This lesson teaches children that God remembers His promises and keeps them, and that we can thank Him by telling others what He has done. It works well for children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God always remembers His promises, and we can thank Him by remembering and telling about the good things He has done.
Memory Verse
Psalm 105:1
Give thanks to the LORD! Call on his name! Make his doings known among the peoples.
(WEB)
Stand up tall and cup your hands in front of your mouth like you are calling to a friend far away. Then open your arms wide as you say the words together, so the whole class can feel how loud and happy thankful singing can be.
The Story: Psalm 105 for Kids
Long ago, God made a promise to a man named Abraham. God said that Abraham’s family would become a great nation and would one day live in a special land called Canaan. Abraham trusted God, even when he did not yet see how the promise would come true. God remembered that promise for many, many years.
Abraham’s son Isaac and grandson Jacob also received the promise. Jacob had twelve sons, and his family grew. At first there were only a few of them, and they were strangers living in other people’s land. They moved from place to place, but God protected them and did not let anyone hurt them.
One of Jacob’s sons, Joseph, was sold as a slave by his own brothers. Joseph was put in chains and thrown into prison, and it was a hard time for him. But God was with Joseph the whole time. Eventually the king of Egypt let Joseph out of prison, and he made Joseph a leader in his whole house and over all his land.
Later, God’s people grew so big that the king of Egypt became afraid of them and made them his servants. God heard their cries. He sent a man named Moses and his brother Aaron to speak for Him. God showed His power in amazing ways, with signs and wonders that frightened the king and his people.
When it was time, God led His people out of Egypt. They left with joy and singing, and they carried gold and silver with them. God guided them with a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. When they were thirsty, He made water come out of a rock, and when they were hungry, He sent food from the sky.
The psalm ends by reminding us that God did all this because He remembered His holy promise to Abraham. God kept His word, and His people had every reason to praise Him.
Read It Together
Psalm 105:4
Seek the LORD and his strength. Seek his face forever more.
(WEB)
Point out the word “seek” and ask the children what they think it means to look for God every day. Explain that seeking God means talking to Him, listening to Him, and wanting to know Him more.
Psalm 105:8-9
8 He has remembered his covenant forever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations, 9 the covenant which he made with Abraham, his oath to Isaac…
(WEB)
Show the children that the words “forever” and “a thousand generations” tell us God keeps His promises for a very, very long time. Remind them that God’s promise to Abraham was still being remembered in this psalm, hundreds of years later.
Psalm 105:43
He brought his people out with joy, his chosen with singing.
(WEB)
Point to the words “with joy” and “with singing” and let the children notice how God’s people felt when they were set free. Encourage them to think about how they feel when they remember something good that God has done for them.
Talk About It
- What is one promise God made in the story that He kept?
- How do you think Joseph felt when he was in prison, and what helped him keep trusting God?
- Why do you think God wanted His people to remember the things He did for them?
- What did God do to help His people when they were hungry and thirsty in the desert?
- What is one good thing God has done for you that you can thank Him for today?
Activity Ideas
Remembrance Stone Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a small bowl of smooth stones or paper circles. Ask each child to draw one thing God has done for them on a stone or circle, such as a sunny day, a family member, or food on the table. Stack the stones together in the middle of the table as a reminder of God’s faithfulness.
Thank You Parade
You will need a open space in a room and some kitchen pots, wooden spoons, or simple rhythm instruments. Line the children up and lead them around the room while they shake, clap, and sing a thank-you song to God. Stop now and then to let each child call out one thing they are thankful for.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil or pen. Ask the family to write one thing they are thankful for on a slip of paper each day and drop it into the jar. Read the slips together at the end of the week to remember how God has been faithful and to thank Him as a family.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 105 is a long song of praise that retells Israel’s story from Abraham through the exodus. It shows that God’s faithfulness to His promises is the foundation for trusting Him in every season, and that remembering His past acts strengthens faith for the present and future.
With children, avoid making the psalm sound like a simple formula where obedience always brings rewards. The story includes hard seasons like slavery and imprisonment, so focus on God’s presence and faithfulness rather than suggesting that trouble always means we did something wrong.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for always remembering Your promises and keeping them. Help us to remember the good things You have done for us and to tell others about them. Help us to seek You every day with joy and singing. Amen.
