This lesson teaches children that God loves the city of Zion, and that people from many nations can belong to God’s family. It suits children aged 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Use the story, the memory verse, and the activities below in whatever order fits your class.
Big Idea
God loves his people, and he invites everyone, from every country, to belong to his family. Being born into God’s family is a gift he gives.
Memory Verse
Psalm 87:2
The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob.
(WEB)
Have the children stand tall and put both hands on their heart when they say “the LORD loves.” Then spread both arms wide, like a big hug, on “the gates of Zion.” Repeat the motions three times until the children can say the verse without help.
The Story: Psalm 87 for Kids
Long ago, God’s people lived in a city called Zion, and it was a special place. It sat on a high hill, and God had chosen it as his home among his people. The gates of that city were very dear to him. Psalm 87 tells us what God said about it.
The writer of this song looked at the city and saw something wonderful. God said that many people would one day be counted as citizens of Zion. Some of them came from faraway lands that were not part of God’s people. There were people from Egypt, Babylon, Philistia, Tyre, and Ethiopia. Each of them could say, “I was born in that city.”
Imagine a long line of people walking up the hill toward the gates. Some are tall, some are short, and they all speak different languages. God does not turn any of them away. Instead, he writes all their names down in his book, one by one, and he says, “This one was born there.”
When the people finally reach the city, they cannot stop smiling. Some of them sing, and some of them dance for joy. They are full of happiness because they know that God is their source of life. They say to one another, “All my springs are in you,” which means that all the good things in their lives come from God.
The song ends with this happy picture of God’s family, made up of people from every nation. God loves the city, and he loves every person who comes to belong to it. Every one of them is welcomed by him.
Read It Together
Psalm 87:1
His foundation is in the holy mountains.
(WEB)
Point out that God’s city is built on holy mountains that belong to him. Ask the children what it means for something to be solid and strong, and explain that God’s plans for his people never fall apart.
Psalm 87:4-5
4 I will record Rahab and Babylon among those who acknowledge me. Behold, Philistia, Tyre, and also Ethiopia: “This one was born there.” 5 Yes, of Zion it will be said, “This one and that one was born in her”; the Most High himself will establish her.
(WEB)
Show the children how God lists many nations, and point out the words “this one was born there.” Explain that God welcomes people from far away into his family, and that no one is left out.
Psalm 87:7
Those who sing as well as those who dance say, “All my springs are in you.”
(WEB)
Point out the singers and dancers in this verse, and note that the words “all my springs are in you” tell us where real joy comes from. Let the children act out singing or dancing for a moment to show their happiness.
Talk About It
- What do you think it would feel like to be told that God wrote your name in his book?
- Why do you think God wanted people from many different countries to be part of his city?
- Who is someone new in our class or neighborhood that we could welcome the way God welcomes people?
- What are some good things in your life that you know come from God?
- How can we show happiness to God the way the people in the psalm sang and danced?
Activity Ideas
Paper Gate Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and glue sticks. Ask each child to draw a city gate and then add flags, faces, or simple shapes that stand for different countries. Have them write or draw their own name on a tag and glue it inside the gate. Explain that God knows each name, just as the psalm says.
Walk to Zion
Clear some space in the room and mark a “hill” with a chair or a rug at one end. Ask the children to walk toward the hill slowly, pretending they come from far away and speak different languages. When they reach the hill, let them cheer, clap, and dance. Remind them that God welcomes everyone who comes to him.
Welcome Card for Home
You will need index cards, pencils, and stickers. Ask each child to write “God welcomes you” on the front and draw something from the psalm, such as a gate or a spring of water. Encourage them to give the card to a family member or friend this week. Explain that the card reminds everyone that God’s love is open to all.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 87 shows that God’s plan has always included people from many nations, not just one group. The psalm celebrates that God himself counts each person as belonging to his city, and that the source of joy is found in him. Readers have long noticed how this vision points toward the wide welcome of God’s family.
When teaching children, avoid overstating the historical details of the nations named in the psalm, since the children may not know them well and the focus should stay on God’s welcome. Keep the lesson centered on God’s love for every person rather than on geography or the identity of each nation.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, thank you that you love us and that you welcome everyone into your family. Help us to welcome others the way you welcome us. Fill our hearts with joy and remind us that all good things come from you. Amen.
