Psalm 150 teaches children that everything that has breath can praise God, and that praise can be loud, quiet, musical, or joyful. This lesson suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God is worthy of praise, and we can praise him with all kinds of music, movement, and voices, because everything that breathes can thank him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise Yah! Praise Yah!
(WEB)
Have children take a deep breath, hold both hands on their chest, then lift their arms wide as they breathe out and say “Praise Yah!” Repeat it three times so the breath and the praise connect in their minds.
The Story: Psalm 150 for Kids
This psalm is the last song in a big collection of songs that the people of Israel sang to God. It is short and joyful, and it ends the whole book with a shout of praise. The writer, traditionally King David, wanted everyone to join in.
The writer begins by telling people where to praise. He says to praise God in his holy place, and also up in the heavens, because God does amazing things. “Look at all the things God has done!” the writer says, and he wants people to notice them.
Next the writer names all kinds of instruments. People blow trumpets, play harps and lyres, beat tambourines, and dance. Some play stringed instruments and flutes. Others clash big cymbals loudly, so the whole valley rings with sound. Every kind of music has a place in praising God.
Then the writer gives a big, simple command. Everything that has breath should praise the Lord. Birds, animals, children, grown-ups, and every person who can breathe is invited to sing. Nobody is left out of the celebration.
The psalm finishes with a final shout: “Praise the Lord!” It is like the end of a huge party, where everyone cheers together. Tell children that the whole psalm is one big invitation to join in.
Read It Together
Psalm 150:1-2
1 Praise Yah! Praise God in his sanctuary! Praise him in his heavens for his acts of power! 2 Praise him for his mighty acts! Praise him according to his excellent greatness!
(WEB)
Point out the words “in his sanctuary” and “in his heavens,” and ask children where they think God can be praised. Notice that the psalm praises God both for his acts of power and for his excellent greatness.
Psalm 150:3-5
3 Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet! Praise him with harp and lyre! 4 Praise him with tambourine and dancing! Praise him with stringed instruments and flute! 5 Praise him with loud cymbals! Praise him with resounding cymbals!
(WEB)
Point out the many instruments listed, and invite children to name a sound they could make for God. Explain that the psalm celebrates loud and joyful praise, and that different kinds of music are all welcome.
Talk About It
- What is one instrument from the psalm that you would like to play, and what would it sound like when you praise God?
- Why do you think the psalm says to praise God in his holy place and also in the heavens?
- How can you praise God with your body, like dancing or clapping, even when you are not singing?
- Who are some people or animals you know that are breathing and could join in praising God?
- What is one of God’s mighty acts that you are thankful for this week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Instrument Craft
You will need paper plates, crayons, tape, dried beans or rice, and a stapler. Let children decorate one plate, add a few beans inside, and staple the edges to make a shaker. Then have them shake it while the class sings a short praise phrase from the psalm.
Praise Parade Movement Game
Gather the class in an open space and call out one praise action at a time, such as clapping, stomping, tapping a knee, or spinning slowly. After each action, shout “Praise the Lord!” and repeat the action together. This gives children a playful way to see that praise can look many different ways.
Breath of Praise Take-Home Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a small piece of tape or string. Write “Everything that has breath praises the Lord” on the card and draw a simple picture of a child breathing. Let children take it home, tape it near their bed, and read it aloud before sleep.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 150 closes the Psalms with a call to every creature and every kind of worship. It shows that praise is not limited to one place, one style, or one group of people. Adults can take it as an encouragement to worship with whatever gifts and voices they have.
Avoid suggesting to children that praise must always be loud or energetic to be real. The psalm does name loud instruments, but quiet, thoughtful praise is also praise, and some children will feel more comfortable worshiping in a gentle way.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we praise you for your mighty acts and your great goodness. Thank you for the breath you give us every day. Help us to sing, dance, and cheer for you with everything we are. Amen.
