This lesson teaches children that God is great, good, and faithful, and that we can thank Him for everything He does. It works well for ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and an activity.
Big Idea
God does amazing things, He is kind, and He always keeps His promises. We can thank Him with our whole heart.
Memory Verse
Psalm 111:1
Praise Yah! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the council of the upright, and in the congregation.
(WEB)
Put your hand on your heart and say the verse with a big smile. Then sweep both arms wide, as if you are showing how big your thank-you is. Do this together three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Psalm 111 for Kids
A long time ago, a songwriter sat down to thank God. He was not in a palace, and he was not alone. He was with the people of Israel who loved God and wanted to follow His ways. He wanted everyone to know how good God is.
The songwriter looked around at all the things God had made. He saw the sun rising, the rain falling on the fields, and the food growing in the earth. He thought about how God fed His people, year after year. He said, “The works of the LORD are great.” Everyone who loved God came to see them and think about them.
God did not forget His people. He remembered the promise He had made to them, and He kept it. The songwriter remembered that God is kind and full of mercy. When people were hungry, God gave them food. When people were lost, God showed them the way back home.
The songwriter wanted everyone to know that God’s rules are true and fair. Everything God does is right and good. He told the people, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” That means that loving and respecting God is the very first step to becoming wise.
So the songwriter ended with a big shout of praise. He wanted God’s name to be remembered forever. His praise, he said, will never end.
Read It Together
Psalm 111:4
He has caused his wonderful works to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and merciful.
(WEB)
Point out that God does wonderful things that we should remember. Ask the children to name one wonderful thing God has done for them. Then remind them that God is gracious and merciful, which means He is kind even when we do not deserve it.
Psalm 111:5
He has given food to those who fear him. He always remembers his covenant.
(WEB)
Show the children that God takes care of His people with food and never forgets His promises. Talk about a time they felt cared for by a family member or friend. Explain that God is faithful in this way too, every single day.
Psalm 111:10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All those who do his work have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
(WEB)
Explain that wisdom means knowing how to make good choices. Help the children see that loving God is where good choices begin. Point out the word “praise” at the end and say that praising God means telling Him how wonderful He is.
Talk About It
- What is one of God’s works that you think is amazing, and why?
- How does it feel to know that God never forgets His promises?
- In what ways did God show kindness to the people in the story?
- What is one thing you can do this week to thank God?
- Why do you think loving God helps us make wise choices?
Activity Ideas
Thank-You Sunburst Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child draw a small circle in the middle of the paper and write or draw one thing they are thankful to God for. Then have them draw long rays coming out of the circle, like the sun. Each ray can hold another thing God has done, and children can color their sunbursts bright.
Great Works Freeze Game
Clear some space in the room and turn on music. When the music plays, the children move around like they are doing a favorite job, such as cooking, climbing, or swimming. When the music stops, they freeze and show a happy face. Call out, “The works of the LORD are great!” and let everyone shout the phrase together before the music starts again.
Wisdom Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, paper, and a pencil. Each day this week, the child writes or draws one thing they did to show love for God, such as sharing, helping, or being kind. They fold the paper and place it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 111 is a song of praise that celebrates the character of God. It highlights His works, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His kindness toward His people. The psalm also teaches that reverence for God, the “fear of the LORD,” is the foundation of true wisdom, which shapes how we live day to day.
Avoid overstating to children that God will always give them everything they ask for or that obedience guarantees a comfortable life. The psalm speaks of God’s provision and faithfulness in a broad and trustworthy way. Keep the focus on God’s character and our grateful response, rather than on promises of specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank You for the amazing things You do every day. Thank You for being kind and for always keeping Your promises to us. Help us to love You with our whole hearts and to make wise choices as we follow You. We praise You, Lord. Amen.
