“Boys & girls, let’s play a game and have fun!“

1. Choose one person to be “Simon.” Simon will be giving the commands to the other players.
2. Simon will make requests, and the other players are only allowed to respond if Simon says “Simon Sez” before the request. For example, if Simon says “Simon Sez touch your toes,” players should touch their toes. But if Simon says “touch your nose” without saying “Simon Sez,” players should not touch their nose.
3. The requests given by Simon should be easy to follow, such as “touch your ear,” “do 5 jumping jacks,” “lie on your tummy,” “sit down,” or “stand up.”
4. . [Later in the game, switch roles, the children will be the ones asking Simon to do something for them like “give us 500 monies” Have Simon Say “I Can Not Do That” or do 5 pushups, Simon will do the pushup, have some of the requests things Simon can do, and even have some of the coaches ask Simon to do some things that Simon will not do because it is not good to do it, such as, throw trash on the floor]. 

“Boys & girls, listen carefully. Can you uncover today’s powerful Bible Discovery? Ready?”
THE CIRCUMSTANCE: (1 Samuel 1:1-2)
Children put on your walking boots. Let’s pretend to pull up some boots. Now that you have your walking boots on, you can move your feet in place and pretend you are taking large steps. One, two, three, children we are now in the ancient land of Israel. We are going to meet a woman named Hannah who lives in a town nestled among hills and valleys. Hannah was a wife of Elkanah in a household, where her husband had two wives. This though common in those days, brought deep sorrow to Hannah’s heart. Elkanah loved the Lord and went up yearly from his city, to
worship and sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. Year after year, the family made their way to the house of the Lord to worship and sacrifice. In this holy place, Hannah’s heartache was great, because she had no child. Hannah’s heart’s desire was to have a child. Because she had not been blessed with a child, a shadow of sadness stayed within her, and the sorrow was never-ending.

THE CHOICE:  (1 Samuel 1:10-11,27)
Amidst her sorrow, Hannah made a choice that would change her life forever.  She went to the house of the Lord, and with a heavy heart, and tearful eyes she began to pray. Children, can you put your hands together to pray? Good job, you can put your hands down now. While there at Shiloh, she poured out her soul to God as her lips moved in silent prayer. Her pain and longing was expressed through her tears. In that sacred moment, Hannah made a vow: “if God would grant her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord’s service all the days of his life.”In the midst of her heartfelt prayer, Eli the priest observed her. Mistaking her fervent prayer for drunkenness, he questioned her intentions. But Hannah’s response revealed the depth of her faith: “I have been pouring out my soul before the Lord. Do not regard your servant as a worthless woman, for all along I have been speaking out of my great anxiety and grief” (1 Samuel 1:15-16). Her choice to pour out her heart, before God in trust and humility showed her unwavering faith. Eli believed her and said, “Go in peace, and the God of Israel grant your petition which you have asked.”Boys and girls a miracle happened before the year was over Hannah had a baby boy she named her baby boy Samuel, meaning “heard by God.” True to her promise, when Samuel was weaned and old enough to leave his mother, Hannah brought him to the house of the Lord. When she found Eli she said to him, “Oh my lord! As your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord For this Child, I prayed and the LORD has granted my petition which I asked of Him.” She explained to Eli that Samuel was going to stay with Eli and serve God all of his life. Every year Hannah would make new clothes for Samuel, as she came to worship God and visit with her precious boy. There, she praised God in a prayer of gratitude.

THE CONSEQUENCE: (1 Samuel 2:21, 26)
The result of Hannah’s unwavering faith was not only the birth of Samuel but a legacy (heritage, inheritance) that would impact the course of history. Year after year, she visited her son at the house of the Lord and watched him grow in stature and favor with God and man. Samuel’s dedication to God’s service was a result of his mother’s choice, a choice rooted in love, hope, and faith. Hannah’s history became linked with God’s purpose. Her prayer of thanksgiving became a song of praise, declaring the greatness of God and His role as the Rock and Savior. “There is none holy like the Lord, for there is none besides you; there is no rock like our God” (1 Samuel 2:2). Can you repeat it after me let’s say it again.“There is none holy like the Lord, for there is none besides you, there is no rock like our God” we need to remember that all of our lives. Hannah’s joy reflected the joy God brought to her heart through the gift of Samuel. As the years went by God gave Hannah more children to love and teach about God. Her life teaches us that even in the face of heartache, all followers of Jesus today can also trust God to guide their lives. This kind of faith can change our life, beyond our imagination. Samuel grew to become a mighty prophet and judge in Israel, responsible for guiding the people and establishing God’s authority. Hannah’s history of prayer, faith, and devotion laid the foundation for Samuel’s impact, shaping his character and mission to all of Israel.

“Boys & girls, what did we discover about God in this Bible History? (Coaches: answers will vary.) Let’s become great discoverers by asking some fun & challenging questions. Ready?”