Psalm 117 teaches children that God’s love and faithfulness never end, so everyone everywhere should praise Him. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God loves us so much, and He keeps His promises forever. Because of that, everyone in the whole world can praise Him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 117:2
For his loving kindness is great toward us. The LORD’s faithfulness endures forever. Praise Yah!
(WEB)
Hold both arms out wide like a big hug, then bring them to your heart on the word “forever.” Say the verse together while you move, and let the children repeat it with you two or three times.
The Story: Psalm 117 for Kids
This psalm is the shortest chapter in the whole Bible, with only two verses. It was written a long time ago by a songwriter who loved God very much. He wanted every person on earth to know how good God is.
The writer looked around at the people of the world, from many different countries and families. He called out to them with a big invitation. “Come and praise the LORD, everyone!” he sang. He wanted people near and far to join in the happy song.
Then he told them why they should sing. God’s love for His people is very great. God is faithful, which means He always keeps His word, and He never stops being faithful. His kindness does not run out, not even for a single day.
Because God is so loving and so true, the song ends with a happy shout. “Praise Yah!” The word Yah is a short name for God, and it means that the whole song is ready to be sung again and again. The writer finished with a joyful cheer that everyone could sing.
Read It Together
Psalm 117:1
Praise the LORD, all you nations! Extol him, all you peoples!
(WEB)
Point out the word “all” in this verse. Ask the children to name different places or kinds of people they know, and remind them that God invites all of them to praise Him.
Talk About It
- Who do you think the psalm writer wanted to join in the praise, and why?
- What is one thing God has done for you that you could thank Him for today?
- How does it make you feel to know that God’s love lasts forever?
- What are some ways we can show people in other countries that we praise God?
- When is a time you were glad someone kept their promise to you?
Activity Ideas
Rainbow Praise Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a few friends or family members. Ask each child to draw a person from a different place in the world, such as a family from another country, and write “Praise the LORD” at the bottom. Hang the pictures together on a wall to show that people everywhere praise God.
Everyone Sing Game
You will need a timer or a clock and some open space. Call out the names of different places, like “kitchen,” “backyard,” or “school,” and have children move to each spot while singing “Praise the LORD!” When the timer rings, have everyone freeze and shout “Forever!” to show how long God’s love lasts.
Take-Home Promise Jar
You will need a small jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have the child write one thing God has done for them and drop it into the jar. Read the slips together at the end of the week and thank God for His faithfulness.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 117 is a short call to worship that stretches beyond Israel to the whole world. Its two verses focus on the steady love and faithfulness of God, which do not depend on how we feel or behave. The psalm invites every nation to respond with praise because God’s character never changes.
With children, avoid suggesting that God’s love depends on their behavior or that praising God will automatically bring them good things. Keep the focus on who God is and what He has promised, rather than on rewards or outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that Your love is great and Your faithfulness lasts forever. Help us to praise You every day, and help us to tell others about how good You are. Thank You for keeping Your promises to us. Amen.
