David Anointed King

Scripture: 1 Samuel 16:1-13

Theme: God looks at the heart, not the outward appearance

Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)

Overview

Lesson Overview: Solomon Asks for Wisdom Preschool/Kindergarten (Ages 3, 5) , Sunday School Opening Wonder: “What is wisdom?” Start with a simple question like, “Kids, if you could ask God for anything right now, like a superpower or a magic toy, what would you ask? What would make you wonder the most?” Let them share answers (e.g., “to be brave,” “to know how to help others”). Then gently introduce: “God always wants us to ask Him for the greatest thing, wisdom, which is knowing how to live well and love others!” Story Time: Solomon’s Big Wish Read 1 Kings 3:5, 15 (or a child-friendly version) in a way that highlights Solomon’s nervousness (“I’m scared!”) and God’s gentle response (“Ask, and I’ll give you wisdom!”). Use repetition: – “Solomon asked God for wisdom… and God gave it to him!” – “God gave him so much more, like kindness and strength!” Pause to ask: “What would you do with so much wisdom?” (Let them giggle: “Maybe teach others!”). Hands-On Wonder: “Wisdom is…?” Act it out! Have kids mimic: – Hearing (listening to God’s voice). – Choosing (picking kindness over toys). – Helping (sharing or solving problems). End with: “Wisdom is like a superpower for our hearts, it helps us love God and others!” Closing Encouragement: End with a simple prayer: “God, help us to ask for wisdom today. Teach us how to live like You do, kind, brave, and full of love!” Then hugs and a fun question: “What’s one thing you learned today about wisdom?” (Repeat: “It’s the best gift we can ask for!”) Volunteer Tip: Keep it interactive, use props (a “wisdom crown” from a crown prop bag), act out Solomon’s nervousness, or sing a short song (“Wisdom is like sunshine…”). Why this works: Repetition (God’s response), wonder (what wisdom really looks like), and simple choices (kids feel empowered to “ask” for God’s help daily). Short, sweet, and packed with engagement!

Bible Story

Solomon Asks for Wisdom

Once, King Solomon was a very wise and kind ruler. His father, King David, loved him and wanted him to be smart and good. When Solomon was old enough to rule, the Lord God asked him, “What do you want me to give you?” Solomon looked around and thought for a long time.

Then he said, “I don’t want gold or power or even a big army, just one thing!” He said, “Teach me how to be wise, so I can make fair decisions for my people.” The Lord was very happy! He said, “Because you asked for wisdom, I will give it to you, and I’ll also give you riches and honor!”

Later, two women came to Solomon, both claiming to be the mother of the same baby. They argued, “I am the real mother!” Solomon asked, “Cut the baby in two and give each of them half!” But one woman said, “Give the baby to her!” The other woman agreed, “No, let her have him!” Solomon knew the true mother’s heart, and he said, “The one who loves her child will keep him!” So the wise woman got her baby back.

This story shows us that God hears our prayers and gives us what we truly need, even when we ask for wisdom. When we ask God for help, He always knows what’s best for us, just like Solomon did!

Why This Story Matters: God wants us to trust Him and ask for wisdom, just like Solomon did. When we pray, He hears us, and He always gives us what’s best, even if it’s not what we expect!

Activities

  1. Show the Bible story: Read 1 Kings 3:5, 15 in simple words, “Solomon asked God for wisdom like a crown.” Pause after “and the Lord gave him wisdom!”
  2. Make a crown: Cut paper strips into rings, let kids glue them around a paper plate to make a crown. Decorate with crayons (write “Wise Choice” on one strip).
  3. Practice praying: Sit in a circle. Each child says, “God, help me be wise!” while holding up the crown. Act out Solomon’s dream, hold hands and sway like God answered.
  4. Discuss: “How can you use wisdom today?” (Example: Asking first before borrowing toys.) End with a prayer: “God, help me be wise like Solomon!”
  5. 2. “Wonder Tree Wisdom Leaves”
  6. Draw the story: Show the Bible passage. Ask, “How did Solomon ask God for wisdom?” Draw a big “?” on the board. Write “God gave him wisdom!”
  7. Plant leaves: Give each child a paper plate. Fold it into a leaf shape and glue it to the tree trunk. Write on the back: “My wisdom leaf” or “Ask God for help!”
  8. Act the dream: Place a toy donkey/cow near the tree. Pretend Solomon had a dream (e.g., a tree with 70 animals). Act: “I didn’t know what to ask God!”
  9. Draw wisdom: Each child colors their leaf with how they’d use wisdom (e.g., asking first, sharing toys). Hang leaves on the tree. Say, “God’s wisdom grows in our hearts like these leaves!”
  10. Why these work:
  11. Repetition: Crown prayer/wonder tree reinforce “God gives wisdom!”
  12. Wonder: Toys/dreams make the story come alive.
  13. Simple: Uses basics + short time. Kids leave with a crown/leaf reminder!

Discussion Questions

  1. Here are four open-ended questions to spark wonder and conversation with little ones (ages 3, 5) about Solomon Asks for Wisdom:
  2. What Do You Wonder?
  3. “A long time ago, a king named Solomon asked God for a big, important question, what would he ask? What do you wonder about? Maybe it’s about making good choices, sharing with friends, or asking for help. Tell me your wonder!”*
  4. (Repeat: “Wonder is like a magic question that helps us grow! What’s yours?”, let them think or draw their wonder.)*
  5. What Kind of Wisdom?
  6. “Solomon didn’t just want wisdom, he wanted it to help him do the right thing. What kind of wisdom would you want? Is it about:
  7. Helping others?
  8. Being brave when you’re scared?
  9. Choosing kind words?
  10. Pick one, and tell me why it matters to you!”*
  11. (Use repetition: “Wisdom helps us make choices that make others happy. What’s yours?”)*
  12. What Would You Ask God?
  13. “If you could ask God anything, like Solomon did, what would it be? Maybe, ‘Help me listen to my friends’ or ‘Teach me to share my toys.’ Share your question, and then tell me: Why is that important to you?”*
  14. (Wonder: “God hears all questions! What’s yours?”)*
  15. What’s a Time You Needed Help?
  16. “Sometimes we need wisdom, just like Solomon did. What’s a time you felt unsure, maybe you wanted to build a block tower higher or share your snack? How did you find help?”*
  17. (Repeat: “Help is like a superhero who shows the way! How did yours help?”)*
  18. Bonus Tip: For younger kids, pair questions with simple gestures (e.g., pretend to think, then ask: “What would you think first?”). Let them draw their answers or act them out! The goal is wonder, not right/wrong answers.

Prayer Focus

Prayer for Little Wisdom Seekers Dear God, Help us like little King Solomon, who asked for wonderful wisdom so we can know what’s right and true. Teach us to listen and wonder, just like he did when he asked for guidance. Give us clever hearts to make choices that help others, and show us how to share our learning with those around us. Help us to be brave and kind, just like Solomon asked for strength and understanding. Amen! Wonder and Kindness God in heaven, Look at how curious we are, like Solomon, we want to learn! Help us ask questions with hearts full of love. Show us how to listen well and think big, like he did when he asked for wisdom. Help us wonder every day and grow in kindness, just like the wise King did. Amen! With Open Hearts Oh, God of wonder, Open our little hearts to hear your voice. Just like Solomon asked for wisdom, help us ask for kindness and courage too. Teach us to make good choices, just as he did when he asked for help from You. Let us grow strong and smart, filled with love and wonder. Amen! Wonderful Questions Dear God, Ask us today to wonder and ask big questions, just like Solomon did! Help us to be smart and kind, just as he asked for wisdom. Show us how to listen, learn, and share, like the wise king taught. Give us hearts that ask for love and understanding, always. Amen!

Missions Spotlight

The Akan people of Ghana have a rich tradition of proverbs and wisdom sayings. Missionaries have found that Solomon’s story resonates deeply, and the concept of ‘wisdom from God’ opens doors to share about Jesus, the Wisdom of God.

To the Cross

Solomon asked for wisdom and God was pleased. But the Bible says, ‘The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.’ True wisdom leads us to Jesus, ‘in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge’ (Colossians 2:3).

Family Take-Home

Here’s a quick summary for families: When King Solomon asked God for wisdom to lead his people, God was thrilled, he gave Solomon not just knowledge but also understanding, courage, and the ability to make right decisions (1 Kings 3:12). This lesson reminds us to ask God for wisdom in our own lives, trusting that He’ll guide us with His best intentions!

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