Explore the story of God calling young Samuel with your students! This lesson brings 1 Samuel 3 to life through engaging activities, a strong gospel message, and creative ways to help children recognize and respond to God’s voice.
Learning Objectives
- Understand that God speaks to His people.
- Learn how Samuel listened and obeyed God from a young age.
- Recognize that God can use anyone, no matter their age, for His purposes.
Introductory Activity
“Who’s Calling?” Game: Have children close their eyes while you or another leader calls out their name from different parts of the room. See if they can recognize who is speaking. Use this as a fun way to introduce the idea of learning to listen to God’s voice.
Memory Verse
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:9 (NIV)
Bible Story Summary
The story begins during a time when God’s people were not hearing from Him often. Samuel, a young boy who lived in the temple with the priest Eli, had been dedicated to the Lord by his mother, Hannah. One night, as Samuel lay sleeping near the Ark of the Covenant, he heard a voice calling his name.
Thinking it was Eli, Samuel ran to him and said, “Here I am; you called me.” But Eli hadn’t called. This happened three times, and finally Eli realized that it was the Lord calling Samuel. He instructed him to respond by saying, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
When God called Samuel again, the boy responded just as Eli had told him. God then shared a message with Samuel, a serious one about the future of Eli’s family because of their disobedience. Although it was difficult, Samuel faithfully delivered God’s message to Eli the next day.
As Samuel grew, the Lord was with him, and everyone recognized that Samuel was a prophet of God. Samuel’s story teaches us the importance of being ready to listen to God and to obey Him.
Lessons from the Story
- God speaks to people, and He wants us to listen.
- Obedience and faithfulness begin at a young age.
- Even hard truths must be shared with courage when God calls us to do so.
- We can trust God to guide us when we are willing to listen.
Creative Ways to Teach This Lesson
- Fun and engaging worksheets: Use worksheets that promote learning and independent work.
- Role Play: Act out the scene where Samuel hears God’s voice and runs to Eli.
- Whisper Challenge: Play a game where children must listen closely to a whispered Bible truth.
- Prayer Station: Set up a quiet area where kids can pray and ask God to help them hear His voice.
Closing Encouragement
Encourage your students to be like Samuel, willing to listen and ready to obey God. Remind them that God still speaks today through His Word, His Spirit, and trusted leaders in their lives. Even as children, they can hear from God and be used for great things in His Kingdom.
Printable Resource for Teaching God Called Samuel
Bring this story to life with our God Called Samuel Bible Lesson Printable Pack, available in English and Spanish. This resource includes fun worksheets, coloring pages, and activities to help children engage with the story of Samuel in a meaningful way.
