This lesson teaches children that they can always talk to God, especially when they are scared or sad, because God listens and helps. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the verses, and one activity.
Big Idea
God hears us when we call to him, and he helps us when we are in trouble. We can thank him for his help every day.
Memory Verse
Psalm 116:1
I love the LORD, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy.
(WEB)
Put one hand over your heart and tap it twice as you say the verse out loud. Then cup both hands by your ears, as if you are listening carefully. Doing these two motions together helps children connect the words to God listening to them.
The Story: Psalm 116 for Kids
Long ago, a man wrote a song to God. He was in a very scary place. Bad troubles had gathered around him like ropes pulling him down, and he felt weak and sad. He could not get out on his own.
So he did the best thing he could think of. He called out to God and asked him to rescue him. He said, “Lord, please save me!” He knew God was kind and fair, and that God cares about people who need help.
God heard him. He did not wait to answer. God helped the man stand up again, dry his tears, and walk safely on his feet. The man felt so happy that he said, “Go on and rest, my soul, because God has been good to you!”
Because God had helped him, the man wanted to thank God. He said he would tell everyone about God’s kindness. He would bring a thank-you gift to God’s house and sing praises with God’s people.
The song ends with a happy shout, “Praise the Lord!” Everyone who heard the song could know that God listens and helps.
Read It Together
Psalm 116:1-2
1 I love the LORD, because he listens to my voice, and my cries for mercy. 2 Because he has turned his ear to me, therefore I will call on him as long as I live.
(WEB)
Point out that the writer says God listens to his voice and turns his ear toward him. Ask children to notice the word “therefore,” which shows that because God listens, the writer will keep calling on him.
Psalm 116:5-6
5 The LORD is Gracious and righteous. Yes, our God is merciful. 6 The LORD preserves the simple. I was brought low, and he saved me.
(WEB)
Show children the words “gracious,” “righteous,” and “merciful,” and explain them in simple words: God is kind, he always does what is right, and he is gentle with people who need forgiveness. Then point out that God protects simple, trusting people.
Psalm 116:7-8
7 Return to your rest, my soul, for the LORD has dealt bountifully with you. 8 For you have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
(WEB)
Point out the way the writer talks to himself, telling his own soul to rest. Explain that God gave him rest after a hard time, and point out the three things God rescued him from: death, tears, and falling.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried?
- What can you say to God when you need his help?
- How do you think God felt when the man called out to him for help?
- Can you think of a time when someone helped you when you needed it?
- What is one thing you can thank God for today?
Activity Ideas
Thank You Cards for God
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to fold a sheet of paper in half to make a card. On the front, they can draw something God made, like a tree, the sun, or a pet. Inside, they can write or draw one thing they want to thank God for. Let children take their cards home to share with their families.
Calling Out for Help Game
You will need a large open space and a blanket or pillow. Have the children stand in a circle. Choose one child to pretend to be “stuck” in the middle of the circle, lying on the blanket. The other children gather around and call out, “Lord, please help us!” Then they gently pull the child up to standing. Switch roles so everyone has a turn being helped.
Hand Prayer Reminder
You will need a sheet of paper and a pencil. Ask children to trace one of their hands on the paper and cut it out. On each finger, have them write a name of someone they want to pray for or a thing they want to tell God. Children can keep their paper hand at home on the table or bedside as a reminder that God always hears them.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 116 is a song of thanks written by someone who had been in serious danger and had been rescued by God. The writer shows that prayer is a natural response to trouble, and that remembering God’s faithfulness leads to gratitude and public worship. Adults can see in this psalm both a personal testimony and an invitation to trust God in hard seasons.
Avoid suggesting to children that God will always rescue them from every bad situation in the same way. Keep the focus on God listening, being kind, and being with us, rather than promising specific outcomes. Children should understand that God’s help may look different in different situations.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for listening to us when we call to you. Help us remember that you are kind and fair, and that you care about us when we feel scared or sad. Help us trust you every day and thank you for all the good things you give us. Amen.
