This lesson teaches children that everything God made can praise him, from the sun and stars to the birds and the smallest creatures. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God made everything, and everything can praise him. We can join in by thanking him and telling others how great he is.
Memory Verse
Psalm 148:5
Let them praise the LORD’s name, For he commanded, and they were created.
(WEB)
Have children stand tall, lift both arms up high, and wiggle their fingers like sparkling stars as they say the verse together. Repeat it three times, getting a little louder each time.
The Story: Psalm 148 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter looked up at the sky and felt happy. He saw the bright sun, the silver moon, and the twinkling stars. He wanted everyone to know that they all belong to God. So he began to sing, “Praise the Lord from the heavens!”
Then he looked around at the earth. He saw the deep blue sea with huge whales swimming in it. He saw lightning flashing, hail falling, and snow covering the hills. He saw tall mountains, tall trees, and little bunnies hopping through the grass. Everything he saw was made by God.
The songwriter kept going. He thought about the kings and leaders of the world. He thought about young men and young women, old people, and children like you. He said, “Let everyone praise the Lord, because his name is the greatest of all.” Everyone is invited to join the song.
Then the songwriter reminded the people of something very special. God loves his people and stays close to them. He lifts them up and gives them a reason to sing. The songwriter ended his song by shouting, “Praise the Lord!”
Read It Together
Psalm 148:1
Praise Yah! Praise the LORD from the heavens! Praise him in the heights!
(WEB)
Point out that the psalm starts by calling everyone to praise, beginning with the highest places. Ask children to notice how the word “heavens” appears right at the start.
Psalm 148:3-4
3 Praise him, sun and moon! Praise him, all you shining stars! 4 Praise him, you heavens of heavens, You waters that are above the heavens.
(WEB)
Show children how the sun, moon, stars, and waters are all named as praisers. Help them picture each one and imagine what it might look like singing to God.
Psalm 148:13
Let them praise the LORD’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
(WEB)
Explain that God’s name is the only name that is truly lifted up above everything. Point out the words “above the earth and the heavens” and talk about how big God is.
Talk About It
- What is your favorite thing God made, and how could that thing praise him?
- Why do you think the sun and moon are included in a song of praise?
- What did the animals in the story teach us about how to praise God?
- How does it make you feel to know that God lifts up his people?
- What is one way you can join the song of praise this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Praise Parade
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Ask each child to draw one thing from the psalm, such as a sun, a whale, a tree, or a bird. Cut out the drawings and tape them along a long strip of paper to make a parade of praisers. Hang the parade on the wall and read the psalm while pointing to each picture.
Praise Freeze Game
You will need an open space and some music. Call out a creature or part of creation, like “mountains!” or “stars!” Children act out that thing with their bodies while the music plays. When the music stops, everyone freezes and shouts “Praise the Lord!” Keep the game lively and let children take turns calling out the creatures.
Take-Home Praise Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper slips, and a pen. Each day for a week, have your child write or draw one thing they are thankful to God for and drop it in the jar. At the end of the week, open the jar together and read each slip aloud as a family praise time. This helps children see many ways God’s creation points back to him.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 148 shows that all of creation exists to glorify God, from the highest heavens to the smallest creatures. For adults, it is a reminder that our praise is one voice among many, and that God’s greatness is far beyond what we can see. It also points to God’s care for his people, who are called near to him.
Be careful not to overstate for children that animals and objects “know” or “choose” to praise in the way people do. Keep the focus on the idea that creation displays God’s greatness, and that people are invited to praise him with words and lives.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you for making the sun, moon, and stars, the sea and the mountains, and every living creature. Help us to praise you with our voices and our lives. Thank you that you lift up your people and stay close to us. We love you, Lord. Amen.
