This lesson teaches children that God gives peace when they bring their worries to him in prayer. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity and a closing prayer. Teachers can use it with a small group or a whole class.
Big Idea
When we feel worried, we can talk to God and trust him to give us peace. We can also fill our minds with good, true, and kind things.
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)
Ask the children to fold their hands in front of them as if praying. When they say the word “anxious,” have them shake their hands loose. On “prayer,” fold their hands again. Practice the motions together two or three times until the children can say the verse with you.
The Story: Philippians 4 for Kids
The apostle Paul wrote a letter to his friends in the city of Philippi. He loved these people very much, and he called them his joy and his crown. Paul was writing to them from prison, but he did not spend his letter complaining about his problems. Instead, he told his friends to keep rejoicing in the Lord, no matter what was happening around them.
Paul also noticed that two women in the church, Euodia and Syntyche, were not getting along. He asked them to think the same way in the Lord and to work together as friends. Paul wanted the whole church to be gentle with one another, because the Lord was near to them. Kids can understand that friends who love Jesus should try to get along.
Next, Paul gave his friends a very important instruction. He said they should not worry about anything. Instead, they should pray about everything and thank God for his help. Paul promised that God’s peace, which is bigger than anything we can understand, would guard their hearts and their thoughts. Think of peace as a guard standing at the door of your heart.
Paul then told them to think about things that are true, pure, lovely, and good. He said that if they did the things he had taught them, the God of peace would be with them. Paul had learned that he could be content whether he had a little or a lot. He said, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Children can practice being thankful for what they already have.
Paul ended his letter by thanking the church for sharing with him when he needed help. He said that God would supply every need they had, because God has more than enough in his riches. Paul wanted his friends to know that God would take care of them. He finished with a prayer of praise and asked that God’s grace be with everyone.
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 “Rejoice in the Lord always!” Ask the children to tell you one reason they can be happy about God. Then notice how Paul says to be gentle with everyone, which means being kind even when someone is hard to love.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report; if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think about these things.
(WEB)
Show the children that Paul gives a long list of good things to think about. Have them name a true, lovely, or pure thing they see around them today. Help them see that a thankful heart is a happy heart.
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 that Jesus gives strength to do what God asks of us. Encourage children to think of one hard thing they can ask Jesus to help them do this week.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel worried, and what could you say to God about it?
- How does it feel when someone is kind and gentle to you?
- Can you name something true, lovely, or good that you saw this week?
- Why do you think Paul called his friends his joy and his crown?
- When have you felt God’s peace in a hard moment?
Activity Ideas
Peace Guard Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Have each child draw a picture of their heart with a friendly guard standing at the door. Let them decorate the guard with colors and words of peace. Ask them to explain their drawing and tell you what worries they would give to God.
Thinking-About-Good-Things Hop
You will need a open floor space and a few pieces of paper with pictures of good things, such as a sun, a flower, a book, or a smiling face. Spread the pictures around the room. Call out a true or lovely thing and have the children hop to the matching picture. Each time they hop, have them say one thing they are thankful for.
Peace Stone to Take Home
You will need small smooth stones, paint or markers, and a permanent marker. Let each child paint a stone and write the word “Peace” or a short phrase like “God is near.” Encourage them to keep the stone in a pocket or on their bedside table. When they feel worried, they can hold the stone and pray to God.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this chapter shows that peace does not depend on circumstances. Paul wrote this letter from prison, yet he was full of joy, gratitude, and trust in God’s provision. Adults can learn to bring anxieties to God in prayer and to focus their minds on what is true and good.
Avoid promising children that prayer will always remove every problem or that God will give them everything they want. Paul’s contentment came through Christ’s strength in all circumstances, not through getting his own way. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and peace rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for always being near to us. When we feel worried, help us to bring our hearts to you and tell you everything. Fill our minds with good and true things, and give us your peace that guards us every day. Help us to be kind and gentle with our friends. We love you. Amen.
