This lesson teaches children that God gives us peace when we bring our worries to Him in prayer, and that we can choose to think about good things. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we feel worried, we can talk to God, thank Him, and think about good things, and He gives us a peace that is bigger than our worries.
Memory Verse
Philippians 4:6
In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.
(WEB)
Put your hands on your heart when you say “don’t worry.” Then fold your hands as if praying, and open them up wide like you are giving something to God. Do this together a few times.
The Story: Philippians 4 for Kids
Long ago, a man named Paul wrote a letter to the friends in the city of Philippi. Paul loved these friends very much. He was far away from them, and he wanted them to know how proud he was of them. He called them his joy and his crown.
Paul asked two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to get along with each other. Friends sometimes disagree, and Paul wanted them to think the same way about the Lord. He also asked the others who worked with him to help them. Paul said these friends had worked hard to share the Good News about Jesus.
Then Paul gave everyone a happy command. “Rejoice in the Lord always!” he wrote. He said it again so they would not forget. He also told them to be gentle with everyone, because the Lord is near.
Paul knew people often feel worried. So he told them something wise. “Don’t be anxious about anything,” Paul said. Instead, they could pray about everything and say thank you. Then God’s peace would guard their hearts and their minds like a soldier standing at a gate.
Paul also told them to think about good things. He named things that are true, pure, lovely, and kind. He said, “Think about these things.” When Paul was in need, he said he had learned to be content, and that he could do all things through Christ who gives him strength.
At the end of his letter, Paul thanked the Philippians for sending him gifts. He said God would supply every need they had. Then Paul prayed, “To our God and Father be the glory forever and ever!”
Read It Together
Philippians 4:4-5
4 Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, “Rejoice!” 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand.
(WEB)
Point out the words “always” and “again.” Ask the children when they can rejoice. Show that gentleness is a way we treat people every day, not just in church.
Philippians 4:7
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.
(WEB)
Ask children to imagine a guard standing at the door of a house. Explain that God’s peace protects our hearts and thoughts in the same way when we trust Jesus.
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
(WEB)
Explain that Paul is not saying we can do anything we want. He means Christ gives us strength for whatever He asks us to do, even when things are hard.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel worried sometimes?
- What is one thing you could say to God when you feel scared?
- What good things can you think about when you are sad or upset?
- How can you show gentleness to a friend this week?
- When have you seen God help you feel calm or brave?
Activity Ideas
Peace Guard Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a simple house or castle with a door. On the door, they can draw a guard and write one worry they have. Then have them draw a small heart inside the house and color it bright. Talk about how God’s peace guards the heart.
Rejoice and Freeze Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a clock with a second hand. Call out “Rejoice!” and have children move around, dancing, clapping, or stretching. When you call “Be gentle!”, they must move slowly and softly, like walking on tiptoe. Each time you say “Rejoice,” they cheer. Finish by saying together, “The Lord is near.”
Good Thoughts Jar
You will need a jar, scraps of paper, and a pen. Each day for a week, have the child write one thing that is true, pure, lovely, or kind on a paper and put it in the jar. Encourage them to read the papers aloud on the last day. This helps them practice thinking about good things at home.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that Paul wrote from prison with joy and trust in God. He did not describe a life without problems, but he described a life where God gives peace in the middle of them. Paul also shows that contentment is learned over time, and that Christian generosity and friendship matter deeply.
Avoid telling children that praying always removes worry or that God will give them everything they ask for in the way they imagine. Paul speaks of God supplying needs and giving peace, which is a promise of God’s faithfulness, not a guarantee of specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You are near to us. When we feel worried, help us bring our requests to You with thankful hearts. Fill our minds with good and true things, and give us Your peace that guards our hearts. Help us be gentle with others. Amen.
