To explore the wonder of God's world through music.
PREPARATION
Read Bible Background.
Materials List
Bibles Cassette tape or CD of the songs "How Majestic is Your Name" and "Awesome God" CD or tape player Instruments [Optional] Markers Newsprint Overhead projector or LCD projector for Power Point Page for journaling Pencils Photos from the Hubble telescope web page, or other nature photos Polaroid camera/film Tape or glue Words to songs on overhead transparency or on Power Point
Advance Preparation
Gather pictures; create slide show or print to overhead transparencies. As an option, Integrity Music has visual cd's with the words. That might be easier than creating a slide show
Prepare a transparency with the song words.
On the journaling sheet, print the scripture passage and one or two reflective questions.
Gather the remainder of the supplies.
PRESENTATION
Open - Introduction
Ask: What are some awesome things in our world? (As children respond, record answers on the newsprint.)
Say: In our scripture lesson we are going to learn about praising God with music. The book of Psalms has many songs and prayers to God. Much of these writings are attributed to David.
Dig - Main Content
Distribute Bibles. Let's read this scripture together. Look for Psalm 8. The Book of Psalms is in the center of your Bible. Read the passage together, with expression.
Isn't that a beautiful passage? Do you think that David could have written that while he was watching the sheep in the fields? What was David (or the Psalmist) praising God for? Let's look at our list we made. Let's circle the same things on our list.
This Psalm has been made into a song. The song is "How Majestic is Your Name." Let's learn the words. I'll say a phrase, and you repeat it after me.
Play the tune on the cd/tape player. Sing the song one time to be sure they have an idea of how it goes. Then, tell the children we will sing the song again, but this time with pictures. Tell them to take a good look at the pictures while they sing. Be sure the pictures don't change too fast.
Children may play instruments with the song if they desire.
Reflect - Closure
Ask: What awesome things did you see in the slides? (Allow responses). Tell children to choose one picture they liked, then project it onto the wall. Take a picture of each child in front of the selected picture. For example, if a child chooses one of the space pictures, have them stand in front of it. As the pictures are developing, give each child the journaling page. Have them attach their picture to the page with glue or tape and have them write or draw what they felt when they sang the song with the pictures. Ask questions like:
What was your favorite picture? Why?
How does it feel to be a part of God's creation?
Close by singing the chorus to "Awesome God".
ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS
Adaptations - Younger children
Teach the chorus to "All Things Bright and Beautiful."
Adaptations - Older Children
Read together the words to "How Great Thou Art" and reflect on them.
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