This lesson teaches children that God hears us when we pray, especially when we are scared or sad, and that he is kind and quick to forgive. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Plan for a short story, one memory verse with a motion, and a simple activity.
Big Idea
God listens when we pray, and he is kind and ready to forgive. We can call to him any time, even on hard days, and he will answer us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 86:7
In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands beside their ears when they say “God listens,” then open their palms outward when they say “he answers me.” Practice it together three times so the words and the motion stick.
The Story: Psalm 86 for Kids
King David wrote this prayer when he was in trouble. He felt poor and needy, and enemies were chasing him. Some proud and angry men wanted to hurt him. David did not know what to do, so he did what he always did. He talked to God.
David said, “Hear me, Lord, and answer me.” He did not pray once and stop. He prayed all day long, every day. He told God he trusted him and asked God to keep him safe. David knew that God was good and ready to forgive people who came to him.
David remembered that no other god was like the true God. God had done wonderful things, and every nation would one day come to worship him. David asked God to teach him the right way to live. He wanted his heart to be fully devoted to God, not split between many things.
Even when the enemies were close, David said he would praise God with his whole heart. He remembered that God had already rescued him from a very dark place. That kindness was great, and David could count on it.
David finished by asking God for a sign of his goodness, so that those who were against David would see it and be put to shame. David trusted that God had helped him and comforted him. He knew God would answer.
Read It Together
Psalm 86:5
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
(WEB)
Point out the words “good” and “ready to forgive.” Ask the children to say what they think God is like when they hear these words, and remind them that God is ready to forgive anyone who asks.
Psalm 86:15
But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.
(WEB)
Show the children how God is described as merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and full of loving kindness and truth. Help them see that God does not get angry quickly, and that he keeps his promises.
Psalm 86:11
Teach me your way, the LORD. I will walk in your truth. Make my heart undivided to fear your name.
(WEB)
Point out that David asked God to teach him his way. Explain that we can ask God to help us learn to follow him and to love him with our whole hearts, just as David did.
Talk About It
- What did David feel when he prayed to God in this psalm?
- How did David know that God would listen to him?
- What is one thing you could pray about when you feel scared or sad?
- What does it mean that God is kind and ready to forgive?
- How can you show God that you want to follow him with your whole heart?
Activity Ideas
Ear and Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big ear on one side of the paper and a red heart on the other. Have them write or draw one thing they want to pray about inside the heart. Explain that God hears every prayer, even the quiet ones.
Listen and Lift Game
Gather the children in a circle. Say “God is listening” and have everyone put a hand behind an ear. Then say “Lift up your prayer” and have everyone raise both arms high. Speed up the movements a little each time, then slow down. The game helps children remember that God listens and that we can call on him at any moment.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper slips, and a pencil. Ask your child to write one prayer request on each slip and place it in the jar. Read one or two slips aloud at dinner each week. Remind your child that God hears every request and that he is faithful to answer in his own good way.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this psalm shows that prayer is honest. David brings his poverty, fear, and enemies directly to God, and he also praises God for who he is. The passage reminds us that God’s character is steady: he is good, merciful, and faithful, and he hears the prayers of people who call on him.
Avoid promising children that God will always give them exactly what they ask for, or that every hard situation will end quickly. Instead, emphasize that God listens, that he is kind, and that he is with us in trouble, even when the outcome is not what we hoped.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you that you hear us when we pray. Thank you for being kind and ready to forgive. Help us to call on you every day and trust that you are with us. Teach us your ways and help our hearts to love you. Amen.
