In this lesson, children learn that God speaks to people who are ready to listen, even when they are young. The story of young Samuel shows that God calls by name and that we can answer, “Speak, for your servant hears.” This lesson suits children ages 5 to 11 and takes about 20 to 30 minutes to teach.
Big Idea
God calls us by name, and when we listen and answer, “Here I am,” we can hear Him speak. God can use anyone who is willing, even a young boy who is still learning.
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 one ear, like they are listening hard. Then have them put the other hand on their chest and say the words together while they do the motion. Repeat it three times, slowly, then quickly.
The Story: 1 Samuel 3 for Kids
A long time ago, a boy named Samuel lived in the house of God at Shiloh. He helped an old priest named Eli every day. Samuel slept in the temple near the special box called the ark, which showed that God was with His people.
One night, while everything was quiet, Samuel heard someone call his name. “Samuel! Samuel!” He jumped up and ran to Eli. “Here I am. You called me.” But Eli said, “I did not call you. Go back to bed.”
Samuel went back to bed. Then the voice called again, and again Samuel ran to Eli. Eli still said, “I did not call. Lie down again.” Samuel did not yet know that it was God who was calling him.
The third time, Eli understood what was happening. He told Samuel, “Go lie down, and if the voice calls you again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.'” So Samuel went back to bed and waited.
This time God came and stood beside him and called, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered just the way Eli had told him. God gave Samuel a message to share, even though it was hard news about Eli’s family. In the morning, Samuel told Eli everything, and he did not hide anything.
As Samuel grew up, God was with him, and everyone in Israel knew that Samuel was a true prophet of the Lord. God kept speaking to Samuel, and Samuel kept listening.
Read It Together
1 Samuel 3:1
The child Samuel ministered to the LORD before Eli. The LORD’s word was precious in those days. There were not many visions, then.
(WEB)
Point out that Samuel was a child serving God, and that God’s word was rare in those days. Ask the children why hearing from God might feel special, and remind them that God still wants to speak to His people today.
1 Samuel 3:8-9
8 The LORD called Samuel again the third time. He arose and went to Eli, and said, “Here I am; for you called me.” Eli perceived that the LORD had called the child. 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 how Eli helped Samuel understand that God was calling him. Point out that Eli did not keep the answer to himself but gave Samuel a simple way to respond. Talk about how grown-ups and friends can help us hear God.
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, and that not one of Samuel’s words fell to the ground. Explain that God keeps His promises, and that He can be with us as we grow too.
Talk About It
- What did Samuel think was calling him the first time he heard the voice?
- Why do you think Samuel ran to Eli each time instead of staying in bed?
- What words did Eli teach Samuel to say when God called him?
- What is one way you can practice listening for God’s voice this week?
- What hard message did Samuel have to share, and why do you think he was brave enough to tell Eli the truth?
Activity Ideas
Ear and Heart Drawing
You will need paper, crayons or markers, and a pencil. Ask each child to draw a big ear on one side of the paper and a heart on the other. Have them write or draw a simple answer to God, like “Here I am,” in the middle. Talk about how the ear hears and the heart answers.
Listen and Answer Game
Choose one child to stand with their eyes closed while the others sit in a circle. Pick a child to quietly say the child’s name, then have the blindfolded child answer, “Here I am.” Let the child guess who called. Take turns so everyone gets a chance to call and to answer.
Take-Home Listening Card
You will need index cards, a marker, and a small ribbon or clip. Write “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening” on each card and let the children decorate it. Ask them to keep the card by their bed and read it each night for a week. Encourage the family to talk about one thing they heard God say that week.
Teacher Notes
For adults, this passage shows that God often chooses to speak to ordinary people who are faithful and willing to listen, even in times when His word seems rare. It also shows the importance of mentors like Eli, who helped Samuel recognize God’s voice and who humbly received hard news. The story reminds us that God’s call often comes in quiet moments, and that faithfulness in small things prepares us for bigger responsibilities.
Avoid overstating to children that God will speak to them in an audible voice the way He did to Samuel. Instead, teach that God speaks through His Word, prayer, and the wise counsel of others, and that He wants us to listen and respond with trust.
A Prayer to Close
Dear God, we thank You that You know our names and You want to talk with us. Help us to listen carefully, like Samuel did, and to answer, “Here I am.” Give us hearts that are ready to hear You and courage to obey what You say. Thank You for always being with us. Amen.
