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 learn how Psalms express gratitude and joy toward God.
Guiding Question: How can students use music to express joy?
Materials: Bibles
Procedure: Teach 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 effect 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. Teach students of the songs below that have lyrics from one of the Psalms of joy in the Bible. Compare the lyrics to the original verses in the Bible. Work with students to learn the songs well enough that they will be able to sing them independently to express their gratitude and joy to God.
- Joy to the World Psalm 98
- How Great Is Our God Psalm 104
- Shout to the Lord Psalm 47 & 92
- Great Is the Lord Psalm 48
- How Excellent Is Thy Name Psalm 8
- The Lord Is My Shepherd Psalm 23
- Praise Ye the Lord Psalm 111
- Praise Him Praise Him Psalm 150
Additional Questions: How can students create songs to express joy?
Supplemental Activity: Have the students create an original song of joy to God. The students can use some of the Bible verses within the Psalms of Joy.