In this lesson, children learn that God hears our prayers, even when we are scared or sick. Hezekiah, a king of Judah, prayed to God when he was very ill, and God answered him with healing and extra years of life. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, and He cares about how we feel. We can bring Him our worries and our tears, and we can trust Him to answer.
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)
Have children cup their hands together like they are holding a prayer, then lift them up toward the ceiling. Say the verse together while lifting your hands slowly, so the motion reminds them that God hears us when we pray.
The Story: Isaiah 38 for Kids
A long time ago, there was a king named Hezekiah who ruled the land of Judah. One day he became very sick, so sick that he was almost dying. The prophet Isaiah came to visit him. Isaiah brought a message from God. The message was hard to hear. God said Hezekiah should get his house in order, because he was going to die.
Hezekiah did not want to die. He turned his face toward the wall, and he prayed to God. He reminded God that he had tried to walk faithfully and do what was good. Then he cried very hard. He was scared and sad, and he told God all about it.
God heard Hezekiah’s prayer, and He saw his tears. God sent Isaiah back to the king with good news. God said, “I have heard your prayer. I will add fifteen years to your life.” God also promised to protect Hezekiah and the city from the king of Assyria.
To show Hezekiah that this promise was true, God made a sign. The shadow on the sundial moved backward ten steps. Everyone could see it happen, and it was a clear reminder that God keeps His word.
After Hezekiah got well, he wrote a song to thank God. In his song, he said that people who are alive can praise God, and that parents can teach their children about God’s faithfulness. He wanted everyone to remember how good God is.
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 turned toward the wall to pray. Ask the children why they think he wanted some quiet time with God. Show them that prayer can happen anywhere, even when we feel afraid.
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 answered Hezekiah’s prayer with a promise. Explain that God knows our hearts and our tears, and that He is always ready to listen and to help when we call on Him.
Isaiah 38:19
The living, the living, he shall praise you, as I do today. The father shall make known your truth to the children.
(WEB)
Point out that Hezekiah wanted his children to learn about God too. Talk about how we can tell the people we love about God’s goodness, so they can also trust Him.
Talk About It
- How do you feel when you are sick or scared, and what did Hezekiah do when he felt that way?
- Why do you think Hezekiah cried when he prayed to God?
- What did God do when He heard Hezekiah’s prayer?
- How did the sign on the sundial help Hezekiah believe God’s promise?
- What is one thing you can tell God when you feel worried?
Activity Ideas
Sundial Drawing Craft
You will need paper plates, a brass fastener, markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a circle of numbers around the edge of a paper plate, like a clock. Help them poke a hole in the center and attach a paper arrow with the fastener. Let them move the arrow backward ten steps and talk about how God showed Hezekiah a miracle.
Shadow Game
You will need a sunny spot outside or a bright lamp indoors, and a small object like a ball. Have the children stand in a line and take turns making their shadows move backward and forward. Each time they move, have them say one thing they can pray about. This helps them think of God while they play.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need a jar, paper, and a pen. Ask the children to write down one worry or thank-you each day and put the paper in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and pray over each one. This reminds the family that God hears every prayer.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that God listens to honest prayers, even prayers full of fear and tears. Hezekiah reminds his Creator of his faithfulness, and God responds with mercy and a fresh promise. The chapter also reveals that our lives are in God’s hands, and that gratitude flows naturally after we have been rescued.
Avoid telling children that God will always heal them if they pray hard enough. Be careful to say that God answers prayer in His wisdom, and that He always loves us, whatever the outcome. Let them know that trusting God is always right, even when things don’t turn out as we hope.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You hear our prayers. When we are scared or sick, help us remember that You are near to us. Teach us to trust You with our worries, and help us tell others about Your goodness. Amen.
