This lesson teaches children that they can talk to God every morning, and that He listens to them with love. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the activity.
Big Idea
God hears us when we pray, especially first thing in the morning. He loves people who are good, and He takes care of those who trust Him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 5:3
The LORD, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup their hands together in front of their chests, then lift them up slowly as if offering something to God. Say “In the morning I lay my requests before you” while lifting, and let them repeat it with you until the motion and the words go together.
The Story: Psalm 5 for Kids
King David was in trouble. People around him were telling lies and trying to hurt him. He felt small and scared, so he did the one thing that always helped. He talked to God.
David said, “Listen to my words, Lord.” He was not just speaking to the air. He knew God was his King and his God, and that God was the only one who could help him. Every morning, David brought his worries and wishes to God before the day began.
David also remembered something true about God. God is not happy when people do wrong or tell lies. Those who are proud and cruel cannot stay close to God, because God hates unfair and dishonest things. David knew that God is good, and that God would make things right.
So David said, “Lead me, Lord, and show me the right way, because my enemies are watching.” David asked God to guide him so he could walk the straight path. He trusted that God would keep him safe.
At the end of the psalm, David looked at all the people who run to God for shelter. He said they should be glad and sing for joy, because God protects them. God blesses good people, and He wraps them with His kindness like a big shield.
Read It Together
Psalm 5:1-3
1 Give ear to my words, the LORD. Consider my meditation. 2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God; for to you do I pray. 3 The LORD, in the morning you shall hear my voice. In the morning I will lay my requests before you, and will watch expectantly.
(WEB)
Point out that David starts by asking God to listen, then says he will pray again in the morning. Ask children what they might say to God if they could talk to Him first thing when they wake up.
Psalm 5:4-6
4 For you are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness. Evil can’t live with you. 5 The arrogant shall not stand in your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You will destroy those who speak lies. The LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
(WEB)
Explain that God is good and does not like wrong things like lies and cruelty. Help the children see that God’s goodness is a reason to trust Him, not a reason to be afraid of Him.
Psalm 5:11-12
11 But let all those who take refuge in you rejoice, Let them always shout for joy, because you defend them. Let them also who love your name be joyful in you. 12 For you will bless the righteous. The LORD, you will surround him with favor as with a shield.
(WEB)
Show how the psalm ends with joy. Point out the words “defend” and “shield,” and ask children to find those ideas in their own lives, such as a parent who keeps them safe.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you would like to tell God when you wake up in the morning?
- Why do you think David was scared, and what did he do about it?
- How does it feel to know God hears every prayer you pray?
- What does it mean that God is a shield around the people who trust Him?
- Who is someone you can pray for this week, and what would you ask God to do?
Activity Ideas
Morning Prayer Sun Craft
You will need paper plates, yellow and orange crayons or markers, and glue with some cotton balls or yarn. Have each child draw a sun on the plate, then write or draw one thing they want to tell God in the morning on the center. Glue cotton balls around the edge as rays, and let them take it home to remind them to pray each day.
Shield and Sword Game
You will need a few cardboard tubes or rolled newspapers, and a clear space in the room. Two children stand in a circle while the rest of the group sings a short prayer song. When the song stops, the children make a shield shape with their arms in front of their bodies. Let everyone take turns being the protected one, so they feel what it means to be surrounded by God’s care.
Take-Home Morning Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a pencil, and a small rubber band or a clip. Have each child write a short prayer starting with “God, I want to talk to you about…” on the card. Ask them to tape it to their bedroom door or bathroom mirror, so the card reminds them to pray each morning before they start the day.
Teacher Notes
Psalm 5 shows that prayer is a daily conversation, not a rare emergency call. David brings his whole heart to God every morning and trusts that God hears him, even when enemies are close. For adults, the psalm also reminds us that God is holy and opposes evil, while still offering protection and blessing to those who run to Him.
Be careful not to suggest to children that God will always make their problems disappear the moment they pray. The psalm teaches trust and confidence in God’s care, not a guarantee that every situation will turn out the way they want. Focus on God’s faithfulness and His listening heart rather than on specific outcomes.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you that you hear us when we talk to you. Help us to pray to you every morning, and to trust that you are good and that you keep us safe like a shield. Teach us to love what is right and to be kind to others. Amen.
