This Psalm 22 Sunday school lesson teaches children that God hears them even when they feel alone and scared. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the memory verse, and the activities.
Big Idea
God hears us, even when we feel alone. We can always bring our hard feelings to him, and he is never too far away to help.
Memory Verse
Psalm 22:24
For he has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, Neither has he hidden his face from him; but when he cried to him, he heard.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup one hand to their ear as if listening, then open both hands wide as they say the words “he heard.” Repeat it together three times, first softly, then loudly, then softly again, so the motion sinks in.
The Story: Psalm 22 for Kids
King David wrote a song to God when he felt very alone. He was surrounded by enemies who were loud and unkind. They laughed at him and said that God would never save him. Some of them even shook their heads and sneered at him.
David felt tired and weak. He told God that it seemed like God was far away and did not answer. He said, “My God, why have you left me?” He felt like water spilled on the ground, with nothing left inside him. His heart felt soft and melted, like candle wax in the sun.
But David remembered something important. He remembered that God had always been with his family. Long ago, his people had cried out to God, and God had rescued them. David knew that God was still good, even when things felt dark and scary.
So David kept talking to God. He asked God to hurry and help him. He trusted that God would save him from his enemies and keep him safe. David said that he would tell his friends and family how wonderful God is.
At the end of the song, David was full of hope. He said that God had not ignored him. When David cried out, God listened. David wanted everyone to know that God hears the cries of people who are hurting. Then he invited everyone who loves God to praise him together.
Read It Together
Psalm 22:1-2
1 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me, and from the words of my groaning? 2 My God, I cry in the daytime, but you don’t answer; in the night season, and am not silent.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts his song by telling God exactly how he feels. Ask the children that it is okay to tell God when we feel sad, confused, or afraid, because God wants to hear from us.
Psalm 22:26
The humble shall eat and be satisfied. They shall praise the LORD who seek after him. Let your hearts live forever.
(WEB)
Point out that people who love God are filled up and satisfied by him. Explain that worshiping God gives us a happy, full heart that can last a long time.
Talk About It
- When is a time you felt alone or scared, and what did you do about it?
- What did David say to God when he felt far away from him?
- Why do you think David told God exactly how he was feeling?
- How can we remember that God is near even when we cannot see him?
- Who is someone you can help this week because they feel alone or sad?
Activity Ideas
Ear and Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a large ear in the middle of the page, then draw a small heart inside it. Have them write or draw one thing they want to tell God. Let them keep the picture as a reminder that God is always listening.
Listening Game
You will need a small bell, a whistle, or a clap sound. Have the children stand in a circle with their eyes closed. Ring the bell softly from different spots in the room, and have the children point toward the sound. Talk about how they listened carefully to find the sound, just as God listens carefully to us.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a hole punch with yarn. Have each child write “God hears me” on one side of the card and draw a picture of something they want to say to God on the other side. Punch a hole in the corner and tie the yarn so they can hang the card on their bedroom door or next to their bed.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 22 is an honest prayer from someone in deep pain, and it shows that God welcomes raw, real emotion in prayer. The psalm also looks ahead to a time of praise and hope, reminding adults that God’s faithfulness holds even in our darkest seasons. Adults can learn from David’s willingness to speak to God honestly while still trusting his character.
Avoid suggesting to children that if they pray hard enough, every hard situation will be fixed right away. The psalm teaches that God hears and is near, but it does not promise that every problem disappears on our timetable. Keep the focus on God’s presence and listening heart rather than on guaranteed outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you hear us when we call to you. When we feel sad, scared, or alone, help us remember that you are close by. Teach us to talk to you honestly, and help us trust you every day. Amen.
