• Gather the materials.
• Read the scripture ahead of time.
• Get recordings of church members.

Supplies List:

• tape recorder
• tape with voices saying Bible verses
• Bibles.

Lesson

• Hannah prayed to God to have a child – would give him back to God.
• Eli was the priest at the temple – had 2 sons who stole offerings meant for God.
• Samuel was Eli’s helper – parents came to visit
• God called Samuel during the night, but he thought it was Eli calling.
• Eli realized it was God – Samuel said ‘Speak, for you servant is listening’
• God told Samuel that Eli and his sons would be punished

• God is probably not going to call us on the cell phone. But, would we recognize God if He talks to us? How do we know when God is talking to us? (True stories/situations from Randall, Iowa.)
• Actually heard words when nobody was around (and you’re not crazy)

• A peaceful feeling

• A persistent feeling / the same thoughts keep popping in your head

• Nagging thoughts/things that bug you

• Have you ever listened for God? God says “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalms 46:10.) We just need to be quiet and trust that God knows what he’s doing.
• Let God come in and fill you with His spirit.
• Sometimes we get so busy with our lives that we forget to pray and pay attention to what God has to say to us.

• Play a pre-recorded tape of people reading their favorite Bible verse – maybe 15 different people. They will say the verse, followed by the Bible reference, then pause for 5 seconds and say their own name. (use a variety of people and ages)
• Stop after each verse and let the kids guess who is the speaker. (Stop the tape before they say their name.)
• Have hints available if needed – sings in the choir, plays the piano, usually sits in the back of the church, related to Stephanie, etc.
• After each verse/name say, “You could (or couldn’t) recognize ________ (name of reader),
• • But will you recognize God when He speaks to you?”
  • But will you listen to God when He talks to you?”
  • But will you be still and pay attention to God?”
  • But will you be quiet and trust in God?”

• You can use the same sentence each time, or mix them up. It seems kind of corny, but the kids really responded to the repetition.

• Why did Elkanah leave town with his family and go to worship at the Temple/Tabernacle?

• Hannah went to the Tabernacle to pray. Why did she do that? Why not kneel down and pray wherever she was? Maybe she wanted to get away from Peninnah – be alone – not have distractions – make it feel more holy/special
• Where do you pray?
• Where can you pray? Anywhere – in a crowd – by yourself – all the time
• Do you think it was hard for Hannah to give her son to God and leave him at the temple?

• When the Lord called to Samuel, who did Samuel think was calling him? What was his response? Eli, the priest – ‘Here I am, you called me’ (what a great servant to respond right away and offer himself – here I am!)
• After the third time of God calling to Samuel, Eli realized it was the Lord calling. What did Eli suggest for Samuel to say? ‘Speak, for your servant is listening’ (What a great servant to be ready to listen and do what the Lord wants)

Closing:

End with a prayer.