Psalm 108 teaches children that God is faithful and strong, so we can sing to him with a happy and steady heart. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God never stops loving us and keeping his promises, so we can always sing him thank-you songs.
Memory Verse
Psalm 108:3
I will give thanks to you, the LORD, among the nations. I will sing praises to you among the peoples.
(WEB)
Stand up tall, put your hands on your heart, and then open your arms wide as you say the words. Do the motion each time you say it, so your arms remember the praise along with your mouth.
The Story: Psalm 108 for Kids
King David wrote this song a long time ago. He was a shepherd boy who became the king of Israel, and he loved to make music on his harp. One morning, he woke up early, before the sun came up, and he felt very happy inside.
David said, “My heart is ready, God. I will sing and make music with my whole self.” He picked up his harp and lyre and played them until the room was full of sound. He wanted the whole world to hear how good God is.
David looked up at the big sky and thought about how far it reached. God’s love was even bigger than the sky, and God’s faithfulness went all the way up to the clouds. David wanted God to be honored above everything.
David also remembered that the people of Israel needed help from God. They had enemies around them, and they were not strong on their own. So David prayed and asked God to save them with his powerful right hand.
Then David heard God speak from his holy place, and God made promises about the land. David knew that God would help his people win the battles. Even when things felt hard, David trusted that God was with them.
At the end of the song, David said that they would do brave things with God’s help. He told everyone that God would walk ahead of them and defeat their enemies. David finished his song with a heart full of trust.
Read It Together
Psalm 108:4
For your loving kindness is great above the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
(WEB)
Point out the words about God’s love reaching above the heavens and his faithfulness reaching the skies. Ask children to lift their hands high like they are touching the sky, and remind them that God’s love is bigger than anything they can see.
Psalm 108:5
Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth.
(WEB)
Show children how David asks God to be exalted above the heavens and to have his glory over all the earth. Explain that to be exalted means to be lifted up and honored, and invite them to say “God, you are great” together.
Psalm 108:13
Through God, we will do valiantly. For it is he who will tread down our enemies.
(WEB)
Point out that David says we can do brave things with God, because he is the one who fights for us. Let children take turns telling a time when they felt brave because God was helping them.
Talk About It
- What did David want to do with his voice and his harp when he woke up?
- How big does God’s love seem to you when you look up at the sky?
- Why do you think David asked God to help his people instead of trying to win alone?
- What is one thing God has done for you that makes you want to sing?
- How can you show God that you trust him when something feels scary or hard?
Activity Ideas
Paper Harp Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a harp or a lyre on the paper, then write or draw one thing they want to thank God for around the edges. Hang the pictures on the wall so the class can see all the thank-you songs together.
Sky-High Praise Game
You will need an open space and a timer or a clock. Call out “Sky!” and have everyone stretch their arms up high, then call out “Praise!” and have everyone clap and sing a short song. Mix the calls faster and faster, and then slow them down, so children practice moving and praising together.
Thank-You Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, scrap paper, and a pen or pencil. Each day, have your child write or draw one thing they are grateful for on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Read the slips together at dinner or bedtime, and talk about how God’s faithfulness shows up in those everyday gifts.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 108 is a song that joins two earlier psalms and then asks God to act. It shows that praise and prayer belong together, and that we can trust God’s steady love even when we are facing trouble. The psalm is traditionally attributed to David, and its focus is on God’s character more than on any single event.
With children, avoid making the lesson about winning battles or defeating enemies in a way that sounds like God takes sides against people. Focus instead on God’s love, faithfulness, and strength, and on the joy of singing to him.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank you that your love is bigger than the sky and your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Help us sing to you with happy hearts, and help us trust you when things feel hard. Thank you for always being with us. Amen.
