For Kids · 4 min with a grown-up
A boy named Samuel is asleep in God's house when a voice calls his name in the dark. He doesn't know it yet, but God is about to speak to him.
Today's Story
Samuel was just a boy, helping the old priest Eli in God's house. In those days, people didn't hear God's voice very often.
One night, Samuel was lying down to sleep when he heard a voice call, “Samuel!” He jumped up and ran to Eli. “Here I am! You called me.” But Eli said, “I didn't call you. Go back to bed.” So he did.
“Samuel!” the voice called again. Again Samuel ran to Eli. “Here I am!” “I didn't call, my boy. Lie back down.” And it happened a third time!
Then old Eli understood: it was God calling the boy. “Go lie down,” Eli said. “And if He calls again, say, ‘Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.’”
So Samuel lay down. And God came and called again: “Samuel! Samuel!” This time Samuel answered, “Speak, Lord. Your servant is listening.”
And God began to talk with Samuel. From that night on, Samuel grew up listening to God — and he became one of the greatest leaders God's people ever had. It all started with a boy who said, “I'm listening.”
A Big Word
Memory Verse
Talk About It
- It took Samuel a few tries to realize it was God calling. How do you think we can “hear” God today? (Hint: the Bible, prayer, wise people who love Him.)
- Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, I'm listening.” What's the difference between just hearing something and really listening?
- God spoke to Samuel when he was just a kid. How does it feel to know God wants to speak to you, too?