Note to the Teacher

This lesson explores the theme of God's intimate knowledge of us, as expressed in Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18. The icebreaker, "The Known Game," has students share unique facts about themselves anonymously, prompting discussions about how deeply God knows us. The discussion focuses on understanding God's omniscience and how it affects our relationship with him. The activity, "Known by God Timeline,” has students create personal timelines reflecting key moments where they felt God's presence, helping them connect their life experiences to the theme of being known by God.

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

Icebreaker: The Known Game (10 minutes)

Give each student four or five cards. Have students write one thing about themselves that they think others might not know (e.g., a favorite hobby, an interesting fact, or a unique talent).

Collect one card from each student; then nominate a student to read each card aloud and then hand it to the student they think it is about. After they have handed out all the cards, have the students who reviewed the wrong card stand up and tell which card was theirs.

Repeat this with other students until you have used all the cards.

Bible Reading (5 minutes)

Read Psalm 139:1-6, 13 1.

Discussion Questions (10 minutes)

Themes: The world is constantly changing; anxiety versus hope and faith

What does Psalm 139 say about how well God knows us?
When you read the psalm, what verbs (action words) catch your attention?
What do you think it means when the psalmist says that God “searches” us?
How does this passage imply God treats us, given that God knows all the “good” and “bad” in us?
How can we echo the attributes of God in our world?
Who knows you the best right now?
Whom do you know the best right now?
How do you treat the people you know the best? Is this different from how you treat strangers or acquaintances? Why?

Active Learning Activity: Known by God Timeline (20 minutes)

Instructions:

Provide each student with a large piece of paper.

Ask students to draw a timeline of their lives and tell them to mark good and bad moments. Let them mark the times they made a mistake or did something wonderful. Ask them also to mark any important spiritual experiences.

Afterward, invite students to share some of their moments with the group, focusing on how these events relate to the theme of God’s intimate knowledge of them. Be prepared in case a young person shares something significantly traumatic.

Wrap up by discussing how God has been present throughout their journey and how this knowledge can inspire greater trust and humility in their faith.