Week 17 · Old Testament · about 3 minutes · 177 words
👂 Samuel Hears His Name
A boy in the temple learns to answer when God calls his name in the night.
Samuel was a boy who lived at the house of the Lord and helped the priest Eli. One night Samuel was lying down near the lamp of God. He heard a voice: “Samuel!” He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am.” Eli had not called him. This happened again. And again.
Then Eli understood. He told Samuel, “If he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” Samuel went back to bed. The Lord came and stood and called as before. This time Samuel answered the way Eli taught him.
God spoke to a child who was willing to listen. Samuel grew up still listening, and Israel came to know him as a prophet who did not hide God’s words. The beginning was a dark room, a lamp, and a boy who got out of bed.
God may not call your name out loud tonight the way he called Samuel. He has already spoken in the Bible, and he loves a heart that says, “I’m listening.” You can practice that sentence before you sleep.
“Yahweh came, and stood, and called as at other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak; for your servant hears.””
1 Samuel 3:10 · 1 Samuel 3
Say it
Practice 1 Samuel 3:10
Tap the words in order. The blanks follow the verse from left to right.
Yahwehcame,andstood,andcalledasatothertimes,“Samuel!Samuel!”said,“Speak;foryourservant
Talk about it
- Why did Samuel run to Eli?
- What sentence did Eli teach him?
- How do we listen to God now?
Prayer
Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening. Help me hear you in the Bible and obey with a willing heart. Amen.
Parent tip
Whisper the memory verse once in the dark so the story’s nighttime setting feels real and safe.
Week 17 · the whole night
👂 Samuel Hears His Name
Story, coloring page, word search, and the verse to trace.