SAMUEL LISTENS TO HIS HEAVENLY FATHER — 1 Samuel 3:1-10

Preparation: Tell the children that each time you show the word card “Samuel” (see photo) during the story, they are to say in unison “Samuel.” Practice twice.

“Good night,” Eli said to (Show word card.) Samuel.

“Good night,” (Show word card.) Samuel said to Eli.

The mother of (Show word card.) Samuel had taken him to the temple to help Eli the priest. Eli was like a father to (Show word card.) Samuel.

All was quiet.

(Show word card). “Samuel”, a Voice called.

(Show word card.) Samuel got out of bed, ran to Eli and said: “Here I am. You called me.”

Eli responded: “I did NOT call you, (Show word card). Samuel. Go back and lie down.”

(Show word card). Samuel went back to his bed and laid down.

All was quiet.

(Show word card.) “Samuel,” God called a second time.

(Show word card.) Samuel got out of bed, ran to Eli and said: “Here I am. You called me.”

Eli responded: “I did NOT call you, (Show word card). Samuel. Go back and lie down.”

(Show word card.) Samuel went back to his bed and laid down.

All was quiet.

(Show word card.) “Samuel,” God called a third time.

(Show word card.) Samuel got out of bed, ran to Eli and said: “Here I am. You called me.”

Then Eli realized God was calling (Show word card.) Samuel. So Eli said: “Go and lie down. If God calls you again say, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.'”

(Show word card.) Samuel went back to his bed and laid down.

All was quiet.

(Show word card.) “Samuel,” God called again.

(Show word card.) Samuel responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”

Discussion:

1.Why is it important to listen to God, our Heavenly Father?

2.In what ways does our Heavenly Father speak to us?

3.How can we listen to God?

4.How do you feel inside when you want to talk with someone and they are not really listening?

Song: “Blah, Blah, Blah” from Mary Rice Hopkins & Puppets with a Heart DVD.