This lesson teaches children that God hears them when they pray and that He is kind, good and ready to forgive. It is suited to children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, a few verses and one activity.
Big Idea
God listens when we call to Him, and He is always good, kind and ready to forgive. We can come to Him any time, even when we feel small or scared.
Memory Verse
Psalm 86:5
For you, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive; abundant in loving kindness to all those who call on you.
(WEB)
Cup both hands together like you are holding something gentle. Lift them slowly toward your chest as you say the words, showing that God welcomes us close. Let the children do it with you a few times.
The Story: Psalm 86 for Kids
King David wrote this prayer when he was in real trouble. He felt poor and needy, and there were proud men who wanted to hurt him. He did not hide his feelings. He went straight to God and said, “Hear me, Lord, because I need you.”
David kept calling to God all day long. He asked God to be kind to him and to make his heart glad again. David knew that God was not like the people around him who sometimes got angry or forgot. He reminded himself that God is good and always ready to forgive.
David looked at the whole world and saw that there is no one like God. Not any of the false gods people worshiped could help the way the true God helps. David trusted that God would answer him, and he promised, “I will walk in your truth.”
When trouble came close, David did not fall apart. He prayed, “Turn to me and have mercy on me. Give strength to your servant.” David asked God to show a sign of His goodness so that others would see it too.
In the end David said that God had helped him and comforted him. The same God who heard David hears us today. Each time we call to Him, He is listening.
Read It Together
Psalm 86:15
But you, Lord, are a merciful and gracious God, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness and truth.
(WEB)
Point out the words “merciful,” “gracious,” and “slow to anger.” Ask the children to act out a face that is slow to get angry and a face that is quick to get angry, then explain that God is the first kind.
Psalm 86:7
In the day of my trouble I will call on you, for you will answer me.
(WEB)
Show the children the word “trouble” and the words “call” and “answer.” Explain that David knew God would answer him in hard times, and that we can also call on God when we have trouble.
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 the words “teach me your way.” Tell the children that asking God to teach us is a good prayer, and that we can ask Him to help our hearts stay close to Him.
Talk About It
- What is one thing David told God he needed help with?
- How did David describe what God is like?
- When is a time you felt scared or worried, and what could you say to God in that moment?
- What did David ask God to show so that others would see His goodness?
- How can you tell that God is listening when you pray?
Activity Ideas
Listening Ear Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big ear on the paper and write or draw one thing they want to tell God inside it. Explain that the ear shows God is listening to every word. Let children share their drawings if they want to.
Call and Answer Game
You will need a small bell, a spoon and a cup, or even a clap of hands. Have one child stand at the front and “call” by saying a simple prayer phrase such as “Lord, hear me.” Another child answers by ringing the bell or tapping the cup once. Switch roles so everyone takes a turn calling and answering.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need an index card or a sheet of paper cut into a small square, a pen, and a rubber band or paper clip. Help each child write “God hears me” on one side and draw a small heart on the other. Ask them to keep the card in a pocket or on their bedside table and read it aloud at bedtime that week.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 86 shows an adult that honest prayer is welcome to God. David does not hide his poverty, his need or his fear, and he holds on to who God is even when enemies surround him. Adults can learn to pray the same way, bringing God the real condition of their lives and trusting His character more than their circumstances.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always give us exactly what we ask for or that trouble will never come. The psalm teaches that God hears, answers and comforts, but it does not promise that every hard thing will disappear right away. Keep the focus on God’s goodness and presence rather than guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for listening when we call to You. Thank You that You are good, kind and ready to forgive. Help us remember that we can talk to You any time, even when we feel scared or small. Teach us Your ways and help our hearts stay close to You. Amen.
