This lesson teaches children that God hears them when they call to him in trouble, even when they feel stuck or scared. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and one activity.
Big Idea
When I am scared or hurting, I can cry out to God, and he hears me. He is kind and he will help me.
Memory Verse
Psalm 69:13
But as for me, my prayer is to you, the LORD, in an acceptable time. God, in the abundance of your loving kindness, answer me in the truth of your salvation.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together in front of their chest, like they are holding a little bowl of water, then lift them up slowly toward the ceiling as they say “God, hear me.” Do this together three times so the motion and the words stick.
The Story: Psalm 69 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he was in great trouble. He felt like he was sinking in deep, muddy water, and he could not find anywhere to stand. People who did not like him were saying hurtful things and trying to hurt him. David was tired from crying out, and his throat was dry.
David knew he had done wrong sometimes, and he was honest about it. He did not hide his mistakes from God. He also knew that God was good and full of kindness. So instead of giving up, David kept turning to God for help. He prayed, “God, please answer me, and do not hide your face from me.”
Many people turned away from David when he was in trouble. He looked for someone to comfort him, but he could not find anyone. Even so, David did not stop talking to God. He trusted that God was near and that God listens to the needy.
In the end, David chose to praise God with a happy song. He said that God hears the poor and does not forget his people. David wanted everyone to join in and praise God, the heavens and the earth, the seas, and everything that moves. His song was full of trust, even in the middle of a hard day.
Read It Together
Psalm 69:1-2
1 Save me, God, for the waters have come up to my neck! 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no foothold. I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
(WEB)
Point out how David feels like he is sinking in deep water with no place to stand. Ask the children to show with their hands what it might feel like to be stuck, then explain that David still knew where to turn for help.
Psalm 69:16
Answer me, the LORD, for your loving kindness is good. According to the multitude of your tender mercies, turn to me.
(WEB)
Point out the words about God’s loving kindness being good and his tender mercies being great. Explain that these are two ways of saying God is kind and gentle with us, even when we feel afraid.
Psalm 69:33
For the LORD hears the needy, and doesn’t despise his captive people.
(WEB)
Point out that the Lord hears the needy and does not despise his people. Tell the children that when they feel small or forgotten, God is still paying attention to them.
Talk About It
- Can you tell about a time you felt like you were in deep water, scared or stuck?
- What did David do when he felt lonely and tired from crying out?
- Why do you think David was honest with God about the wrong things he had done?
- Who are some people God gives us to help when we are sad or scared?
- What is one thing you could say to God the next time you feel afraid?
Activity Ideas
Deep Water Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a blue or green crayon for water. Ask each child to draw a small stick figure standing in deep, wavy water, then draw a hand reaching down from the top of the page. Talk about how God’s hand is always ready to help when we call to him. Let the children take their pictures home to remind them that God hears them.
Call and Answer Game
Gather the children in a circle and have one child stand in the middle as “David.” The others call out, “God, hear me!” in soft voices, and the child in the middle must point toward the voice that called. Then switch places so everyone has a turn. Explain that David called out to God, and God listened. Keep the game short and cheerful.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil or pen, and a small rubber band or ribbon. Write “God hears me” on one side of each card and let the children decorate the other side with a simple drawing. Help each child punch a hole in the corner and tie it to the ribbon so they can hang it on a bedpost or a backpack. Encourage them to read it when they feel scared.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 69 is a raw prayer from someone who feels overwhelmed by trouble, shame, and opposition. It does not hide the pain or pretend everything is fine. The psalm also shows that honesty before God, including honesty about our own wrongs, is a healthy part of faith. Many Christians have read this psalm as pointing ahead to the suffering of Jesus, though the psalm itself speaks first of David’s experience.
Avoid telling children that God will always make bad things stop right away when they pray. Psalm 69 shows David waiting, crying, and still trusting. Instead, emphasize that God hears us and is kind, and that we can keep talking to him even when the answer is not yet clear.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you hear us when we call to you. When we feel like we are sinking or no one understands, help us remember that you are near. Thank you for being kind and gentle with us. Help us trust you every day, and help us praise you with happy hearts. Amen.
