In this lesson, children learn that God wants to be praised by His people at all times, even in the quiet hours of the night. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God is worthy of our praise, and He blesses those who love and serve Him. We can praise Him anytime, anywhere, even when it is dark.
Memory Verse
Psalm 134:2
Lift up your hands in the sanctuary. Praise the LORD!
(WEB)
Have children lift both hands up high like they are reaching for the sky, then wave them slowly side to side as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time, until the whole room is praising with you.
The Story: Psalm 134 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel came to the big house of God in Jerusalem, called the temple. Some of God’s servants, the priests and helpers, had a special job. They stayed in God’s house even at night, keeping watch and doing their work. Imagine how dark and quiet the temple must have been when the sun went down.
These servants did not sit in silence. They took care of God’s house and they also sang songs of praise to Him. Their voices rose up in the night air, and they lifted their hands toward the holy place. Picture a whole group of people, standing together in the dark, lifting their hands and saying thank you to God.
Then someone spoke to them with a kind message. The psalm tells us that they said, in simple words, “May the LORD bless you from Zion.” The people of God wanted to bless each other too. They knew that God is the one who made the heavens and the earth, so He is the one who can truly bless.
What a wonderful picture this is. The night could not stop them from praising God, because God is always with His people. Even when things were dark and quiet, God’s servants were still worshiping Him. They showed that praise does not depend on how we feel or what time of day it is.
Read It Together
Psalm 134:1
Look! Praise the LORD, all you servants of the LORD, who stand by night in the LORD’s house!
(WEB)
Point out the word “Look!” at the start of the verse and ask the children what they think God wants us to notice. Explain that the servants were standing in God’s house by night, which tells us that worship is for every hour. Ask them to name a time of day when they could praise God.
Psalm 134:3
May the LORD bless you from Zion; even he who made heaven and earth.
(WEB)
Point out that this verse is about God giving a blessing from Zion, the holy hill where His house stood. Explain that blessing means God giving good gifts and His care to His people. Help the children see that God is the one who made heaven and earth, so He is strong and faithful.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you enjoy seeing or touching?
- Why do you think God wanted His servants to praise Him even at night?
- How can you show God you love Him when you are at home or at school?
- What does it mean to bless someone, and who has blessed you recently?
- When you feel scared or sad, how could praising God help you feel better?
Activity Ideas
Night Sky Praise Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a little glitter glue if you have it. Ask each child to draw a dark night sky with a moon or stars, then add a small picture of themselves with hands raised high. Let them write or draw one thing God made that they want to praise Him for. Display the drawings where everyone can see them.
Lift Your Hands Game
Gather the children in a circle and have them stand tall. Call out “night” and everyone holds their hands up high, then call out “day” and they lower their hands to their sides. Mix the calls up faster as the game goes on, and each time a child raises their hands, have them say one short praise like “Thank you, God.” This helps children remember that God is worthy of praise at any time.
Blessing Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, a pencil or pen, and a small envelope for each child. Write a short blessing on each card, such as “May God bless you and keep you safe,” and let the children decorate the card with stickers or drawings. Encourage them to give the card to a family member at home and say the blessing out loud. This shows the children how to bless others the way God blesses us.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 134 is a short song of ascent, sung by worshipers as they gathered in God’s house. It reminds believers that worship is not limited to certain hours, and that God’s servants can be faithful in prayer and praise at all times. The psalm also shows that God’s blessing flows from His character as Creator and Lord.
When teaching children, avoid suggesting that God only blesses people who praise Him perfectly or who never feel sad. Children may wonder why they do not feel blessed, so be gentle and remind them that God is always with His people, even when they cannot see or feel it.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank You that You are worthy of our praise every day and every night. Help us lift our hands and our hearts to You, and bless us as we go about our day. Be with us in the quiet times and the busy times, and help us love You more each day. Amen.
