Children’s Message on 1 Samuel 1 on “Hannah’s Triumphant Prayer.”
Main Objective: Prayer is a powerful and precious tool that God gives us to communicate with Him. But how do we pray? What do we do when we feel discouraged or frustrated with prayer? This message focuses on the importance of prayer, using the story of Hannah to remind students that God always listens.
Hannah might have been tempted to give up, but continued to pray to the Lord, praising Him for His faithfulness when her request was granted. We, too, can be steadfast in our approach to God, and know that He is near and hears us, even if His answers don’t come in the time and way we think we want.
Law/Gospel Theme: We sometimes develop the idea that prayer is like a vending machine. If we put in enough good work and effort, God will honor us. However, God doesn’t just respond to those who are obeying Him perfectly or doing a number of good deeds. He loves all of us as His children, and always hears us, even if we don’t always like His answers. We can come directly to the Lord in prayer because Jesus has bridged the gap between God and humanity, allowing us to enter into His presence and bring our requests and thanksgivings to Him.
1 Samuel 1:4-20 (2:1-10) Children’s Sermon- God Listens to our Prayers
Optional Materials: Prayer tools (books, journals, etc.), Bible
Bible Passage: 1 Samuel 1:4-20 (optional add 2:1-10)
Message: Note: As with most messages, the details of how you choose to communicate this are adaptable and should cater to timing as well as to your audience and student needs.
Greet children, and discuss prayer practices.
Hello, children of God!
How do you pray? Hopefully prayer is a regular part of your life. When do you usually pray? Allow for some responses, and make suggestions. Maybe you pray before meals, or before you go to bed. Do you pray for yourself, or for other people? Do you tell God thank you? Some people have tools that they use to pray. Hold up items as you describe. Some people write out prayers in a journal. Some people use books with prayers written in them. You know, one of the best ways we can pray is to use God’s Word, the Bible. We can pray certain verses or parts of Scripture and speak God’s words back to Him. There are many great ways to pray. But when you pray, do you ever feel like God isn’t listening, or He’s not answering the way you want Him to? We probably all feel this way at times. Have you ever been teased for praying, or felt embarrassed about it? I hope not, but sometimes that happens.
This reminds me of a story in the Bible about a woman named Hannah. Hannah loved God, but she was sad about something. She really wanted children, and God had not allowed her to have babies. She had probably asked God for help, but He hadn’t said “yes” yet. Unfortunately, people around her weren’t much help. Her husband, Elkanah, didn’t understand why it was such a big deal. He thought she should be satisfied with him and not need children. Now, he also had another wife (God never says this is okay, but sometimes it did happen in the Bible). She had children, and she would make fun of Hannah saying that it was somehow her own fault she couldn’t have kids. Well, Hannah went to the temple with the family, and she was so sad that she wouldn’t even eat. She decided to pray again. She prayed so fervently that Eli, who was the priest, thought she was drunk, and told her not to have so much wine. Hannah explained that she was pouring out her heart to God and asking for a child. Hannah promised God that if He gave her a son, she would give him back to serve the Lord, and bring him to the temple. Well, God said “yes” to Hannah at last. She was able to have a son, who she named Samuel, which means “heard of God.” True to her word, she brought him to grow up in the temple, and he became a great prophet. Hannah went on to have other children, too. She gave thanks to God for His faithfulness and blessings.
Hannah didn’t give up. There were probably times when it felt like God wasn’t listening or didn’t care about her, but she continued to bring her requests to Him. God certainly didn’t give up on Hannah, either. He was with her, even in the midst of struggle and uncertainty. And He is with us, too. We might not think He’s listening to us, or might not feel close to Him at times. But God promises that He is always with us. He doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it, but that doesn’t mean He’s ignoring us. He loves us and wants to hear from us, and will provide what He knows we need.
So keep praying! You can pray out loud or silently, at any time of day, in any place, with a journal or a book or a Bible. You can pray with groups of people or all alone. Know that God is close at hand and hears you. And don’t forget that prayer isn’t just about begging for things. We should praise God, too, and give thanks to Him for all that He does. Prayer brings us comfort and peace because we draw closer to the Lord and communicate not just to Him, but with Him.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s say a prayer right now!
Prayer:
(Have kids repeat each line)
Dear God,
Thank you for giving us prayer.
Help us to remember to come to you.
And to give thanks and praise you for your blessings.
Thank you for hearing our prayers.
Thank you for your love.
We love you, God!
In Jesus name, Amen!
1 Samuel 1:4-20 (2:1-10) Meaning for Kids
On the day when Elkanah sacrificed, he would give portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her, though the Lord had closed her womb. 6 And her rival used to provoke her grievously to irritate her, because the Lord had closed her womb. 7 So it went on year by year. As often as she went up to the house of the Lord, she used to provoke her. Therefore Hannah wept and would not eat. 8 And Elkanah, her husband, said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart sad? Am I not more to you than ten sons?”
9 After they had eaten and drunk in Shiloh, Hannah rose. Now Eli the priest was sitting on the seat beside the doorpost of the temple of the Lord. 10 She was deeply distressed and prayed to the Lord and wept bitterly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me and not forget your servant, but will give to your servant a son, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall touch his head.”
12 As she continued praying before the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was speaking in her heart; only her lips moved, and her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli took her to be a drunken woman. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you go on being drunk? Put your wine away from you.” 15 But Hannah answered, “No, my lord, I am a woman troubled in spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and vexation.” 17 Then Eli answered, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition that you have made to him.” 18 And she said, “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad.
19 They rose early in the morning and worshiped before the Lord; then they went back to their house at Ramah. And Elkanah knew Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. 20 And in due time Hannah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Samuel, for she said, “I have asked for him from the Lord.” -1 Samuel 1:4-20
And Hannah prayed and said,
“My heart exults in the Lord;
my horn is exalted in the Lord.
My mouth derides my enemies,
because I rejoice in your salvation.
2 “There is none holy like the Lord:
for there is none besides you;
there is no rock like our God.
3 Talk no more so very proudly,
let not arrogance come from your mouth;
for the Lord is a God of knowledge,
and by him actions are weighed.
4 The bows of the mighty are broken,
but the feeble bind on strength.
5 Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread,
but those who were hungry have ceased to hunger.
The barren has borne seven,
but she who has many children is forlorn.
6 The Lord kills and brings to life;
he brings down to Sheol and raises up.
7 The Lord makes poor and makes rich;
he brings low and he exalts.
8 He raises up the poor from the dust;
he lifts the needy from the ash heap
to make them sit with princes
and inherit a seat of honor.
For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s,
and on them he has set the world.
9 “He will guard the feet of his faithful ones,
but the wicked shall be cut off in darkness,
for not by might shall a man prevail.
10 The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces;
against them he will thunder in heaven.
The Lord will judge the ends of the earth;
he will give strength to his king
and exalt the horn of his anointed.” -1 Samuel 2:1-10