This lesson teaches children that they can call on God when they are scared or in trouble, and that God hears and helps them. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
When we are in trouble, we can call on God, and He always hears us and helps us. We do not have to be brave on our own.
Memory Verse
Psalm 20:1
May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob set you up on high…
(WEB)
Put one hand on your heart and hold it there while you say the verse together. Then lift both hands up high, like you are calling out to someone far away. Do the two motions together three times, and the children will remember it.
The Story: Psalm 20 for Kids
A long time ago, a king named David was in charge of the people of Israel. Sometimes the people got into big trouble, and they were afraid. David knew that no one could save them except God. So he wrote a song to remind everyone where their help really came from.
In the song, the people sang to God on a day when things were hard. They asked God to remember them and to send help from His holy house in Jerusalem. They brought their gifts and offerings to God, because they wanted Him to know that they loved Him and trusted Him.
The people did not trust in fancy horses or big chariots to keep them safe. Some people trusted in those things, but God’s people said, “We trust in the name of the LORD our God.” They knew that horses and chariots could fail, but God never fails.
The song ended with a prayer. The people asked God to save them and to answer them when they called. They ended by saying that they would stand up strong, because God was on their side. Everyone who sang that song went home knowing that God was near.
Read It Together
Psalm 20:2
Send you help from the sanctuary, grant you support from Zion…
(WEB)
Point out that God sends help from His holy place. Ask the children to name some ways God helps us, such as through family, friends, or teachers. Explain that God can help us even when we cannot see how.
Psalm 20:4
May He grant you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your counsel.
(WEB)
Show the children that God cares about what is in our hearts. Explain that asking God for good things is a way of trusting Him to know what is best. Remind them that God’s plans are always wise.
Psalm 20:7
Some trust in chariots, and some in horses, but we trust the name of the LORD our God.
(WEB)
Talk about the difference between trusting in things that can break and trusting in God, who never breaks His promises. Help the children think of an example of something they once trusted that let them down. Then point out that God is always faithful.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried, and what could you say to God about it?
- How can you tell that God hears us when we pray?
- Who are some people God uses to help us when we are in trouble?
- Why do you think the people in the story brought gifts to God?
- What does it mean to trust God instead of trusting in things we can see?
Activity Ideas
Hands-Up Prayer Drawing
Give each child a sheet of paper, crayons, and a pencil. Ask them to trace one of their hands and then draw a picture of something they might need help with inside the outline. Let them write or draw a simple word at the bottom, such as “help” or “God.” Display the pictures on a wall so the children can see that God hears every prayer.
Call and Answer Game
Gather the children in a circle and have one child stand in the middle with their eyes closed. The others call out, “God, help us!” and the child in the middle points to someone who answers, “I hear you!” Switch places so every child has a turn. Explain that God always hears us, even when we cannot see Him.
Take-Home Trouble Jar
Ask each child to bring home an empty jar or small box, along with slips of paper and a pen. Encourage them to write down a worry or problem on a slip of paper and place it in the jar. Each evening, they can pull out one slip, read it aloud, and pray about it together with their family. Explain that the jar is a reminder to call on God whenever trouble comes.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 20 is a prayer for God’s people before a difficult time, most likely before going into battle or facing a national crisis. It shows that real trust in God means calling on Him honestly, bringing our offerings and desires to Him, and remembering that human strength alone is not enough. The psalm points forward to the hope that God saves His anointed King.
When teaching children, avoid promising that God will always give us exactly what we ask for in the way we expect. Instead, emphasize that God hears us, loves us, and is faithful, even when His answers look different from what we hoped. Be careful not to suggest that trusting God guarantees safety from every danger.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank You for hearing us when we call. When we feel scared or in trouble, help us remember that You are near and that You care for us. Help us trust You more than anything we can see. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
