Samuel listens to God: Bible class for children

Introduction

God can speak to the hearts of children and teach them to walk in obedience from a young age. The story of Samuel shows us a child willing to serve, even though at first he did not yet know how to recognize the voice of God.

One night, Samuel heard someone calling him. He thought it was the priest Eli, but he soon discovered that it was God who wanted to speak to him. This class will help children understand that they can approach the Lord with an attentive heart and respond:“Speak, for your servant is listening”.

Story summary

Samuel was a boy who lived and served in the temple alongside the priest Eli. One night, while he was sleeping, he heard a voice saying:

—Samuel… Samuel…

Believing that Eli was calling him, Samuel ran to him and asked:

—Did you call me?

But Eli answered that he had not called him and asked him to go back to sleep. This happened three times. Finally, Eli understood that it was God who was calling the boy.

Eli taught him to respond:

—Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.

When God called him again, Samuel responded with a willing heart. From that moment, a very important stage in his life began, because God had a special purpose for him.

Class objective

That the children understand that:

• God loves them, knows them, and can guide them.

• We can learn to recognize His will through the Bible.

• Listening to God also means being willing to obey Him.

• God can use the life of a child who has an attentive heart.

Base Bible text

1 Samuel 3:1-10

Verse to memorize

“Speak, for your servant is listening.”1 Samuel 3:10

The original class suggests repeating the verse several times using gestures: placing a hand on the ear, raising a hand, and ending with hands together in a prayerful attitude.

Main teaching

God knows our name

God called Samuel by name. This reminds us that no child is unknown to the Lord. God knows each one, understands what they feel, and cares about their life.

We learn to recognize the voice of God

Samuel heard the voice, but at first he did not understand who was calling him. He needed Eli’s guidance. In the same way, children need parents, teachers, and Christian leaders to help them know the Bible and distinguish what pleases God.

Listening also means obeying

Samuel did not just hear a voice. He got up, paid attention, and was willing to do God’s will. A true listening attitude produces obedience.

God can use children

Samuel was young, but God already had a purpose for his life. Age does not prevent a child from loving the Lord, praying, serving, obeying, and sharing their faith with others.

Practical application

We can teach children that today we learn to listen to and recognize God's will when:

• We read the Bible, because there we know His truth.

• We pray, talking with God and leaving moments of silence to reflect.

• We listen to the teaching of our Christian parents and leaders, always in accordance with the Word of God.

• We choose to do what is right, even if no one is watching us.

These actions appear as a central part of the practical application of the class.

Encourage each child to set aside a few minutes during the week to read a verse, pray, and say:

“Lord, help me understand Your Word and obey You.”

Phrase to remember

“God speaks to hearts that want to listen.”

Questions to discuss

1. Who called Samuel during the night?

2. Why did Samuel think Eli was calling him?

3. How many times did Samuel go to look for Eli?

4. What advice did Eli give him?

5. What did Samuel answer when God called him again?

6. How can we learn to listen to God today?

7. What does it mean to obey God?

8. Is there something God is teaching you through the Bible?

9. What can you do this week to have a more attentive heart?

10. Who can you ask for help when you don't understand something from God's Word?

Suggested activity: Ears that listen to God

Materials

• Cardstock or thick paper

• Colors or markers

• Round-tip scissors

• Glue

• A paper strip to make a headband

Instructions

1. Each child will draw and cut out two large ears.

2. They will glue the ears to a strip of cardstock that can be worn around the head.

3. In the center, they will write:

   'Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.'

4. They can decorate the activity with drawings of Samuel, stars, a Bible, or the temple.

5. At the end, everyone will repeat together the verse from 1 Samuel 3:10.

This craft is based on the activity 'Ears that listen to God' included in the original material.

Final Prayer

Lord Jesus,

thank you because you love us and know our name. Help us to hear your voice through your Word. Give us an attentive, humble, and obedient heart. Teach us to do what is right and to fulfill your will. We want to serve you like Samuel and trust in the purpose you have for our lives.

Amen.

Statement to repeat with the children

“With God's help, I will listen to His voice and obey His Word.”

The prayer proposed in the class asks the Lord for help to listen, obey, and do His will.