This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we call to him, even when we feel stuck or sad. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a story, a memory verse, and a short activity.
Big Idea
When we feel stuck or sad, we can always call out to God, and he hears every word. He is kind, and he helps his people.
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 children to cup both hands in front of their mouths, then open them wide like a flower as they say the word “answer.” Repeat the motion together three times so the verse feels like a prayer they can carry with them.
The Story: Psalm 69 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he was in real trouble. He felt like he was sinking in deep, muddy water, and he could not find a place to stand. The water kept rising up to his neck, and he was very tired from crying out for help.
David’s enemies were many, and they were not kind to him. Some people talked about him behind his back, and some even made fun of him when he was sad. David said he had done nothing to deserve such treatment, but people were still unkind to him. He felt alone, like a stranger even in his own family.
David did not stop talking to God. He prayed, “Save me, O God!” He told God everything he was feeling, and he asked God to help him. David knew that God’s love was good and that God’s mercy was big enough to cover everything.
Even in his worst moment, David chose to trust God. He said he would praise God with a song, and he believed that God would save his people. He wanted everyone who loved God to feel glad and to keep their hearts strong. The song ends with David’s hope that God would rescue the people of Zion and that the children of God’s servants would have a safe home.
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 describes his trouble as deep water and mud. Ask children to say what it feels like to be stuck or scared, and explain that David is honest with God about how bad things feel.
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)
Show children the words about God’s loving kindness and tender mercies. Explain that these are ways of saying God is kind and gentle with us, and that he is always ready to listen.
Psalm 69:30
I will praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving.
(WEB)
Point out that David decides to sing and give thanks even before his situation changes. Help children see that thankful praise can be part of a prayer for help, not only something we do after the trouble ends.
Talk About It
- What is a time you felt like you were sinking or stuck, and what did you do?
- Why do you think David told God exactly how he felt instead of hiding it?
- How did people treat David when he was sad, and how can we treat others kindly when they are hurting?
- What are some things God does that show he is kind and merciful?
- What is one song or happy thing you could say to God when you are feeling scared?
Activity Ideas
Mud and Lifeline Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a brown or blue marker. Have them draw a picture of themselves in muddy water, then draw a rope or a hand reaching down from the top of the page. Ask them to write or draw one word that they would say to God to ask for help. Display the pictures together as a reminder that God reaches down to his people.
Call and Answer Game
Gather the children in a circle and choose one child to stand in the middle with eyes closed. The other children gently call out, “God hears you!” and the child in the middle points toward the voice that called. Switch places so everyone has a turn. Afterward, talk about how it felt to be called and to know someone was listening.
Thankful Prayer Jar
Give each child a small jar or cup, some paper strips, and a pencil. Have them write one thing they are thankful for and one thing they want to ask God for each week. They can fold the strips and place them in the jar. Encourage families to read the notes together at dinner, reminding everyone that God hears both our requests and our thanks.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 69 shows that honest prayer is a real and valid way to come before God, even when the suffering is deep and the hurt comes from other people. The psalm moves from desperate pleading to confident praise, and it closes with a hope for God’s people. It also reminds adults that God’s kindness and mercy are the foundation for every prayer.
Avoid overstating the psalm to children by suggesting that prayer always makes problems disappear quickly or that God will always answer in the exact way we want. David’s story includes real pain and a long wait, and it is more honest to say that God hears us and cares for us even when we are still in trouble.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you that you hear us when we call to you. When we feel stuck or sad, help us remember that you are kind and gentle, and that you are always near. Help us to tell you everything and to trust you with our hearts. Amen.
