful, faithful and worth praising, even when life feels hard. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity.
Big Idea
God is strong and good, and we can always thank him and tell him how wonderful he is, whether times are happy or scary.
Memory Verse
Psalm 66:1
Make a joyful shout to God, all the earth!
(WEB)
Stand up tall, lift both arms over your head, and shout “Hooray!” together as you say the verse. Then bring your hands down to your heart and say it again in a whisper. Repeat the motions twice so children remember the big shout and the quiet heart.
The Story: Psalm 66 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter named David wrote a song to God. He wanted everyone on earth to sing and shout happy songs about how amazing God is. He said, “Come and see what God has done!” God had done many great things, and David wanted all the people to know about them.
One of the biggest things God did happened at the Red Sea. The people of Israel were running away from a powerful army. God made the sea split open, and the water stood up like walls. The people walked across on dry ground. When they got safely to the other side, they were so glad they couldn’t stop smiling.
Later, the people went through hard times. Sometimes it felt like they were in a dark prison, and sometimes it felt like they were walking through fire and deep water. It was scary. But David remembered that God never left them. He kept them safe and brought them to a place full of good things.
Because God was so good to them, David wanted to thank him in a special way. He said he would go to God’s house and bring gifts to show his thanks. He had promised God that he would do this, and now he was keeping his word. David remembered that when he was scared, he had called out to God, and God had heard him right away.
David ended his song by saying, “Blessed be God, who did not turn away my prayer!” He was thankful that God always listens. The song tells us that God hears us every time we pray, and that is something to celebrate.
Read It Together
Psalm 66:3
Tell God, “How awesome are your deeds! Through the greatness of your power, your enemies submit themselves to you.
(WEB)
Point out the words “How awesome are your deeds!” Ask the children to name something they think is awesome about God, such as the sun, the sky, or a kind helper. Let them say it out loud together.
Psalm 66:6
He turned the sea into dry land. They went through the river on foot. There, we rejoiced in him.
(WEB)
Show children how the story of the Red Sea fits this verse. Explain that people went through the water on foot because God made a way, and point out that the people responded by rejoicing. Ask them what makes them want to be happy when God helps.
Psalm 66:19
But most certainly, God has listened. He has heard the voice of my prayer.
(WEB)
Point out that God hears prayers, even quiet ones and even when we are scared. Remind children that they can talk to God at any time, anywhere, and that he always listens to them.
Talk About It
- What is one amazing thing God has made that you enjoy seeing?
- How do you think the people felt when they walked across the dry sea floor?
- What is something that feels scary to you, and how could you talk to God about it?
- Why do you think David wanted everyone to join in singing about God?
- When is a time you felt God helping you, even if you couldn’t see him?
Activity Ideas
Shout-Out Paper Plate Sun
You will need paper plates, yellow and orange crayons or markers, and glue or tape. Have each child draw a sun on the plate and write or draw one thing they think God has done. Hang the suns on the wall and read them aloud as a group. Talk about how the whole room becomes a place full of praise, just like David wanted.
Sea Split Freeze Game
You will need a open space, such as a living room or classroom, and some music you can start and stop. Children walk around the room while the music plays, then freeze when it stops. Each time the music stops, shout out one thing God is good at, such as “God is strong!” Keep the game short and cheerful so children keep moving and praising.
Thank You Prayer Jar
You will need an empty jar, paper strips, and a pencil. Each day this week, have your child write or draw one thing they are thankful to God for and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and thank God for each gift. This helps children see that God listens and cares about their everyday moments.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 66 is a song of praise that looks back on God’s past faithfulness. It moves from a call for the whole earth to worship, through memories of God’s mighty acts, to a personal testimony of answered prayer. The psalm shows that hard seasons do not cancel God’s care, and that gratitude grows from remembering how he has acted before.
With children, avoid overstating the idea that God always makes hard things turn out easy in this life. The psalm speaks honestly about suffering and trouble, so keep the focus on God’s presence and faithfulness rather than promising that every fear will disappear right away.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank you that you are strong and that you hear us when we pray. Help us to shout for joy and tell others how awesome you are. Thank you for always being with us, even when we feel scared. Amen.
