The story of God Calls Samuel is a powerful Bible lesson that teaches children to listen for God’s voice and respond with obedience. In this story, young Samuel learns that God is calling him, and with Eli's help, he responds faithfully. There are many great ways to teach this story, including engaging crafts, hands-on activities, and printable lesson plans to help kids understand the message of this important Bible story while making learning meaningful and memorable.
Who was Samuel in the bible?
Samuel was dedicated to the Lord before he was even born. His mother, Hannah, had prayed for a child and promised that if God gave her a son, she would give him back to the Lord. God answered Hannah’s prayer and gave her Samuel. When Samuel was still young, Hannah brought him to serve the Lord under Eli at the house of the Lord.
Before Israel had kings, judges led them. Samuel was the last Judge of Israel. Samuel anointed Saul as Israel’s first king. And when Saul was no longer fit to be king, Samuel anointed David to be king. For more information on this story, check out the David Is Anointed Bible Lessons for Kids.
STORY OF GOD CALLING SAMUEL
1 Samuel 3 tells the story of God calling Samuel. Samuel was a boy living at the tabernacle, helping Eli the Priest. One night, after Eli had gone to bed, Samuel heard a voice calling him. Assuming it was Eli, he went to see what the priest wanted. Eli said it wasn’t him and sent Samuel back to bed. This happened two more times, and Eli realized God was speaking to Samuel, so he told Samuel what to say.
The next time God called, Samuel responded, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening!” God gave Samuel a message to give to Eli. Samuel became a prophet and judge for Israel, and God spoke to him regularly.
God Calls Samuel Bible Lessons for Kids
Are you ready to lead a Bible lesson on God calling Samuel? Check out our scripted lesson plans, discussion questions, and printable crafts.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION ABOUT SAMUEL
Samuel continued to follow God throughout his life. He continued to serve in the tabernacle. And when he got older, Samuel became a prophet and a judge. Before Israel had kings, God used Judges to lead His people. Samuel traveled throughout Israel, visiting cities and leading the people. Samuel was Israel's last judge, and he anointed Saul as the first king. Later, Samuel anointed David to be the next king.
Hearing from god CRAFT FOR OLDER KIDS
There are some important habits we can practice that will help us to discern God’s voice. These include prayer, reading the Bible, worshiping, memorizing Scripture, spending time in Creation, and writing/journaling.
This simple printable craft, found in God Speaks to Samuel for Older Kids, is a perfect visual of these habits. Kids will color and cut out the open book template. Then they will affix circular badge pieces that say the different ways they can spend time with God.
As kids work on their craft, ask them which of these habits they already practice and which they want to do more often.
Listening Ears Headband CRAFT FOR PRESCHOOL KIDS
We often cup our ears when we are trying hard to hear something. It’s a sign that we are trying to listen more closely. In the God Calls Samuel Bible Lesson for Preschool, kids will create a cute printable headband. The headband has hands on the sides and the words “Speak, Lord: I am listening!” in the middle.
After assembling the craft, kids can put it on as a reminder that Samuel heard God call his name and learned to listen. While we might not hear God’s audible voice like Samuel, God still speaks to us today! He speaks through the Bible, prayer, and the Holy Spirit. And as we learn more about God and grow in relationship with Him, we will be able to discern His voice better.
OTHER CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE STORY OF GOD CALLING SAMUEL
Telephone: Samuel spent his days listening to God. Connect this to a game of telephone, where kids have to listen very carefully to the whispered messages of other kids. Have the kids sit in a circle and share a whispered message with one kid. That kid then whispers the message to the next kid, who whispers it to the next kid, until everyone has heard it. It’s fun to see whether the message stays the same after being whispered around the circle.
Sound Effect Listening Game: Play some sound effect videos on YouTube and have kids guess what is making the sound. Then help kids see how Samuel listened to God and recognized His voice. Check out Guess the Sound Games from Mister Teach's Guess the Sound Game or Little Dreamers Education's The Ultimate Guess the Sound Challenge for Kids.
Paper Cup Telephone: Follow these instructions from KiwiCo to create a telephone using paper cups and string. Kids will love experimenting with telling messages to each other through their fun craft!
Praying Hands Crafts: Have kids trace their hands and write a prayer to God. Connect this to the story because Samuel spoke with God, and we can, too, through prayer.
YOUTUBE VIDEOS for the story GOD CALLs SAMUEL
Below are some suggestions for YouTube videos about this story. Please preview any videos you show your kids to ensure they are age-appropriate and match what you want to teach.
WANT TO CONTINUE LEARNING ABOUT OLD TESTAMENT STORIES?
This lesson is part of a seven-week series on beloved Old Testament stories. Other lessons in this series include Gideon’s Army, Ruth and Boaz, Ruth and Naomi, Samson, Solomon Asks for Wisdom, and the Fiery Furnace.