Heart Prep:
Samuel’s life was marked from the beginning by God’s direct intervention, as he was the answer to his mother’s persistent prayers. Faithfully honoring her promise, Hannah dedicated Samuel to God’s service, allowing him to grow up in the temple under Eli the priest. There, God called Samuel directly, entrusting him with a message of repentance. Samuel’s obedient response was rooted deeply in his trust in God’s provision and faithfulness. Similarly, we are called to trust Christ wholeheartedly, turn away from sin, and boldly share God’s truth with others.
Message:
During the time of the judges, Hannah deeply desired a child and prayed fervently to God for a son. She promised to dedicate him to the Lord’s service. God heard her prayers, blessing her with a son named Samuel. Hannah faithfully gave back to God by bringing him to serve under Eli, the priest at Shiloh. Samuel grew up in God’s house, while Eli’s own sons behaved wickedly, misusing their priestly authority. One night, God called Samuel repeatedly, and with Eli’s guidance, Samuel finally recognized God’s voice. He responded, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” From that moment forward, Samuel became a trusted prophet, faithfully delivering God’s messages.
Main Point:
“God called to Samuel, and Samuel responded. God calls people to turn from sin and follow Jesus. Everyone who responds by trusting in Jesus is saved from sin.”
Discussion:
When has God answered your prayer? How did He answer you?
Discuss how we can trust God, like Hannah did, and come to Him with our frustrations, challenges, heartbreaks, desires, praises, and needs. Encourage kids to make prayer a daily habit, knowing God sees and hears them.
(Read 1 John 5:14.)
How does pride get in the way of trusting God for salvation and victory over sin?
Remind kids that God calls all people to repent of their sin and trust in Jesus. Tell kids that God also calls us to respond in obedience to His commands. Explain that we discover God’s will for our lives by reading the Bible. We can then use that knowledge to act in obedience through faith. (Read 1 Sam. 15:22.)
How can we respond to God answering our prayers for His glory?
Tell kids that Hannah gave Samuel back to the Lord to serve Him, and she praised Him for His grace. Discuss how we can worship God and praise Him when He answers our prayers. Tell kids that we can use the gifts He gives us to serve Him and point others to Him. Share how God receives the glory when we acknowledge He alone is worthy of our praise. (Read Rom. 11:36.)
