10 Psalms Every Kid Should Know

The Psalms are often overlooked in children’s ministry since they don’t provide the typical story-style teaching. But the book of Psalms is still an important book for kids to know about, especially as they learn to deal with their emotions and discover the character of God. Here are 10 Psalms I think every kid should know. What are some of your favorites?

Psalm 1 – This one reminds kids what it looks like to walk with God.

Psalm 19 – A great passage for reminding kids how God’s Word leads to refreshment, enlightenment, and life, and how God is worthy of our praise. Psalm 19:14 is a great one for kids to memorize!

Psalm 23 – Isn’t this pretty much everyone’s favorite Psalm? The shepherd analogy helps kids understand God as their protector, and this Psalm can be a source of comfort when kids are scared.

Psalm 46 – Sometimes life is scary, and this Psalm helps kids remember that God is God and He is with them.

Psalm 63 – This Psalm helps remind kids to be thirsty for God’s Word. (And here’s a fun object lesson about being thirsty for God’s Word!)

Psalm 100 – Kids read this Psalm and know they can praise God for His goodness, faithfulness, and protection. (Coming Friday, a fun game to help kids “shout for joy to the Lord!”)

Psalm 121 – When kids need help, Psalm 121 teaches them to ask the Lord.

Psalm 136 – This one is a Psalm of thanksgiving, and with the repetitive phrase “His love endures forever,” it’s an easy one to teach kids by inviting them to say the phrase with you as you read the Psalm.

Psalm 139 – A classic in children’s ministry, but when was the last time you really read the whole thing? Psalm 139 (ALL of Psalm 139, not just the part about “knit you together in your mother’s womb”) teaches kids that God made them unique and knows them uniquely. Psalm 139:23-24 is a great prayer to teach kids.

Psalm 150 – A Psalm of praise! Worship can take on many forms, and this Psalm lets kids know it’s OK to be loud and joyful in our praise to God.

Need an entire unit on the Psalms? Some of the Psalms listed above are taught in the interactive 8-week Scavenger Hunt Through the Psalms series. Check out the full series here.