Gideon: Weak but Chosen
Scripture: Judges 6:1-7:25
Theme: God’s power is made perfect in weakness
Age Group: PreK-K (Ages 3-5)
Overview
Lesson Overview: “Samuel Hears God’s Voice!” Opening Wonder (5 min): “Can you imagine a tiny boy sleeping in a dark room? One night, God whispered, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’, but Samuel thought it was just an angel. What if God wanted to speak to YOU?” (Repeat: “God speaks… and we listen!”) Story Time (7 min): Samuel slept in God’s temple and heard a soft whisper (like a gentle breeze or a lullaby). At first, he thought it was just his friend Eli, but God kept calling! When he answered, God said, “I’m calling you for a special job!” Samuel was so scared but trusted God. Wow! Even little Samuel listened, and God loved him! Repetition & Prayer (5 min): “God speaks… and we listen! How? By closing our eyes and waiting. Maybe we’ll hear God’s voice in a song, a hug, or a kind word today. Let’s pray together: ‘God, help me listen for YOU!’” Closing Encouragement (3 min): “Today, God wants YOU to be brave like Samuel! Even if God’s voice sounds quiet, answer anyway. You’re amazing because God chooses us to listen!” (Wave hands up for applause!) Tip: Use a soft voice to mimic God’s whisper and let kids “hear” it with their eyes closed. End with a hug or “God’s voice” hug!
Bible Story
Samuel Hears God’s Quiet Voice
Long, long ago, in a small town called Shiloh, there was a very special boy named Samuel. He was a little boy who loved God and listened very carefully to what He said. One day, when Samuel was sleeping in the temple, he heard a soft, gentle voice calling his name. “Samuel!” the voice whispered. Samuel woke up, but he didn’t know who was there. He thought it might be Eli, his kind and wise priest, so he ran to him. “Eli, Eli, speak to me!” Samuel cried out. But Eli just smiled and said, “Go back to sleep, my son.” Samuel did, and that night, he heard the voice again, Samuel!, and ran to Eli again. “Eli, what should I do?” Samuel asked, and Eli said, “The Lord is speaking to you!” Samuel didn’t understand, but he kept listening.
The next morning, Eli was worried. He thought Samuel must be sleepy and asked him to repeat what he heard. “The Lord said to me, ‘Samuel,’” Samuel said. Eli’s face lit up with wonder. “The Lord speaks through you!” he cheered! Eli knew God wanted Samuel to be a very important listener for Him. The Lord gave Samuel a big, beautiful job, he would tell others about God’s special plans. Samuel smiled and thought, “Wow, I can hear God’s voice!”
Samuel grew up to be a brave and kind boy who always listened to God’s voice. Even when it was quiet, he knew God was speaking. That’s why this story is special, because God always wants us to listen to Him, just like Samuel did! When we hear God’s quiet whisper, we can trust that He is telling us something important. And that’s how we learn to be good listeners, just like Samuel!
Why This Story Matters: God wants us to be brave and listen when He speaks. Just like Samuel, we can trust Him to guide us and show us His love! When we listen to God’s voice, we learn how to be kind, brave, and always follow His heart.
Activities
The Strong Small Army Dance
Supplies: N, o, n, e
- Stand like a small tree.
- God says “Grow!”
- Stand tall like a big tree.
- Say “We are strong!”
- Clap your hands.
The Hero Shield Craft
Supplies: C, a, r, d, b, o, a, r, d, ,, , m, a, r, k, e, r, s, ,, , g, l, u, e
- Cut a shield shape.
- Draw a star.
- Write “I am strong”.
- Glue on card.
- Hold it up.
Discussion Questions
- Here are four open-ended discussion questions to help preschool and kindergarten children explore Samuel Hears God’s Voice with wonder and simple words:
- What was Samuel’s job before he heard God’s voice?
- “Samuel was very young when he heard God. What did you think Samuel did all day when he was little? How do you think God might have been with him, even when he was just a baby?”*
- (Encourage them to share ideas like sleeping in the temple, playing with his mom, or listening for a whisper.)*
- How did Samuel know God was speaking to him, not his friends or family?
- “Samuel thought it was his friends calling him, but God said, ‘Samuel, I’m talking to you!’ How do you think you’d know when someone, even God, is calling your name? What would make you say, ‘This is God speaking!’?”*
- (Let them imagine a soft voice, a special feeling, or a sign from heaven.)*
- What would YOU do if God called you at night?
- “Samuel ran to Eli when he thought it was Eli calling. What would YOU do if God whispered your name while you were sleeping? Would you jump up? Tell someone? Or would you ask, ‘Who is calling me?’ like Samuel?”*
- (Encourage them to explore brave, curious, or kind ways to listen.)*
- Why is it important to listen for God, just like Samuel did?
- “God wants us to listen for His voice every day, not just in stories! When we listen, we can hear His love, His plans, or even His whispers about things we should do. Where do you think God might be calling you right now, like Samuel heard Him?”*
- (Let them share examples: in school, at play, or when praying.)*
- Bonus Tip: Use repetition like “God’s voice is soft… God’s voice is brave…” and ask them to echo the words. This helps little ones remember the story’s key idea: God calls us to listen with open hearts!
Prayer Focus
Prayer for Wonder and Listening Dear God, today we are like little Samuel, so small, so curious, and full of wonder! Help us to listen closely to You, just like Samuel did. When we feel quiet inside, remind us that You whisper in our hearts. Show us Your love like a soft breeze, and help us to hear You when we try. God, You hear our prayers even when we don’t say them aloud. Help us to trust You, like Samuel trusted You. When we don’t understand, remind us that You know what’s best. Let us be like little ears, open and ready to hear Your voice in all of our days. God, make us kind and brave like Samuel was. When we feel afraid, give us courage to listen. Help us to follow You, just as Samuel did, and to trust that You are always near. Thank You for loving us so much! God, let us be filled with wonder today. When we hear Your voice, help us to share it with others. Thank You for being our Guide, our Friend, and our Love. Amen!
Missions Spotlight
Among the Aymara people of Bolivia, who live at some of the highest altitudes on earth, there is a deep longing to hear from God. Missionaries share Samuel’s story to show that the God of the Bible still speaks today through His Word and His Spirit.
To the Cross
As a boy, Samuel didn’t yet know the Lord. God spoke, and Samuel responded, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’ Jesus is God’s ultimate Word, the final and complete way God speaks to us. When we read Scripture, God is speaking, and we respond in faith.
Family Take-Home
In 1 Samuel 3, young Samuel, though still a child, learns to listen for God’s voice in the quiet night. After answering the call at the Temple, he hears God speak through Elijah’s voice, teaching him to trust, obey, and serve even when it’s hard.