This lesson teaches children that God wants our thankful hearts more than fancy gifts, and that He is always ready to hear us when we call. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Big Idea
God loves it when we thank Him and call on Him, because He is always listening and always able to help us.
Memory Verse
Psalm 50:15
Call on me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”
(WEB)
Ask the children to cup their hands like they are calling someone across a field, then clap once when they say the words “Call on me.” Have them repeat the motion each time the verse is read, so their hands and their words learn together.
The Story: Psalm 50 for Kids
Long ago, a psalm writer told a story about God speaking from Zion, a beautiful city on a hill. God called to the whole earth, from the place where the sun rises to the place where it sets. Fire went before Him, and there was a great storm all around Him. It was a powerful and important moment.
God called to the heavens and the earth to witness what He was about to say. He gathered His people, the ones who had made an agreement with Him through their sacrifices. God wanted them to listen closely, because He had something important to tell them about their hearts.
God said, “I do not scold you because of your sacrifices. The animals you bring are not what I need. Every animal in the forest belongs to me, and every bird in the mountains is known to me.” God did not need food or drink from them. The whole world already belonged to Him.
God then gave His people a better gift to bring. He said, “Offer me a sacrifice of thanks. Keep your promises to the Most High. And when you are in trouble, call on me. I will rescue you, and you will honor me for it.” God was asking for thankful hearts and trusting prayers.
But God also spoke to people who did wrong and did not listen to Him. He said, “You hate my instruction and throw my words away. You speak evil and tell lies about your own family. I have been quiet for a while, but I see everything you do.” He warned them to think about how they were living.
The psalm ends with a loving promise. God said that the person who gives thanks honors Him, and God will show that person His salvation. Thankful hearts are the gift God is looking for.
Read It Together
Psalm 50:1-2
1 The Mighty One, God, the LORD, speaks, and calls the earth from sunrise to sunset. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God shines out.
(WEB)
Point out that God is called “the Mighty One” and that He speaks to the whole earth. Ask the children to notice how big God is, and remind them that the same God is interested in each of them personally.
Psalm 50:14
Offer to God the sacrifice of thanksgiving. Pay your vows to the Most High.
(WEB)
Show the children that God asks for thanksgiving and for keeping our promises. Explain that giving thanks is one way we tell God we trust Him, even on ordinary days.
Psalm 50:23
Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving glorifies me, and prepares his way so that I will show God’s salvation to him.”
(WEB)
Point out that the person who gives thanks honors God and walks in a way that God can bless. Help the children see that thankfulness is something they can practice every day.
Talk About It
- What is one thing you are thankful for today, and how can you tell God about it?
- Why do you think God said He did not need the animals from the people’s farms?
- What does it mean that God hears us when we call on Him in trouble?
- How can you show God you are thankful when you are at school or at home?
- What do you think it feels like when someone you love listens carefully to you?
Activity Ideas
Thankful Hands Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and scissors. Have each child trace their hand on the paper, then write or draw one thing they are thankful for on each finger. Hang the finished hands on the wall so the class can see all the thankful things together.
Call and Answer Game
You will need a open space and a small bell or a clap for a signal. One child stands at one end of the room and calls out “Thank you, God!” while the others answer back with the same words. Let each child take a turn being the caller, so everyone practices both calling and answering.
Thank You Jar at Home
You will need a jar, slips of paper, and a pencil. Place the jar on the kitchen table and ask each family member to write one thank you note each day and drop it in. At the end of the week, read the notes aloud together during dinner and thank God for each one.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 50 reminds us that God is not impressed by religious activity that is empty of a grateful and trusting heart. He is the Creator of everything, so He has no need for what we might offer Him. What He desires is a relationship built on thanks, honest prayer, and faithful living.
With children, avoid overstating the warning about the wicked. Keep the focus on God’s love and His invitation to call on Him, rather than on fear of judgment. Children learn best when they feel safe and welcomed by God.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, thank you for listening when we call to you. Help us to remember to say thank you for the good things you give us every day. Teach us to trust you when we feel scared or sad. We love you, and we want to honor you with thankful hearts. Amen.
