This lesson teaches children that they can always ask God for help, and that he hears them when they pray. It is designed for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach, including the story, discussion, and activity.
Big Idea
God hears us when we are sad or scared, and we can run to him and ask him to help us. He is always faithful, and he always listens.
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)
Hold both hands up, palms open, as if you are catching something. Lift them up toward the ceiling slowly as you say the verse, then bring them back down to your heart. Lifting your hands is a way of showing God that you are ready to receive his love.
The Story: Psalm 143 for Kids
King David wrote a prayer while he was in a very hard place. His enemies were chasing him, and he felt like he might never get out. He felt so tired and sad that his spirit was heavy inside him, like a heavy bag he could not put down.
David did something smart when he felt that way. He remembered the good things God had done in the past. He thought about the wonderful things God had made and all the ways God had helped his people long ago. Thinking about God’s goodness helped David trust him again.
Then David lifted his hands and prayed. He said, “Hurry and answer me, LORD! I need you right now!” David was thirsty for God, like a dry land longs for rain. He knew God was the only one who could truly help him.
David also asked God to show him the right way to go. He said, “Teach me to do what you want, for you are my God.” David wanted to follow God’s path, even when it was hard. He trusted that God would lead him the right way.
In the end, David said he was God’s servant, and he asked God to rescue him. David’s story reminds us that even grown-ups who are king can feel afraid, and that God is always ready to help when we call on him.
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. Ask the children what it feels like when someone really listens to them, and connect that to how God listens to us.
Psalm 143:5
I remember the days of old. I meditate on all your doings. I contemplate the work of your hands.
(WEB)
Show the children that David remembered what God had done before. Ask them to name one thing God has done for them, and explain that remembering God’s goodness can make us brave when we feel scared.
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 that David asked God to teach him what to do. Explain that God is always willing to guide us, and that we can ask him for wisdom when we are not sure which choice is right.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel sad or worried sometimes?
- How does it help you to know that God hears you when you pray?
- What did David do to remember that God was good, even when things were hard?
- When you feel lost or unsure, what could you ask God to show you?
- Who are some people in your life who help you when you feel scared, and how can you thank God for them?
Activity Ideas
Hands Up Prayer Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to trace one of their hands on the paper and then draw a small picture of something they want to ask God for inside the outline. Let them talk about their drawing with you, and then pray together over each one. Keep the drawings on the wall as a reminder that God hears every prayer.
Follow the Shepherd Game
You will need a blindfold or a scarf and a few open spaces in the room. Have one child wear the blindfold while the others call out “This way!” to guide them to a finish line. Explain that David asked God to teach him the right path, and that God guides us with his voice when we listen. Switch roles so everyone gets a turn.
Prayer Jar at Home
You will need an empty jar, some slips of paper, and a pen. Invite the child to write or draw a prayer request on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Each evening, read one of the prayers together and ask God to hear it. This simple practice helps children see that God listens to their prayers every day.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 143 shows adults that it is honest and healthy to bring our fears, sadness, and weariness to God. David does not pretend he is fine. He pours out his heart and trusts God to be faithful, even while he is still in trouble. Adults can learn from his habit of remembering God’s past works as a way to build trust for the present.
Be careful not to promise children that God will always remove every hard thing the moment they ask. David still faced enemies after he prayed, and his trust was in God’s character rather than a guarantee of an easy outcome. Focus on God’s faithfulness and his presence with us, rather than suggesting that prayer works like a magic wish.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for hearing us when we pray. When we feel sad or scared, help us remember that you are good and that you are always with us. Teach us to follow your way each day. We love you and trust you. Amen.
