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    The Call of Samuel: Sunday School Lesson

    1 Samuel 3

    Ages 4–10 ~40 min Memory: 1 Samuel 3:10

    Print this page straight from your browser — the story, memory verse, discussion questions and craft all fit on one sheet.

    Big Idea

    God speaks to children too — the answer He is listening for is 'Speak, Lord.'

    Story Summary

    Samuel was a boy serving in the house of the LORD when a voice called him in the night. Three times he ran to Eli, until the old priest understood it was God. Eli told him what to say, and when the LORD called again Samuel answered, 'Speak; for thy servant heareth.'

    Read the full retelling →

    Memory Verse (KJV)

    “Speak; for thy servant heareth.”

    1 Samuel 3:10

    Discussion Questions

    1. How many times did Samuel run to Eli before he understood?
    2. Why did Samuel not recognise God's voice at first?

      Teacher hint: 'Samuel did not yet know the LORD, neither was the word of the LORD yet revealed unto him' (1 Sam 3:7).

    3. How does God speak to us today?

      Teacher hint: Chiefly through His written Word, the Scriptures.

    4. What makes it hard to listen? What could you quiet down this week?

    Craft Idea: Listening Ear Bookmark

    Supplies

    • Card stock strips
    • Markers
    • Hole punch
    • Yarn

    Steps

    1. Cut a bookmark from card stock.
    2. Draw a large ear at the top.
    3. Write 1 Samuel 3:10 down the length.
    4. Punch a hole, thread yarn, and place it in a Bible at 1 Samuel 3.

    Printable Worksheet

    Print the lesson page for the memory verse card and take-home questions.

    This Sunday's lesson

    Lesson flow (45 minutes)

    1. Welcome (5 min): Pray, then read the memory verse aloud three times together.
    2. Story (10 min): Tell the story summary in your own words; open a KJV to 1 Samuel 3.
    3. Discussion (10 min): Walk through the questions above. Let every child answer at least once.
    4. Craft (15 min): Make the listening ear bookmark.
    5. Wrap-up (5 min): Hand out the worksheet to finish at home and recite the memory verse one last time.

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    Where to go next

    Teaching The Call of Samuel? Here is what to grab next for your class.