Long ago, in a quiet place called Shiloh, there lived a boy named Samuel. Samuel was special because he lived in God’s house. Every night, he would sleep near the holy box called the Ark of God. The Ark was very important, and it reminded everyone that God was with His people.
One night, when the moon was shining softly like a silver light, Samuel heard a voice calling his name. “Samuel! Samuel!” The voice was gentle but clear. Samuel woke up and ran to Eli, the priest who took care of God’s house. “Here I am! You called me?” Samuel asked, his eyes wide with surprise.
But Eli said, “I didn’t call you. Go back to sleep.” So, Samuel went back to bed. But soon, the voice called again, “Samuel! Samuel!” This time, Samuel was a little confused and a bit scared. He got up and ran to Eli again. “Here I am! You called me?” But Eli said, “No, my son. Go back to sleep.”
The voice called a third time, “Samuel! Samuel!” Now Eli understood. He said softly, “Go lie down. If you hear the voice again, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’” Samuel did just that. He was brave and waited quietly in the dark room.
Suddenly, the voice called again, “Samuel! Samuel!” Samuel answered with a calm heart, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.” And God spoke to Samuel. God told Samuel important things about the people and the future. Samuel felt God’s love and care in his heart. It was a very special moment!
Samuel was happy and a little nervous too. He knew God had chosen him to listen and to tell others what God said. From that night on, Samuel listened carefully to God’s voice. He grew up to be a great helper for God’s people.
Isn’t it wonderful that God talks to us too? Sometimes, God speaks in quiet ways, like a soft whisper or a warm feeling in our hearts. Like Samuel, we can say, “Speak, Lord, I am listening!” and God will help us know what to do.
God loves you very much and wants to talk to you every day. Just like Samuel, you can listen with your heart and trust God’s voice. When you do, you will feel happy and safe, like a bright star shining in the night sky.
Questions to think about
- Who was Samuel and where did he live?
- What did Samuel hear at night?
- Who did Samuel think was calling him?
- What did Eli tell Samuel to say?
- How can you listen to God’s voice today?
Message of the story
God loves to talk to us and wants us to listen carefully with our hearts. When we say, “Speak, Lord, I am listening,” God will guide us with love and care.
Bible passage
1 Samuel 3:1-21 (World English Bible)
1 Now the boy Samuel was ministering to the LORD before Eli. The word of the LORD was rare in those days; there was no frequent vision.
2 It happened at that time, Eli was lying down in his place. His eyes had begun to grow so dim that he could not see.
3 The lamp of God had not yet gone out, and Samuel was lying down in the temple of the LORD, where the ark of God was.
4 The LORD called Samuel. He answered, “Here I am!”
5 He ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” But he said, “I did not call. Go lie down again.” So he went and lay
