Psalm 136 teaches children that God is good and his love never ends, and that we can thank him for everything he has done. This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, with a short story, a memory verse, and some simple activities.
Big Idea
God is good, and his love lasts forever. We can thank him every day because he never stops loving us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 136:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; for his loving kindness endures forever.
(WEB)
Teach the children to stand up tall and spread their arms wide on the words “for he is good.” Then bring their hands together over their hearts on “his loving kindness endures forever.” Repeat it together three times, getting a little quieter each time until they can say it with the motions alone.
The Story: Psalm 136 for Kids
Long ago, the people of Israel sang a song to God. The song is called Psalm 136, and it has a special thing that happens over and over. After almost every line, the people sang the same words: “his loving kindness endures forever.” It was like a chorus that said God’s love never runs out.
The song began by thanking God for making the world. He made the big sky and the bright sun that shines by day. He made the moon and the twinkling stars that shine at night. Every piece of creation was a gift from a good God.
Then the song remembered a time when the people of Israel were slaves in Egypt. Pharaoh would not let them go. God sent his strong hand to bring his people out. He led them right through the middle of the Red Sea on dry ground, and then the water came back over the army that chased them.
God did not stop there. He led his people through the wilderness, where there was no food or water on their own. He took care of them the whole way. He gave them land, and he kept his promises to them. The song even says he gives food to every creature.
The song ends by asking everyone to give thanks to the God of heaven. The people were saying, “Look how God has loved us, so let us thank him!” Their words tell us that remembering God’s kindness helps our hearts say thank you.
Read It Together
Psalm 136:4-5
4 To him who alone does great wonders; for his loving kindness endures forever: 5 To him who by understanding made the heavens; for his loving kindness endures forever…
(WEB)
Point out that God made the heavens “by understanding,” which means he planned everything carefully. Ask the children to name something in the sky they like, and remind them that God’s love is the reason it is there.
Psalm 136:13-15
13 To him who divided the Red Sea apart; for his loving kindness endures forever; 14 And made Israel to pass through the middle of it; for his loving kindness endures forever; 15 But overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea; for his loving kindness endures forever…
(WEB)
Walk the children through the story of the Red Sea. Point out that God made a way through the water for his people. Let them see that God was faithful to rescue them when they could not save themselves.
Psalm 136:25
Who gives food to every creature; for his loving kindness endures forever.
(WEB)
Show the children that God takes care of every creature, from the smallest bug to the biggest animal. Explain that God also takes care of them, and that their food and home come from his kindness.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you like to see or touch?
- How did God help his people when they were stuck between the sea and the army?
- Why do you think the people kept saying “his loving kindness endures forever” over and over?
- What is something good that God has given you this week?
- How can you say thank you to God when you wake up tomorrow morning?
Activity Ideas
Thank You Sky Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and cotton balls. Have each child draw a sky scene with the sun, moon, and stars. Glue a few cotton balls on as clouds. As they draw, ask them to name one thing God made that they are thankful for and write it on a cloud.
Red Sea Walk
You will need two long strips of blue cloth or paper and a few chairs. Lay the blue strips on the floor in a path with a gap in the middle. Have the children walk slowly through the gap while saying “his loving kindness endures forever” with each step. Then let them cheer for God, who made a way through the water.
Thankful Jar at Home
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Place the jar on the kitchen table with the slips beside it. Each day, have your child write one thing they are thankful for on a slip and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, read the notes together and thank God for each gift.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 136 shows adults that God’s love is steady and faithful through every season. The repeated line reminds believers that gratitude grows when we remember God’s past faithfulness, from creation to deliverance to daily provision. It invites us to thank God for both the large and small things in our lives.
Avoid overstating the story to children by making the Red Sea or the kings sound like a game or a fairy tale. Keep the focus on God’s faithfulness and his care for his people, and let the children see that the events are real moments in history where God acted to save and provide.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, we thank you that you are good and your love lasts forever. Thank you for the sky, the sun, the moon, and the stars. Thank you for keeping your promises and taking care of us every day. Help us remember your kindness and say thank you to you. Amen.
