This lesson teaches children that they can always pray to God and trust Him to keep them safe, even when people are unkind to them. It is best for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a story, a few Bible verses, and an activity.
Big Idea
God hears every prayer we pray, and He keeps us safe like the apple of His eye. When we feel scared or treated badly, we can run to Him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 17:8
Keep me as the apple of your eye. Hide me under the shadow of your wings…
(WEB)
Have children cup both hands over their eyes like a little shield, then slowly spread their arms wide like wings. Say the words together with the motions, and ask them to show you how God’s wings look over them.
The Story: Psalm 17 for Kids
King David was in trouble. Some people wanted to hurt him, and they were being mean and proud about it. David did not hide his feelings from God. He went straight to God in prayer and told Him exactly what was happening.
David said, “Lord, hear my prayer. I have tried to do what is right, and I have kept my feet on God’s good paths.” He knew that God had seen his heart, even in the quiet of the night. David was not pretending to be perfect, but he wanted to be faithful to God.
Then David asked God to protect him. He said, “Keep me safe like the apple of your eye, and hide me under the shadow of your wings.” David felt surrounded by enemies, but he was not alone. He knew God was close and could rescue him.
David ended his prayer with a happy thought. He said that one day he would see God’s face, and that would fill him with joy. Even when life was hard, David trusted that God would take care of him and that he would be satisfied with God forever.
Read It Together
Psalm 17:1
Hear, the LORD, my righteous plea; Give ear to my prayer, that doesn’t go out of deceitful lips.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts by talking to God. Ask the children what they would say if they could tell God something that worried them. Remind them that God listens to every word.
Psalm 17:6
I have called on you, for you will answer me, God. Turn your ear to me. Hear my speech.
(WEB)
Show the children that David was sure God would answer him. Explain that God is never too busy to hear us, and we can call on Him any time of the day or night.
Psalm 17:15
As for me, I shall see your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with seeing your form.
(WEB)
Help the children see that David looked forward to being with God. Talk about how God’s love is something we can look forward to, both now and in the future.
Talk About It
- What is one thing that makes you feel scared or unsafe sometimes?
- How did David talk to God when he was in trouble?
- Why do you think God wants us to tell Him our worries?
- What does it feel like to know that God is always close to you?
- How can you remind yourself that God is protecting you during the week?
Activity Ideas
Paper Plate Shelter Craft
You will need a paper plate, crayons or markers, scissors, and glue. Have each child draw a picture of themselves inside a shelter on one half of the plate, then fold the plate in half so the picture is hidden. Ask them to draw wings or a roof on the outside to show that God covers them. Let them open and close it while they say a short prayer asking God to keep them safe.
Wings of Protection Game
You will need an open space and a few soft balls or beanbags. Have one child stand in the middle as the “little bird” while the others form a circle around them with arms raised like wings. Let the bird walk gently in the circle and then step inside to be covered. Talk about how God’s wings keep us safe, and rotate turns so every child gets a chance to be the bird.
Prayer Pocket Reminder
You will need a small paper bag or envelope, slips of paper, and a pencil for each child. Ask the children to write or draw one worry they have on a slip of paper and place it in the bag. Encourage them to keep the bag at home, and each night they can take out a slip and pray about it. This helps them remember that God hears every worry.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 17 shows that honest prayer is a healthy part of faith. David brings his fears, his sense of innocence, and his need for protection directly to God. He trusts God’s justice and steadfast love, even when his enemies seem powerful. The psalm invites us to bring our raw feelings to God and to find hope in His presence.
Avoid suggesting to children that trusting God means nothing bad will ever happen to them. David faced real danger, and God’s protection in Scripture does not promise a life without pain. Help children understand that God is with them in hard times, and that He is faithful even when we cannot see how He will act.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we are glad that You hear our prayers. Please keep us safe like the apple of Your eye, and cover us with Your wings. Help us remember that You are always close, even when we feel afraid. Thank You for loving us. Amen.
