This lesson teaches children that they can always talk to God when they feel afraid or sad, and God hears them. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the reading, and a short activity.
Big Idea
When I feel scared or sad, I can pray to God, and He listens and helps me. He is always faithful, even on the hard days.
Memory Verse
Psalm 143:8
Cause me to hear your loving kindness in the morning, for I trust in you. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to you.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup both hands together like a bowl, then slowly lift them up toward the ceiling as they say the verse. The lifting motion shows that we raise our hearts to God in the morning and every time we need Him.
The Story: Psalm 143 for Kids
King David wrote this prayer when he was in serious trouble. His enemies were chasing him, and he felt like his life had been knocked down to the ground. He was so tired and worried that his spirit felt heavy and empty inside. Picture a person standing in a very dark cave, with no light anywhere.
David did not keep his worries to himself. He started by looking back at the good things God had done in the past. He thought about God’s works and the things His hands had made. Remembering God’s goodness helped him stop feeling so alone.
Then David lifted his hands up to God, like someone reaching out for a drink of water on a hot, dry day. He told God, “I am thirsty for you!” He begged God to hurry and answer him, because he felt like he was running out of strength. David did not want God to hide His face from him.
David asked God for a special gift. He wanted to hear God’s love in the morning, because he trusted God to be faithful. He also asked God to show him the right path to walk on. David said, “Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.” He trusted that God would lead him in the right way.
In the end, David asked God to save him from his enemies and bring him out of trouble. He remembered that he belonged to God and was God’s servant. David trusted that God would take care of him, just as a good shepherd takes care of his sheep.
Read It Together
Psalm 143:1
Hear my prayer, the LORD. Listen to my petitions. In your faithfulness and righteousness, relieve me.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts his prayer by asking God to hear him. Explain that God is always listening, even when we cannot see Him or feel Him close to us. Ask the children to repeat the opening words after you.
Psalm 143:5-6
5 I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands. 6 I spread out my hands to you. My soul thirsts for you, like a parched land. Selah.
(WEB)
Show the children how David remembered what God had done before, and then reached out to God with his whole heart. Ask them to name one good thing God has done for them recently.
Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God. Your Spirit is good. Lead me in the land of uprightness.
(WEB)
Point out the words “Teach me” and “Lead me.” Explain that David wanted God to show him the right way, and we can ask God for the same help every day when we are unsure what to do.
Talk About It
- What did David feel like when his enemies were chasing him?
- What is something that makes you feel scared or sad, and how could you talk to God about it?
- David remembered what God had done in the past. What is a time God helped you or your family?
- David said he was thirsty for God. What do you think it means to thirst for God?
- How can we ask God to help us make good choices each day?
Activity Ideas
Dark Cave to Bright Morning Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw two pictures side by side. On one side, they draw a dark cave to show how David felt. On the other side, they draw a bright sunrise to show the morning God’s love brings. Let them share their drawings and explain what the sunrise means to them.
Reach for the Water Game
You will need an open space and a small cup of water or a bright object placed across the room. Explain that David was thirsty for God, like a dry land needs rain. Have the children take turns reaching out their hands and walking slowly toward the cup, saying “Lord, I reach for you.” This gives them a physical way to remember that God welcomes us to come to Him.
Prayer Card to Take Home
You will need index cards, a marker, and tape or a rubber band. Help each child write or draw one thing they want to ask God about this week. Then have them tape the card to their bedroom door or lunchbox. Encourage them to read the card each morning and pray about it, just as David asked God to hear his voice in the morning.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 143 shows that even someone who loves God can feel overwhelmed, afraid, and exhausted. David does not hide these feelings. He brings them honestly to God and asks for help. Adults can take comfort that God welcomes honest prayers, including ones that sound desperate or tired, and that God’s faithfulness does not depend on how strong we feel.
When teaching children, avoid promising that God will always take away the scary thing right away or make every problem disappear. David asked for help, and God’s answer is always good, but children should understand that trusting God means keeping close to Him even when the trouble is still there.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we are glad that you hear us when we pray. When we feel scared or sad, help us remember that you are close to us. Show us the way to go each day, and teach us to follow you. Thank you for being faithful to us. Amen.
