Samuel Hears God
Listening to God
1 Samuel 3about 2 minutes to read aloud
Hannah had prayed long for a son. When the Lord gave her Samuel, she brought him to the temple and left him to serve the Lord with Eli the priest.
In those days, the word of the Lord was rare. Samuel was still a boy. He slept near the ark in the temple while the lamp of God was still burning.
In the night, a voice called, "Samuel." He ran to Eli. "Here I am. You called me." But Eli said, "I did not call, my son. Lie down again."
The voice came a second time, and a third. Then Eli understood. "Go and lie down. If He calls again, say, Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
Samuel went back to his bed. The Lord came and stood there and called as before. "Samuel. Samuel." And Samuel answered, "Speak, for your servant is listening."
The Lord gave Samuel a heavy word that night about the house of Eli. Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him, and none of his words fell to the ground. All Israel knew that Samuel was a prophet of the Lord.
Questions to talk about
Who was Samuel's mother?
Show the answer
Hannah prayed for a son, and the Lord gave her Samuel.
Who did Samuel think was calling him?
Show the answer
Samuel ran to Eli each time, until Eli realized it was the Lord calling.
What did Samuel finally say?
Show the answer
At Eli's counsel, Samuel answered, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening."
The lesson
God speaks, and He speaks even to children. He calls by name the ones He has chosen.
