Celebrating harvest blessings: Thankful hearts (psalm 96:11-13)
LESSON OVERVIEW
Theme: Gratitude & Praise
Big Truth: We celebrate God’s blessings with thankful hearts.
Key Verse: “Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 107:1
Bible Story: Psalm 96:11–13 (Creation Rejoices)
Pillar Focus: Voice (Thanksgiving)
1) Introduction:
Harvest is a time of gathering blessings! In this lesson, Kids will learn how all creation celebrates God’s goodness and how we can have thankful hearts, too. Complete with a fun activity and an interactive Bible lesson, your kids will leave feeling grateful and activated in giving thanks and praise in everything they do.
2) Game: “Thankfulness Toss” (Memory Verse)
Setup:
A soft ball or beanbag.
Print/write words of Psalm 107:1 on slips of paper and tape them inside a circle on the floor.
How to Play:
Kids stand in a circle.
Toss the ball to a child; they pick up a word from the verse and try to place it in order on the floor.
Keep tossing until the whole verse is complete.
Then, read it aloud together in celebration!
3) Praise & Worship:
Encourage kids that worship is how we give thanks to God. Tell them:
“Today we’re going to lift our voices in praise just like the Bible says the trees and seas do!”
Suggested Songs:
Praise: “Every Move I Make” (By Victory Church Jbay, with motions)
Praise: “Thank You Lord” by Don Moen (kids' version works great)
Worship: “Goodness of God” (Bethel Music)
4) Bible Story Sermon (Psalm 96:11–13)
Props:
Fall leaves, mini pumpkins, or nature decorations.
Large poster of a tree or globe (to symbolize creation).
Storytelling Script:
Gather kids around, holding a few leaves or pumpkins.
Say:
“Kids, guess what time of the year it is? Sweater Weather! Which means? FALL! This is one of my favorite times of the year - the season is changing, and the colors of the leaves and trees are changing into bright yellow and red. Now, close your eyes for a moment and imagine this… The wind is blowing, leaves are dancing in the air, waves are crashing, and the stars sparkle in the night sky. Did you know the Bible says ALL of these things — trees, seas, skies — are celebrating God?”
Open the Bible and read Psalm 96:11-13 slowly, with pauses in between:
‘Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad; let the sea resound, and all that is in it. Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for He comes.’
Say:
“Wow! Imagine the trees singing! Or the oceans clapping! The Bible shows us that the whole world is thankful to God. If the trees can clap and the seas can roar in thanks, how much more can we? God has given us food, family, friends, and most of all, His love that lasts forever.”
Connect it back:
“The big truth is this: We celebrate God’s blessings with thankful hearts. Just like creation praises Him, we can live with joy and thankfulness every day. I want you to turn to a friend and tell them 5 things that you are thankful for. Next, pray for your friend to have a thankful heart at all times.”
5) Craft: Thankful Leaf / Pumpkin Craft
Supplies:
Paper leaves or small paper pumpkins.
Markers, crayons.
Hole punch + string (to make a “thankful garland”).
Instructions:
Each child writes or draws something they are thankful for on their leaf/pumpkin.
String them together into a “Thankful Garland” to hang in the room.
As each child adds theirs, have them say: “Thank You, God, for ___.”
6) Holy Spirit Activation:
Say: “Let’s ask the Holy Spirit to show us one blessing in our lives we might forget to be thankful for. It could be a friend, food, health, or even nature around us.” Pause for a moment of quiet listening. Then let kids share what the Holy Spirit was revealing to them! Together, shout: “Thank You, God, for Your blessings!”
7) Small Group Questions:
What does Psalm 96 say the seas and trees do to praise God?
Why do you think God wants us to be thankful?
What is one blessing in your life you can thank God for today?
How does being thankful change our hearts?
What are some ways you can show gratitude this week?
8) Prayer:
Dear Jesus,
Thank You for all the blessings You’ve given me.
Thank You for my family, friends, and creation all around me.
Help me to live every day with a thankful heart.
I celebrate Your goodness always.
Amen.