1. Ice Breaker

Ask the students – if you could create a brand new animal that mixed two actual animals together, what would you mix and why? If you’ve got a whiteboard, consider asking them to draw it and have the other students guess before they explain what it is and why.

2. Read Scripture

Our Scripture reading today will focus upon Psalm 104. Due to this being a longer Psalm, you might have one student read odd verses and another read even verses, or have different students read 5 verses at a time. Psalm 104 has much descriptive language about the different aspects of nature God has created.

Read Psalm 104:1-35.

3. Discussion

• What imagery about nature or creation stood out to you in Psalm 104?


• What do these verses say about God’s connection to creation?


• The Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther wrote in the 16th century, “God writes the Gospel not in the Bible alone, but also on trees, and in the flowers and clouds and stars.” (The Green Bible I-103) Where in nature or creation do you experience God or see God revealed?

Re-read Psalm 104:33-34.

How does the writer of this Psalm respond to creation in verses 33 and 34?

• Did God have to create the earth or humanity?


• Why do you think God chose to create?


• What does it say about God that God chose to create humanity?

4. Activity and Discussion:

Take this lesson to the next level by getting students’ hands and imaginations involved using the activity “What if You Were the Creator” from the Youth Worker Collective: (https://youthworkercollective.com/what-if-you-were-the-creator-a-no-prep-activity-to-explore-creation/):

Imagine you got to be the Creator and could create a completely new animal. Get into groups of 2 or 3 students and get a sheet of paper and some markers or crayons. You have 10 minutes to 1) draw your new animal, 2) to list its characteristics, and 3) to give it a name.

After all students have had time to create a new animal they will then share their creation briefly with the group.

After all have shared ask one final question. The reality is that God is not only the Creator, but God also created something from nothing. What is the difference between God being able to create and your creation? (God could literally bring matter and creation into existence, while anything humanity creates is using the pieces of creation we have been given by God.)

5. Closing

Close in the manner that is typical for you. Consider taking joys and concerns from the students, then asking for a volunteer to close in prayer.