Scripture: Psalm 100
Learning Objectives:
- Students will learn Psalms had at least seven authors and several Psalms do not list any author.
- Students will learn about 98 of the Psalms are celebrating and worshipping God.
- Students will learn Psalms are often sung and have comforted God’s people for thousands of years.
- Students will create a gratitude journal.
Guiding Question: How can students learn to show gratitude toward God?
Materials: Journals, stickers, pens
Procedure: Review Psalm 100 and explain that the Psalms used to be sung but over time, the tunes have been lost. Tell the students that Psalms were sung to comfort people and call out to God. Music can have the same comforting affect on people today. Tell students that the kind of music we listen to can have an affect on our mood and can bring us comfort. Christian music can bring us comfort as we pray or when we are in a stressful situation.
Introduce the activity. Have the students create and start to record in a gratitude journal. Discuss with them health benefits of being grateful – better sleep, stress relief, reduced anxiety, reduced sadness, increased energy, increased empathy, decreased aggression – our gratitude can be to others, but should always include God. Encourage students to write in the journal daily.
Additional Questions: How can students pray to God about being thankful?
Supplemental Activity: Have students practice writing a prayer of gratitude toward God. Explain why showing gratitude to God is important. Encourage students to give thanks and show gratitude to God daily.