Psalm 70 teaches children that they can call on God quickly whenever they are scared, sad, or in need, and that God hears them right away. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When I need help, I can run to God and ask him right away, because he always hears me and comes to help.
Memory Verse
Psalm 70:5
But I am poor and needy. Come to me quickly, God. You are my help and my deliverer. The LORD, don’t delay.
(WEB)
Cup both hands in front of your chest like you are holding a little bird, then lift them up toward the ceiling as you say the words. Each time you lift your hands, remember that God is lifting you up.
The Story: Psalm 70 for Kids
King David wrote this song when he was in trouble. Some people were trying to hurt him, and they were laughing at him and saying mean things. David felt small and tired, and he did not know what to do next.
So David did not wait. He ran to God in prayer and asked him to hurry. He said, “Hurry, God, to save me. Please come quickly and help me.” David knew God was the only one who could really rescue him.
David also asked God to stop the people who were being cruel. He wanted them to feel the shame they were bringing on others. But he did not stop there. He also asked that everyone who loved God would be filled with joy and keep saying how great God is.
Even though David was poor and needy, he did not feel ashamed to ask for help. He knew God cared about him. So he prayed, “Come to me quickly, God. You are my help and my rescuer. Please do not wait.”
David’s song reminds us that God is always ready to help. When we are scared or hurt, we can talk to him at any time, and he listens to every word.
Read It Together
Psalm 70:1
Hurry, God, to deliver me. Come quickly to help me, the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out the word “Hurry.” Ask the children how it feels when someone takes a long time to help them, and then talk about how God never has to be told twice to come to our aid.
Psalm 70:4
Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation continually say, “Let God be exalted!”
(WEB)
Show the children how this verse describes people who love God and feel happy to be near him. Ask them to name one thing that makes them feel glad to know God is with them.
Talk About It
- What does David feel when people are being mean to him, and how can you tell?
- Why do you think David ran to God instead of waiting to see what would happen?
- What is one thing you could say to God the next time you feel scared?
- How does it make you feel to know God hears you right away?
- Who is someone in your life who helps you the way God helps David?
Activity Ideas
Paper Helping Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace their own hand on the paper, cut it out, and write or draw one thing they want to ask God for help with inside the palm. Let them tape the hand to the wall as a reminder that God is ready to help.
Run to Me Game
Stand at one end of a room and have the children stand at the other end. Call out “Hurry, come quickly!” and have them run to you as fast as they can, then cheer when they arrive. Explain that this is how quickly we can run to God in prayer, because he is always close enough to hear us.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day, have your child write or draw a short prayer request on a slip and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read through the slips together and thank God for the ways he has helped your family.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 70 shows that prayer does not have to be polished or long to be heard. David speaks honestly about his fear and his need, and he trusts God to act. For adults, this psalm is a reminder that bringing urgent, simple requests to God is a faithful thing to do, and that God’s character as helper and deliverer does not change under pressure.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always rescue them from every bad situation right away, since that can leave them confused when things do not go as they hope. Instead, emphasize that God hears them and cares for them, and that he is faithful even when the answer looks different than they expected.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know you hear us when we call. Help us to run to you quickly when we feel scared, sad, or in need. Thank you that you are our helper and our rescuer. We love you. Amen.
