This lesson teaches children that they can sing and thank God wherever they are, because His love and faithfulness reach all the way to the sky. It suits children about 5 to 11 years old and takes 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is great, and we can praise Him anywhere, with our whole hearts and our voices, because He always keeps His promises.
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, then open your arms wide as you say the verse out loud. Do the same motion each time you say it, so your body remembers the words.
The Story: Psalm 108 for Kids
King David wrote this song to God. He felt happy inside, so he said, “My heart is ready, God. I will sing and make music with all of me.” He woke up early, before the sun came up, and he told his harp and lyre to wake up too.
David wanted everyone to hear about God. He said, “I will thank you, LORD, among the nations. I will sing your praises among all the people.” He wanted people in faraway places to know how good God is.
David knew that God’s love is bigger than the sky. He said God’s faithfulness reaches all the way up to the clouds. David asked God to be lifted up high above the heavens and to show His glory over the whole earth.
David also asked God for help. He prayed, “Save us with your strong right hand, so the people you love can be safe.” David knew that the help of people is not enough, so he trusted God to be strong for them.
Then David remembered what God had promised. God had said He would give the land to His people. David said, “Through God, we will do bravely. He will push down our enemies.” David believed God would keep His word, and he sang about it with joy.
Read It Together
Psalm 108:4
For your loving kindness is great above the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches to the skies.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s love is described as great and reaching to the skies. Ask children to lift their arms as high as they can to show how far God’s faithfulness goes.
Psalm 108:5
Be exalted, God, above the heavens! Let your glory be over all the earth.
(WEB)
Show how the word “glory” means God is wonderful and shining. Have children name one thing in the world that they think shows how wonderful God is.
Psalm 108:13
Through God, we will do valiantly. For it is he who will tread down our enemies.
(WEB)
Explain that David trusted God to help him win his battles. Remind children that we can trust God when we feel scared or when things feel hard.
Talk About It
- What is one song you like to sing, and how does it make you feel?
- Where is a place you could praise God today, even if it isn’t church?
- How big do you think God’s love is, and what could you compare it to?
- Why do you think David woke up early to praise God?
- When do you feel brave, and how can knowing God helps you feel brave?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Sky Full of Praise
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big blue sky across the top of the page, then draw something they love underneath, like a pet, a tree, or a family member. Have them write or draw a small note saying thank you to God for it. Let children share their pictures so everyone sees how many things there are to praise God for.
Harp and Lyre Freeze Dance
You will need a music player or a person to clap a rhythm, and an open space. Play upbeat music and let children dance around the room. When the music stops, they freeze and say one word that describes how wonderful God is. Start the music again and repeat, letting each child have a turn to call out a word.
Praise Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for a week, the family writes one thing they are thankful to God for on a slip and puts it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read every slip aloud. Explain that this is a way of singing thanks to God wherever you are.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 108 is a song that combines two earlier psalms, and it shows that praise and prayer can go together. For adults, it teaches that God’s love and faithfulness are not limited to one place or one moment, and that we can trust Him even when we face enemies or hard days. The psalm also reminds us that victory comes from God’s strength, not from our own.
Be careful not to suggest that God will always make our enemies disappear or that following Him guarantees easy wins. Children may take this literally, so focus on the truth that God is faithful and strong, and that we can trust Him no matter what happens.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that Your love reaches to the skies and Your faithfulness never stops. Help us sing to You wherever we go, at home, at school, and everywhere in between. Thank You for being strong and kind to us. Amen.
