This lesson teaches children that they can always pray to God when they are sad, scared, or hurt, even when they do not understand why bad things happen. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short story, a memory verse, and one simple activity.
Big Idea
God hears us when we are sad and cry out to Him. We can always talk to God honestly, and He cares about us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 79:9
Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.
(WEB)
Ask the children to cup their hands together in front of their chest, like they are holding something carefully. Then have them raise both hands up toward the ceiling as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, growing a little quieter each time, so the words stay in their hearts.
The Story: Psalm 79 for Kids
A long time ago, God’s people lived in the city of Jerusalem. Enemy armies came from faraway nations, and they did a very bad thing. They broke into God’s holy temple, which was the special house where God’s people worshiped Him. The enemies knocked down the beautiful city until it was just piles of rubble.
The people were heartbroken. Some of their friends and family had died, and there was no one left to bury them properly. The enemies even made the neighbors laugh at God’s people, and the people felt lonely and ashamed. It was a very sad and frightening time for everyone who loved God.
So the people came to God and asked Him a hard question. “How long, Lord? Will You stay angry with us forever?” They did not hide their feelings. They told God exactly how they felt, because they knew He was the one who could help them.
They also asked God to rescue them. They said, “Help us, God who saves us. Forgive our sins and show us Your mercy.” They believed God was strong enough to change their sadness into hope, and they trusted Him to keep His promises.
At the end of the song, the people made a promise of their own. They said that they would always thank God and praise Him, every day and for all time. Even in a sad moment, they remembered who God is and kept worshiping Him.
Read It Together
Psalm 79:5
How long, the LORD? Will you be angry forever? Will your jealousy burn like fire?
(WEB)
Point out that the people are not afraid to ask God big questions. Tell the children that it is okay to bring our tough feelings to God, because He wants to hear from us.
Psalm 79:8-9
8 Don’t hold the iniquities of our forefathers against us. Let your tender mercies speedily meet us, for we are in desperate need. 9 Help us, God of our salvation, for the glory of your name. Deliver us, and forgive our sins, for your name’s sake.
(WEB)
Show the children how the people asked God for help and forgiveness. Explain that God’s mercy is His kindness, and that He is always ready to help those who ask.
Psalm 79:13
So we, your people and sheep of your pasture, will give you thanks forever. We will praise you forever, to all generations.
(WEB)
Point out the promise at the end of the psalm. Explain that even after a hard time, God’s people can still choose to give Him thanks and praise.
Talk About It
- What is something that made you feel sad or scared, and what did you do about it?
- Why do you think the people in this psalm felt they could tell God how they really felt?
- What does it mean that God hears us when we pray, even when we are crying?
- How can we ask God for help when we feel lonely or ashamed?
- What is one thing you can thank God for today, even on a hard day?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Tears and Hope
You will need paper plates, markers, blue and yellow crayons, and glue sticks. Ask each child to draw a sad face on one half of the plate and a happy face on the other half, then fold it in the middle so the faces meet. Let them color a small drop of blue tear on the sad side and a bright sun on the happy side. Talk together about how God can turn our sadness into hope when we pray.
Ask and Thank Relay
Set two small cups at one end of the room and a basket of soft balls at the other. Divide the children into teams, and have each child walk, hop, or crawl to the basket, grab one ball, and carry it back to drop in the cup. Before each turn, the child must say one thing they want to ask God for and one thing they want to thank Him for. This keeps the game moving and reminds everyone that prayer can be both honest and joyful.
Prayer Pocket to Take Home
You will need small paper squares, a pencil, and a plastic sandwich bag or envelope for each child. Have each child write or draw one honest feeling they want to share with God, then fold the paper and place it in the bag. Encourage them to take the bag home and place it somewhere they will see it each night, as a reminder that they can talk to God whenever they need to.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 79 is a lament, a prayer that expresses grief and pain before God. It shows that honest complaint and confession belong in worship, and that faith can ask hard questions while still trusting God’s character and mercy. The psalm ends with a commitment to keep giving thanks, which teaches that lament and praise can live side by side.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that every hardship is a direct punishment from God or that prayer guarantees an immediate fix for every problem. Keep the focus on God’s presence, honesty in prayer, and His faithfulness, rather than on the details of ancient warfare, which can be frightening for young listeners.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for hearing us when we feel sad or scared. We can tell You everything in our hearts, and You always listen. Help us trust You when things are hard, and help us remember to thank You every day. Amen.
