This lesson teaches children that God is great and worthy of praise, and that we can sing to him all over the world. It works well for children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes, including a short activity.
Big Idea
God made everything, he is great and good, and everyone everywhere can sing happy songs to him. Praising God is something we can do every day, in every place.
Memory Verse
Psalm 96:1
Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all the earth.
(WEB)
Have children stand up, stretch their arms wide, and wave them slowly like they are singing to the whole world. Say “Sing!” and let them wave together while they repeat the verse out loud, then sit down quietly on “Lord.”
The Story: Psalm 96 for Kids
Long ago, a songwriter named David wrote a song for God’s people. He wanted everyone to know how wonderful God is. So he called out, “Sing to the Lord a new song!” He wanted the people in their homes and in their towns to sing with joy.
David did not only want Israel to sing. He wanted every family and every nation to join in. He said that God’s glory should be told among all the peoples. Each one would learn that God is great, and that he is greater than any idol people made out of wood or stone.
David remembered that God made the heavens and the earth. The sky, the sea, and the fields all belong to him. So David asked the sky to be glad, the sea to roar, and the trees to sing for joy. Even the fields were called to shout with happiness.
David also told the people to bring their gifts and come into God’s courts. He said, “Worship the Lord in holy beauty!” It was a time to bow down with respect, because God is holy and wise.
At the end of the song, David reminded everyone that God is the King, and he will judge the world fairly and with truth. He comes to make things right, and everything in creation is glad because of it.
Read It Together
Psalm 96:4
For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised! He is to be feared above all gods.
(WEB)
Point out that God is great and worthy of praise. Ask children to name one thing about God that makes them want to say “Wow!” Then tell them that the verse says God is greater than every other so-called god.
Psalm 96:11-12
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice. Let the sea roar, and its fullness! 12 Let the field and all that is in it exult! Then all the trees of the woods shall sing for joy
(WEB)
Show children how the verse invites the sky, the sea, and the fields to join the praise. Ask them to make a happy sound for each part of creation the verse names, such as roaring for the sea or rustling for the trees.
Psalm 96:13
Before the LORD; for he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, the peoples with his truth.
(WEB)
Explain that God is coming to judge the earth with righteousness and truth. Tell children this is good news, because God always does what is right and fair, and we can trust him to make things right.
Talk About It
- What is one thing God made that you think is really amazing?
- How can you sing a new song to God this week, even if no one else hears you?
- Why do you think David wanted every family and every nation to join in the praise?
- What does it feel like to know God is always fair and always good?
- Which part of God’s world would you like to ask to join in praising him, and why?
Activity Ideas
Draw a Thankful Creation Scene
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and tape. Ask each child to draw one part of God’s creation from the psalm, such as the sky, the sea, a field, or a tree. Encourage them to draw it happy and bright. Tape the pictures together on a wall to make a big picture of the whole world singing to God.
Sing-Along Movement Game
You will need a small bell or a clapping rhythm, and an open space in the room. Teach children a short song with simple motions, such as sweeping arms for the sky and rolling hands for the sea. Each time the bell rings, children change the motion to show a different part of creation. End by having everyone freeze and say together, “The Lord reigns!”
Take-Home Praise Jar
You will need a clean jar, paper strips, and a pencil. Have each child write or draw one thing they are thankful for about God on a strip, then fold it and place it in the jar. Ask families to read a few strips together at dinner or bedtime and sing one short praise song. The jar becomes a reminder that God is worthy of praise every day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, Psalm 96 is a call to worship that looks beyond one nation to all peoples and all creation. It reminds believers that God’s glory is meant to be declared everywhere, and that his rule brings justice and truth. Reading it today can shape how we speak about God to our neighbors and how we care for the world he made.
Avoid overstating what the psalm says about the future with young children. Keep the focus on God’s greatness, his creation, and his faithfulness, and let them enjoy the joy of praise rather than explaining every detail of how and when God will judge.
A Prayer to Close
Lord God, you made the sky, the sea, and the fields, and you made us too. We want to sing a new song to you today. Help us to tell others how great you are, and help us to praise you every day. Amen.
