In this lesson, children learn that God speaks to them and that they can answer, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God knows your name, and He wants to talk with you. When He calls, you can listen and answer, “Here I am.”
Memory Verse
1 Samuel 3:10
The LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.”
(WEB)
Teach the children to cup one hand behind an ear while they say the verse, then open both hands wide as they say “Speak.” Have them repeat the motion three times so the words and the gesture stay together in their minds.
The Story: 1 Samuel 3 for Kids
A young boy named Samuel lived in the house of God at Shiloh. He helped an old priest named Eli, who taught him how to care for the tent where God’s special box, called the ark, was kept. Eli’s eyes had grown so weak that he could hardly see anymore. Samuel slept nearby, in the same tent where God’s ark was kept.
One night, Samuel heard someone call his name: “Samuel!” He jumped up, ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am. You called me.” Eli answered, “I didn’t call you. Go back to bed.” So Samuel went back to sleep.
Then the voice called again, and again Samuel ran to Eli. For a third time Eli said, “I did not call you, my son. Lie down.” Samuel did not yet know that God was the one speaking to him. Eli began to understand what was happening.
Eli told Samuel, “Go lie down again. If the voice calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.'” So Samuel went back to bed. This time, when God called, Samuel answered just as Eli had taught him.
God spoke to Samuel about big things that were going to happen to Eli’s family. Samuel was afraid to tell Eli, but Eli said, “Please tell me everything God said. Don’t hide anything.” So Samuel told him the whole message, and Eli said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what is good.”
As Samuel grew up, God was with him, and everything Samuel said from God came true. People all over Israel knew that Samuel was a true prophet of the Lord.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 3:4-5
4 The LORD called Samuel; and he said, “Here I am.” 5 He ran to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” He said, “I didn’t call. Lie down again.” He went and lay down.
(WEB)
Point out that Samuel did not know the voice was God’s. He thought it was Eli, so he ran to Eli, and that is a good way to show children that God often calls us in ways we do not expect at first.
1 Samuel 3:9
Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down. It shall be, if he calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, the LORD; for your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place.
(WEB)
Show the children that Eli gave Samuel wise advice. Ask them who helps them learn to listen to God, such as parents, Sunday school teachers, or pastors.
1 Samuel 3:19
Samuel grew, and the LORD was with him, and let none of his words fall to the ground.
(WEB)
Point out that God was with Samuel as he grew. Explain that God stays close to children too, every day, whether they are big or small.
Talk About It
- Why do you think Samuel thought Eli was the one calling him at first?
- What did Eli teach Samuel to say when God called him?
- How can you listen for God’s voice when you read your Bible or pray?
- What is one thing you could say to God, the way Samuel said, “Here I am”?
- How do you think Samuel felt when he had to tell Eli a hard message from God?
Activity Ideas
Draw the Night Scene
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw Samuel lying in bed in the tent, with a small lamp glowing nearby. Have them add a faint shape of Eli sleeping in his place. Let the children talk about what they imagine God’s voice sounded like, and label the picture with “Here I am.”
Follow the Voice Game
Blindfold one child, or have them close their eyes, and seat them in a chair in the middle of the room. Choose another child to quietly call, “Samuel!” from different corners. The blindfolded child answers, “Here I am,” and then walks toward the voice. Let each child have a turn, and talk about how it felt to listen carefully for a voice.
Ear and Answer Card
You will need an index card, a marker, and a safety pin or tape. Write “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears” on one side and draw a simple ear on the other. Help each child copy the words in their own handwriting. Encourage them to clip or tape the card to their bedroom door or backpack, so it reminds them to listen for God each day.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God speaks to ordinary people, even young ones, and that He calls them personally by name. Samuel’s willingness to say “Here I am” and then listen to hard news reflects humble faithfulness. Eli’s wisdom in guiding Samuel also shows the value of mentors in the life of faith.
When teaching children, avoid overstating how God speaks today. Keep the focus on the story itself and on the simple truth that God hears and cares for them, rather than promising they will hear an audible voice or describing exactly how God guides them in daily life.
A Prayer to Close
Lord, we thank you that you know our names. Help us listen when you speak, and help us answer, “Here I am.” Teach us to say, “Speak, Lord, for your servant hears.” Keep us close to you each day. Amen.
