✉️ To Parents
This week's Bible story introduces the account of young Samuel hearing God's voice for the first time. It is told with elevated language appropriate for fifth-grade readers. The story highlights narrative past tense, spiritual and emotional vocabulary, and invites children to reflect on how they can listen and be attentive in their own lives.
📖 Today's Reading
Long ago in the land of Israel, a boy named Samuel lived in the temple with Eli, the old priest. Samuel helped clean, light the lamps, and learn the sacred words.
One quiet night, after the oil lamps had grown dim, Samuel lay in bed, half asleep. Suddenly, he heard a voice: “Samuel!”He jumped up and ran to Eli. “Here I am! You called me.”
Eli opened one eye, confused. “I didn't call you. Go lie down.”
It happened again. And again.
On the third time, Eli finally understood. “Samuel,” he said gently, “It is the Lord speaking. Next time, say: ‘Speak, Lord. I am listening.’”
So Samuel went back to bed. When the voice came once more, Samuel sat up and whispered, “Speak, Lord. I am listening.”
And from that moment, Samuel became a prophet who heard and followed God’s words for the rest of his life.
🧠 New Vocabularies
- temple /ˈtɛm.pəl/ – Samuel lived in the temple with Eli.
- priest /prist/ – The priest cared for the sacred place.
- sacred /ˈseɪ.krɪd/ – He studied the sacred words every day.
- whisper /ˈwɪs.pɚ/ – Samuel whispered his prayer into the dark.
- listen /ˈlɪs.ən/ – Listening means paying attention with your heart.
- prophet /ˈprɑ.fɪt/ – A prophet shares messages from God.
✍️ Hi, Kids!
Have you ever heard something quiet but important—like a kind voice or a helpful idea?
Write about a time when you tried to truly listen, even when it was hard. Start your story like this: “One time, I listened closely and...”
Then explain what happened and how it made you feel inside.
