This lesson teaches children that everything God made can praise him, from the sun and stars to the fish and the birds. Children aged about 5 to 11 can learn it in 20 to 30 minutes, and the big idea fits into one short sentence a child can repeat all week.
Big Idea
God made everything, and everything in his world can join in praising him. Your praise matters too, whether you are big or small.
Memory Verse
Psalm 148:5
Let them praise the LORD’s name, For he commanded, and they were created.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall with their arms raised above their heads, like reaching up to the sky. Then say the verse together while they slowly lower their arms and clap twice on the word “created.” The motion ties the word to the act of making things.
The Story: Psalm 148 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter looked up at the night sky and felt a rush of joy. He saw the bright sun during the day and the silver moon at night. He saw the stars twinkling like tiny lamps. So he began to sing, and he called out to the sun, the moon, and the stars to join him.
Then he looked around at the earth. He saw the tall mountains, the green hills, and the fruit trees with their sweet apples and figs. He heard the wind roaring through the storm clouds and the thunder rolling across the sky. Everything around him seemed to be alive with God’s power.
Next, he sang to the creatures. He called to the wild animals in the forest, the cows and sheep on the farm, and the little mice in the grass. He called to the fish and whales in the deep sea and to the birds flying high above. He said, “Praise the LORD!” to every one of them.
Finally, he turned to the people. He called to the kings and leaders, and to the judges who helped people be fair. He called to the young men and women, the grown-ups, and the children. “Every one of you,” he sang, “let your voices rise, because God’s name is greater than anything else.”
The songwriter ended by remembering that God lifted up his people and drew them close to himself. The song closes with the same cheerful shout, “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 the words “from the heavens” and “in the heights.” Ask the children to notice that the psalm starts by calling out to the very highest places. Show them how far up they can reach.
Psalm 148:7-10
7 Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures, and all depths; 8 lightning and hail, snow and clouds; stormy wind, fulfilling his word; 9 mountains and all hills; fruit trees and all cedars; 10 wild animals and all livestock; small creatures and flying birds…
(WEB)
Read this range slowly and count the different things that are named, such as the sea creatures, hail, mountains, trees, and birds. Let the children call out an animal or object they hear, then say “Praise him!” together.
Psalm 148:12-13
12 Both young men and maidens; old men and children: 13 let them praise the LORD’s name, for his name alone is exalted. His glory is above the earth and the heavens.
(WEB)
Point out that young people, old people, and children are all invited to praise. Help the children see that they have a place in the song. Remind them that God’s name alone is exalted above everything.
Talk About It
- What is one thing from the psalm that you think is the most amazing to praise God for, and why?
- How do you think the sun or the stars show that God is powerful?
- Which animal from the psalm would you like to hear singing, and what do you think its song would sound like?
- Why do you think God wanted children to be part of the praise, too?
- What is a simple way you could praise God this week at home or at school?
Activity Ideas
Creation Praise Collage
Give each child a sheet of construction paper and crayons, markers, or torn magazine pictures. Ask them to draw or glue one thing from the psalm, such as a sun, a fish, a mountain, or a bird, and write “Praise the LORD” across the bottom. Hang the finished pictures together on the wall to make a class mural of creation praising God.
Everything Sings Game
Call out an item from the psalm, like “sea creatures” or “stars,” and have the children act it out with their whole body and make a sound to match. When you call “Praise the LORD,” everyone freezes and shouts it together. Keep the pace lively so the children stay focused and having fun.
Praise Jar at Home
Take an empty jar and some slips of paper, then place them where the family can reach them. Each day, have every family member write or draw one thing they are thankful for about God’s world and drop it in the jar. At dinner, read a few slips aloud and sing “Praise the LORD” together.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 148 shows that all creation exists to praise its Maker, and that praise is not limited to people. It also reminds us that every stage of life, from youth to old age, belongs to God and can join the song. The psalm links God’s power in the heavens with his closeness to his people.
With children, avoid overstating how creatures “understand” or “choose” to praise, since the psalm uses poetic language to describe creation. Keep the focus on God being worthy of praise and on the children’s own joyful response.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, thank you for making the sun, the moon, the stars, and every living thing. Help us to praise you each day with our voices and our lives. Thank you that we are part of your big family of praise, young and old. Amen.
