This lesson teaches children that they can call on God quickly whenever they need help, because He always hears them. It suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including the story, the discussion and one activity.
Big Idea
When I am scared or in trouble, I can run to God and ask Him to help me right away. He is always ready to help the people who love Him.
Memory Verse
Psalm 70:5
But I am poor and needy. Come to me quickly, God. You are my help and my deliverer. The LORD, don’t delay.
(WEB)
Hold both hands out in front of you, palms up, like you are asking for something. Then bring them close to your heart as you say the words slowly. Doing the motion each time helps children remember that God is their help.
The Story: Psalm 70 for Kids
King David wrote this song a long time ago. He was in a hard place, with enemies all around him who wanted to hurt him. He felt tired and worried, and he did not know what to do next.
So David did the right thing. He turned to God and asked for help. He did not wait until he felt brave or until everything was fixed. He simply cried out, “Hurry, God, come and help me!”
David also prayed for the people who were trying to hurt him. He asked God to stop their plans. He knew that God is fair, and that God would take care of the trouble in His own way.
David remembered that other people who love God also need Him. So he asked God to make them glad and happy because God saves His people. Then David was honest with God. He said, “I am poor and needy.”
Even though David felt weak, he trusted that God would come to him quickly. He ended by calling God his help and his rescuer. David showed everyone that God is close when we are in trouble.
Read It Together
Psalm 70:1
Hurry, God, to deliver me. Come quickly to help me, the LORD.
(WEB)
Point out the word “Hurry.” Ask the children how they might feel if someone came to help them very fast. Explain that David was in a real hurry because he needed God right then.
Psalm 70:4
Let all those who seek you rejoice and be glad in you. Let those who love your salvation continually say, “Let God be exalted!”
(WEB)
Show how David asked God to make everyone who loves Him glad. Ask the children to name one friend or family member they want to see happy. Remind them that God cares about all His people.
Psalm 70:2-3
2 Let them be disappointed and confounded who seek my soul. Let those who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace. 3 Let them be turned because of their shame Who say, “Aha! Aha!”
(WEB)
Explain that David asked God to stop the plans of people who wanted to hurt him. Talk gently about how God is in charge of what happens. Remind children that they never need to take revenge themselves.
Talk About It
- What is something that makes you feel scared or worried sometimes?
- When David was in trouble, what did he do first?
- How did David say God is important to him in this song?
- Why do you think David asked God to hurry?
- What is one thing you can pray to God about this week?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Help Picture
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a picture of a time they felt scared or needed help. Then have them draw God’s hand reaching down to help them. Let the children tell you about their drawings when they finish.
Help Me Quick Game
You will need a open space in a room and a few soft toys or blocks. Call out “Help me quick!” and have the children run to a spot on the far side of the room. Then ask them to stand still and say the memory verse together. This shows that God is quick to help when we call Him.
Take-Home Prayer Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a pen. Write “Hurry, God, come help me” on one side of each card, and let the children decorate the other side. Ask them to keep the card by their bed or on the fridge. Encourage them to read it aloud when they wake up or go to sleep each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 70 shows that honest, urgent prayer is welcome before God, even when we feel weak or surrounded by trouble. David names his need plainly and asks for help without pretending everything is fine. The psalm also reflects the historic Christian view that God is a righteous judge who cares for both the needy and the faithful.
Be careful not to make it sound like God will always answer our prayers in the exact way or on the exact timeline we want. Children may think prayer is a magic button. Instead, focus on the truth that God hears, cares, and is faithful, even when His answers look different from what we expected.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we know You hear us when we call. When we feel scared or weak, help us to run to You quickly. Thank You for being our help and our rescuer. We love You. Amen.
