Opening Activity

Recap the last five verses the children have learnt so far

• Psalms 23:1, The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
• Psalms 23:2-3, He makes me lie down in green pastures, He leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
•  Psalms 23:4, Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
• Psalms 23:5, You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.

Bible Story

Invite 2 children to volunteer and act like sheep.

• • I brought 2 friends today. I would like you to meet my friends, Goodness (pointing to Goodness) and Mercy (pointing to Mercy).
  • Goodness is a very good friend. She always tells the truth and is loving and kind. And Mercy, she is also a very good friend. Mercy is the kind of friend everyone would love to have. She will be your friend no matter what. Even if you do something that isn’t very friendly, she will always forgive you, even if you don’t deserve it. No matter how bad you treat her, she is always ready to forgive and forget. I am blessed to have such good friends.
  • (Start pacing back and forth followed by the other two volunteers) Goodness and Mercy seem to be following me everywhere I am going.
  • During the past four weeks, we have learned how God provides for and protects us. He knows what we need and He gives it to us. He knows that we are surrounded by enemies, so He saves us from harm and gives us courage. Today, we will learn about God’s wonderful love and generosity.
  • Well, let’s look at our Bible verse today. Who remembers what book of the Bible and chapter we are studying? Have a child come up and find the 23rd Psalm or try to open the Bible to the middle.
  • Today we are looking at the sixth and last verse of this wonderful Psalm
    that tells us a little bit about what God is like. We have learned that God is a lot like a Good Shepherd who cares for his sheep, protects them, and gives them everything they need. Let’s see what the last verse says, “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
  • This verse is telling us that if we make God our Shepherd and follow him, goodness and mercy will follow us. God will guide and protect us and show us how to live a good life.
  • He will show us mercy, or loving-kindness, and forgiveness when we mess up. He will give us another chance. He will always love us no matter what.

Questions

1. What blessings can follow you all the days of your life? (Jesus, Heaven, contentment, hope, family, etc.)
2.  How long can we live in God’s house? (Forever.)
3. How can seeking only the things of this world leave us with an empty feeling? (Allow for answers.)
4. What does Psalms 23:6 say? (Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.)