In this lesson, children learn that God hears prayer, even when we are scared and sick, and that he answers in his own loving way. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, even when we are very scared. He cares about each person, and he can help us get better when we are sick.
Memory Verse
Isaiah 38:5
“Go, and tell Hezekiah, ‘The LORD, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life.
(WEB)
Put one hand on your chest and tap it gently as you say the words. Then open both hands out in front of you, like you are giving God your prayer. Do this together three times so the words stick.
The Story: Isaiah 38 for Kids
King Hezekiah of Judah became very sick, so sick that he was almost dead. One day the prophet Isaiah came to visit him with a hard message. Isaiah said, “The LORD says you must get your house in order, because you are going to die.” Hezekiah was very sad and very afraid.
Hezekiah did not give up. He turned his face to the wall, away from the room full of people, and he prayed to God. He reminded God that he had tried to walk faithfully and do what was right. Then he cried a lot, because he was so worried and so sad.
God heard Hezekiah’s prayer and saw his tears. God sent Isaiah back to Hezekiah with a wonderful message. God said, “I have heard your prayer. I will give you fifteen more years to live.” God also promised to protect the city from its enemies.
To show Hezekiah that this promise was true, God made a sign with the sun. The shadow on the sundial went backward ten steps. Everyone who saw it knew that only God could do something so amazing.
Later, Hezekiah wrote a song to thank God for healing him. He said that the living are the ones who can praise God, and that a father can teach his children to know God’s faithfulness. Hezekiah ended his song by saying that God would save him, and he promised to sing praise in God’s house.
Read It Together
Isaiah 38:2-3
2 Then Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the LORD, 3 and said, “Remember now, the LORD, I beg you, how I have walked before you in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in your sight.” Hezekiah wept bitterly.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah did not stay quiet when he was afraid. He turned to God and prayed honestly, telling God how he felt. Ask the children what they might say to God when they feel scared.
Isaiah 38:5-6
5 “Go, and tell Hezekiah, ‘The LORD, the God of David your father, says, “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your life. 6 I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.
(WEB)
Show the children that God responded to Hezekiah’s prayer with a promise of more time and protection. Explain that God does not always answer the same way we expect, but he always hears and always cares.
Isaiah 38:16
Lord, men live by these things; and my spirit finds life in all of them: you restore me, and cause me to live.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah thanked God for restoring him and giving him life again. Talk about how we can thank God every day for the good things he gives, big and small.
Talk About It
- What did Hezekiah do when he heard the sad news that he was going to die?
- How do you think Hezekiah felt when he cried and prayed to God?
- What did God say to Hezekiah when He heard his prayer?
- What is something you could tell God when you feel scared or worried?
- How can we thank God for taking care of us, just like Hezekiah did?
Activity Ideas
Sundial Drawing Craft
You will need a paper plate, a pencil, a paper straw, and some modeling clay. Draw a circle on the plate and mark the hours around the edge, then push the straw into the clay in the center so it stands up. Place the plate in the sunlight and watch the shadow move, and talk about how God gave Hezekiah a sign with the shadow.
Sun Shadow Steps Game
You will need a sunny spot or a flashlight and a wall. Have the children stand in a line and take steps forward and backward, pretending their shadows are moving like the sundial. Each time they move, say a short thank you prayer to God for hearing our prayers.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a marker. Each day, have your child write or draw one worry on a slip of paper and put it in the jar as a prayer. Read the notes together once a week and thank God for hearing and caring for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that honest prayer, even prayer filled with tears and fear, is welcome before God. Hezekiah’s song also reminds us that God’s faithfulness is passed from one generation to the next, and that we are invited to praise him throughout our lives.
Avoid telling children that God will always heal us when we pray, or that sickness is a sign of a lack of faith. The passage shows God’s compassion and his answer to Hezekiah, but children should learn that God cares for us even when he answers in ways we do not expect.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for hearing our prayers when we are scared or sad. Help us to bring you our worries and to trust that you care for us. We want to thank you every day for your love and your help. Amen.
