Note to the Teacher

This lesson focuses on finding hope in a broken world, drawing inspiration from Psalm 14. The icebreaker, “Name Chant,” helps students get to know one another by learning everyone’s name in a fun, rhythmic way that builds connection and teamwork. In the discussion, students explore the meaning of Psalm 14 and how the psalmist expresses both despair and hope, reflecting on the contrast between faith and the surrounding world. The activity, “My Psalm 14,” encourages students to rewrite the psalm in their own words, translating its metaphors into personal experiences and sharing their creations with the group to explore individual interpretations of hope.

Times are based on a fifty-minute lesson period but may be adjusted.

Icebreaker: Name Chant (10 minutes)

For this game, focus on learning all the names of the students in your group. First, go around the group twice, asking each person to say their name (if it is a small group or a group that knows one another well, try their middle names). Then start a rhythm by slapping your hand on your knees. The student to your right will start and say the students' names in order on the beat, starting with the student on the right. When that person finishes, the student on the right begins without missing a beat. If someone misses a name or a beat, the process starts over.

Bible Reading (5 minutes)

Read Psalm 14.

Discussion Questions (10 minutes)

What do you think the psalmist means in saying, “Fools say in their hearts, ‘There is no God’”?
Why do you think the psalmist views those who profess faith but live contrary to it as “fools”?
Would it be fair to use the word “hypocrite” like the author uses the word “fool”? Why or why not?
Do you think most people in your life would agree with the psalmist?
How does the psalm contrast despair with the hope of God’s refuge?
What causes feelings of despair?
What does the psalm say about how God relates to marginalized or oppressed people?

Active Learning Activity: My Psalm 14 (20 minutes)

Instructions:

Give all students paper and a pen and invite them to rewrite Psalm 14 in their own words. Explain that this activity is not about translating the psalm word-for-word but looking at the imagery and metaphors and translating them into imagery and metaphors from their lives. To make this a little more interesting, prepare printouts of the psalm in a large font with extra space between each line and invite students to rewrite it between the lines of the existing psalm.

Once everyone has finished, ask them to take turns reading the psalms and explaining their choices for the imagery.